Building a Cult Following: How ‘Night of the Chihuahuas’ Became an Indie Comic Success Story

The indie comic scene is full of passionate creators, but few stand out like the team behind Night of the Chihuahuas. What started as a wild concept—killer Chihuahuas taking over a small Arizona town—has grown into a multi-issue franchise, complete with variant covers, a kid-friendly spinoff, and a fiercely loyal fanbase. And it’s not slowing down anytime soon.

Nate and David, the minds behind the series, recently joined the Distance Nerding podcast to talk about the latest chapter in their horror action saga, Chihuahuas from Hell. What stood out wasn’t just the evolution of the story. It was the grind behind the scenes. These creators aren’t just making comics; they’re doing everything from sales calls to hand-delivering boxes to conventions, proving that hustle is just as important as talent.

“We’re in over 60 comic shops now,” David shared. “It’s not always about massive distribution deals. A lot of it came from fans connecting us to their local shops or just giving us a shot on consignment.”

That kind of grassroots support is rare, and the creators don’t take it for granted. On the Distance Nerding episode, they emphasized how much every repost, every tag, every word-of-mouth recommendation means. They’ve built their community one fan at a time, and they’re growing because of it.

The comic itself has also grown. While the first volume leaned heavily into campy horror, the new arc has gone full James Cameron, with bigger action, deeper storylines, and bolder artwork. With artist Jeff Monk (whose credits now include Spawn and Godzilla) providing stunning visuals, Chihuahuas from Hell pushes the franchise into new territory without losing its indie charm.

And that indie charm is a big part of its appeal. Whether it’s H.R. Giger inspired variant covers, limited run metal prints, or hilarious in-jokes from the Distance Nerding crew, the team keeps things weird, fun, and just the right amount of chaotic.

In a time when mainstream comics can feel bloated or out of touch, Night of the Chihuahuas proves that fresh ideas and community connection still matter. It’s not just a comic. It’s a movement powered by fans, creators, and a couple of bloodthirsty dogs with a story to tell.