Storycomic Weekly Newsletter: November 18th
ALWAYS POSTED A WEEK EARLIER ON PATREON
Diving into the World of Comics with Simon Birks and Les Garner
This past week on Storycomic Presents, hosted by myself, Barney Smith from storycomic.com, we had the pleasure of interviewing two remarkable personalities in the comic book industry. These episodes, set to go live in the coming weeks, offer unique insights into the creative processes and career paths of Simon Birks and Les Garner.
Episode 326: Simon Birks - Balancing Independent Visions with Major Publishing
In Episode 326, we welcomed Simon Birks, the acclaimed writer and co-founder of Blue Fox Comics. Simon's journey in the comic book industry is a fascinating tale of balancing creative freedom with professional collaborations. His work on the internationally recognized series 'Antarctica' is a testament to his unique storytelling skills.
Simon shared how working with a large publisher has enhanced his time management and efficiency, allowing him to effectively balance his responsibilities at Blue Fox Comics. His insights provided a rare glimpse into the challenges and triumphs of managing independent visions alongside major publishing projects. This episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in the nuances of comic creation and the art of navigating the complex landscape of the comic book industry.
Episode 327: Les Garner - A Journey Through Art and Imagination
In Episode 327, we had the honor of featuring Les Garner, known for his work on the Cult of Dracula series. Les discussed his latest project, "Reign of Dracula," which is currently on Kickstarter. His journey in the art world, beginning at the age of 19, has seen him delve into indie comics, commercial illustration, storyboarding, and advertising, with a significant focus on digital and 3D mediums.
Les's current focus is on his graphic novel "Apocalypse Girl" and various client works. He shared his experiences as an independent freelance artist and the evolution of 3D illustration and design. "Reign of Dracula" promises to be a captivating story set in a post-apocalyptic world, and Les's artwork is sure to bring this horror-packed narrative to life.
Both episodes are packed with valuable insights and stories that showcase the dedication and passion behind comic book creation. Stay tuned for these upcoming episodes of Storycomic Presents, where we continue to explore the fascinating world of storytelling and art.
Don't forget to follow us at storycomic.com for more updates and interviews with amazing storytellers and artists!
Exciting Update: 'Dadder Jokes' Books Ordered and More!
I come to you today with some thrilling news—the 'Dadder Jokes' books have been officially ordered! 📚 This marks a significant milestone in our journey, and I couldn't be more excited to share it with all of you.
As we move closer to the delivery date, I'm putting the finishing touches on the variant covers that some of you ordered. Each cover is a unique work of art, and I can't wait for you to see the final results.
But that's not all! I'm also thrilled to announce that I've started working on images for 'Daddest Jokes,' the third book in our collection. This is an exclusive reveal, and you're hearing it here first! 'Daddest Jokes' promises to bring even more laughter and heartwarming moments to our collection, and I can't wait to share it with you all.
The journey we've been on together has been incredible, and it's all thanks to your unwavering support and enthusiasm. I'm deeply grateful for each one of you, and I can't wait for you to hold 'Dadder Jokes' in your hands and experience the joy it brings.
Stay tuned for more updates as we approach the delivery date. The adventure is far from over, and there are plenty of exciting surprises still in store.
The Enchanted Forest Next Door: Delving into 'Elf Dog and Owl Head
M.T. Anderson's "Elf Dog and Owl Head" is a captivating blend of reality and fantasy, set against the backdrop of the 2020 pandemic. This enchanting tale follows Clay, a boy stifled by quarantine life, as he discovers Elphinore, a mystical elf dog, in the woods behind his home. Their adventures in the magical realms hidden within the forest offer a stark contrast to Clay's mundane, confined existence.
Anderson's narrative skillfully intertwines the challenges of the pandemic - familial tensions, financial worries, and the isolation of lockdown - with the escapism of a modern fairy tale. The story's whimsical elements, like the owl-headed villagers and melancholic giants, are beautifully balanced with the stark realities of Clay's life, creating a rich, multi-layered narrative.
The elf dog, Elphinore, rooted in Fae mythology, brings a timeless quality to the tale, while Anderson's original creations, such as the owl-head village, add a unique flair. The dreamy prose and fairy-tale ambiance provide a welcome escape from the underlying themes of the pandemic, highlighting the power of imagination and storytelling in challenging times.
As a Vermont author, Anderson's inspiration from the New England woods is palpable. His vivid descriptions and magical portrayal of nature resonate with those who believe in the hidden wonders of the woods. The story is a testament to the enduring power of imagination, offering light and magic in a time of global upheaval.
"Elf Dog and Owl Head" is more than a fairy tale set during a pandemic; it's a narrative that balances whimsy with the realities of contemporary life. Anderson has crafted a tale that is both enchanting and reflective, making it a must-read for anyone seeking a magical escape interwoven with the truths of our world. This book is a reminder of the importance of stories that bring joy and wonder, especially in the darkest of times.
Radio Ventures and Marvel Moments with the Family
It's been an exhilarating journey these past weeks, diving deep into the engineering and programming aspects of running a radio station. I must say, the learning curve is steep, but it's incredibly rewarding and, honestly, so much fun! Each day brings a new challenge and a new opportunity to grow, not just in the technical side of things but also in understanding the nuances of running my own business. It's like piecing together a complex puzzle, and I'm loving every moment of it.
On a lighter note, I took a break from the radio world to enjoy some quality time with my girls. We went to see 'The Marvels' in the theater and let me tell you, it was an absolute blast! There's something special about watching Marvel movies with my kids, especially on the big screen. Their excitement and reactions to the movie's twists and turns made the experience even more enjoyable. It's these moments that remind me of the joys of parenthood and the simple pleasures of sharing interests with my children.
All in all, it's been a period of intense learning and delightful moments. Balancing the technicalities of radio station management with the joys of family life has been an adventure in itself. Here's to more learning, more fun, and many more Marvel movies!
I am growing my Patreon and offering an excellent way for my independent creative community to sustained advertise their work!
The website of your choice will be featured in the show notes of all of our podcasts for as long as you are a member of the Storycomic Patreon. The Founders Club offer is only for the first 15 subscribers. This is at any Patreon Subscription level.
Thank you to our Founders Club Patrons,
Higgens802, Von Allan, Stephanie Nina Pitsirilos, Marek Bennett, and Matt & Therese. Check out their fantastic work at:
https://www.stephanieninapitsirilos.com/
https://www.vonallan.com/
https://higgins802.com/