Speaking
Bret Juliano
Cartoonist • True Crime Historian • Speaker
Bret Juliano is the creator of the Dust Bunny Mafia universe and an independent cartoonist who uses comics, humor, and storytelling to bring the history of organized crime to life. His presentations blend historical research, rare photographs, true crime stories, and original comics to create entertaining and educational programs for audiences of all ages.
In addition to creating the Dust Bunny Mafia universe, Bret is the co-creator of Detective Potatoes, an illustrated mystery series developed with children’s author Dan Bernstrom. The series was created to help engage reluctant readers by blending traditional prose with comic-style visual storytelling.
Speaking Topics
Mobsters, Nightclubs, and the Hidden History of Roosevelt Road
Discover the surprising organized crime history hidden in Chicago’s western suburbs, including Forest Park, Cicero, Oak Park, and beyond.
Comics, Literacy, and the Power of Visual Storytelling
Comic books and graphic novels are often overlooked as legitimate forms of reading, despite requiring many of the same literacy skills as traditional books. In this engaging presentation, cartoonist and author Bret Juliano explores how visual storytelling can help reluctant readers build confidence, improve comprehension, and develop a lifelong love of reading.
Drawing on his own work as a creator, Bret discusses how comics can serve as a gateway to literacy and breaks down common misconceptions about graphic novels and illustrated storytelling.
Together with children’s author Dan Bernstrom, Bret co-created Detective Potatoes, an illustrated mystery series specifically designed to help bridge the gap between traditional prose and comics. By combining chapter-book storytelling with frequent single-panel illustrations, the series offers young readers a format that feels approachable, engaging, and rewarding.
Key Discussion Topics
- Why comics count as real reading
- The literacy skills involved in visual storytelling
- Breaking down stereotypes surrounding graphic novels
- Reaching reluctant readers without pressure
- Using illustrations to support comprehension and engagement
- How Detective Potatoes was designed to bridge prose and comics
- Helping young readers build confidence through accessible storytelling
Organized Crime Through Comics
How comics can make history accessible, educational, and entertaining.
Perfect for:
- libraries
- schools
- literacy programs
- Rotary Clubs
The Real Stories Behind Dust Bunny Mafia
The true crime events that inspired the comics.
From Kickstarter to Creator-Owned Publishing
Lessons learned from launching and fulfilling more than twenty successful crowdfunding campaigns.
Great for:
- maker groups
- comic conventions
- entrepreneur groups
Bret is available for:
- Libraries
- Historical societies
- Rotary Clubs
- Schools
- Comic conventions
- Podcasts
- Community organizations
- Corporate lunch-and-learns
About Bret
- Creator of Dust Bunny Mafia
- Featured on WGN-TV
- Member of the National Cartoonists Society
- 20+ successful crowdfunding campaigns
- Speaker on organized crime history and comics
