Story & Lesson Highlights with Bret Juliano of Addison

Bret Juliano shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Hi Bret, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What do you think is misunderstood about your business? 
I think one of the biggest misconceptions about the Dust Bunny Mafia is the scope of my vision for it. Many people see it as a single comic series. Still, my long-term goal is to build a multifaceted creative universe—something closer to the structure of DC or Marvel, where comics are just one part of a larger ecosystem.

Since 2019, I’ve launched 20 successful Kickstarter projects, and each one has served a distinct purpose in expanding the brand. Not every project ties directly to the main comic storyline, but together they build the broader Dust Bunny Mafia world. Currently, my work encompasses comics, prints, apparel, and a growing line of collectible items, with plans to expand into new areas, including true crime speaking engagements, mafia-themed games, and a short-format animated series inspired by Looney Tunes that brings real mob stories to life.

Another thing that’s often misunderstood is that I approach this work not just as a comic creator, but as a true crime historian. For my Based on a True Story series, I conduct extensive research to ensure each story is both entertaining and respectful—never sensationalizing violence or disrespecting victims, survivors, or the families of those involved.

Finally, I’m very aware that not every part of the brand will appeal to everyone—and that’s intentional. My goal is for different audiences to find their own entry point. When I reach a limit with my own skills, I bring in collaborators whose strengths complement my vision, and I always ensure they are properly credited. This isn’t a hobby for me—it’s a passion and a long-term creative mission to make history engaging, accessible, and, above all, memorable.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Bret Juliano, the creator of the Dust Bunny Mafia, a long-running comic series that blends organized crime history with cartoon humor. My world is populated by anthropomorphic mobsters—dust bunnies, pigeons, and other creatures—each inspired by real figures and events from the history of the mafia. It’s a mix of Looney Tunes energy with The Godfather undertones.

What makes my work unique is how it bridges entertainment and education. I’m not just telling jokes about mobsters; I’m preserving and reimagining true crime history in a way that’s accessible, funny, and respectful. My companion series, Based on a True Story, turns real-life mob events into short, illustrated retellings, researched and presented with historical accuracy and a sense of dark humor.

Since 2019, I’ve launched 20 successful Kickstarter campaigns, each expanding a different corner of this universe—through books, prints, apparel, and collectible projects. Right now, I’m developing a new single-issue comic titled All Ages Crime, featuring short-format Dust Bunny Mafia stories that mix slapstick with sharp wit. It’s slated for release in 2026 and continues my mission to grow the world of the Dust Bunny Mafia into a creative universe that educates, entertains, and evolves—one story, one mobster, and one laugh at a time.

Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
Over the past two years, I’ve had the opportunity to attend several mob-related events and connect with respected true crime authors and speakers. What’s shaped me most is realizing that these historians—people who’ve spent decades researching organized crime—understand and appreciate what I’m doing with Dust Bunny Mafia. Even though my comics approach the subject with humor and anthropomorphic characters, they see the research and respect behind it. That validation shifted how I view both my work and the broader creative landscape: there’s more than one way to tell a true story, and sometimes humor and history can coexist to reach people in ways traditional nonfiction can’t.

What fear has held you back the most in your life?
Imposter syndrome has probably been the biggest challenge I’ve faced in my work as a comic creator. I’ve never received any formal art training—I’m entirely self-taught outside of the traditional education system. Early on, that lack of credentials made me doubt whether I truly belonged in the creative or true crime communities.

When I started posting my Based on a True Story comics in organized crime Facebook groups back in 2019, I honestly expected criticism or ridicule. But the reaction was the complete opposite—people appreciated the humor, the accuracy, and the care I took with the real events behind each story. That response helped me realize that passion and persistence can carry as much weight as formal training. It taught me that authenticity builds credibility, and that sometimes the thing we fear most—putting our work out there—is precisely what helps us grow into it.

Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
A project I’m committed to—no matter how long it takes—is Mobimals, my series that reimagines real-life mobsters with animal nicknames as their animal counterparts. It’s a concept that sits at the crossroads of true crime and creativity, blending humor with historical accuracy.

I’ve explored this idea through several different formats—trading cards, playing cards, a pin-up booklet, and a coloring book—each expanding on the world of Mobimals in its own way. While none of these releases have fully captured the audience the way I believe they eventually can, I see that as part of the journey. People connect with different aspects of the project: some love the cleverness of the animal pairings, others appreciate the real history behind them.

Although success has been uneven, I’m not discouraged. I know there’s something special here, and I’m committed to refining it until the concept truly clicks. Mobimals represents that perfect balance I’m chasing—where humor, history, and creativity meet—and I’m in it for the long haul to see it reach its full potential.

Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What will you regret not doing? 
I think my biggest regret would be not taking the leap and sharing my stories with the world. Whether it’s the original tales of the Dust Bunny Mafia crew or projects like Based on a True Story that blend my love of true crime with my characters, storytelling is at the heart of everything I do.

I have a genuine need to create—to take the ideas in my head and turn them into something tangible that others can experience. If I held back or let fear or circumstance stop me from bringing those stories to life, that would feel like my biggest misstep. My work is how I connect, how I make sense of the world, and how I leave something behind that lasts longer than I do.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://comics.dustbunnymafia.com
• Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/DustBunnyMahfia
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bretjuliano/
• Twitter: http://twitter.com/DustBunnyMafia
• Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/DustBunnyMafia
• Other: https://linktr.ee/bretjuliano