Storycomic Weekly Newsletter: December 16th
ALWAYS POSTED A WEEK EARLIER ON PATREON
Discovering the Depths of Comics with Mike Rhode on Storycomic Presents
In a recent episode of Storycomic Presents, I, Barney Smith, had the pleasure of interviewing Mike Rhode, a renowned figure in the world of comics. As an award-winning editor and scholar, Mike's contributions to comic art are both extensive and influential.
Mike Rhode: A Pillar in Comic Art
Mike's work spans various roles, including co-editing the Art of Richard Thompson book with Bill Watterson and coauthoring the Comics Research Bibliography. His involvement as an editor for the International Journal of Comic Art and his writings for platforms like Hogan's Alley and the Comics Journal have established him as a respected authority in the field.
Insights from the Interview
Our conversation offered a deep dive into the rich history and future of cartooning and comic books. Mike shared valuable insights and advice for aspiring artists and writers, illuminating the path for those eager to explore this dynamic industry. His perspective on the evolution of comics and their cultural impact was particularly enlightening.
Key Takeaways
Listeners were treated to Mike's expert knowledge on comic art's nuances and its significance in contemporary culture. His practical advice for newcomers to the comic world was both inspiring and instructive, providing a roadmap for navigating the industry's complexities.
'Dadder Jokes' Kickstarter Successfully Concluded
I'm thrilled to announce that our Kickstarter campaign for 'Dadder Jokes' has officially come to a successful close. Every aspect of this exciting project, from fulfilling orders to publishing the variant covers, has been completed. It's been an incredible journey, and I'm deeply grateful for the support and enthusiasm of all our backers.
A Milestone Achieved
The completion of 'Dadder Jokes' marks a significant milestone. Seeing this project from its inception to its fulfillment has been a rewarding experience. The variant covers, a special highlight of this campaign, have been published, adding a unique flair to the project.
Looking Ahead: The Third Installment
With 'Dadder Jokes' now complete, I'm setting my sights on the next exciting venture. I'm currently in the early stages of working on the third installment in this series. My goal is to launch this new project by June, and I'm eager to dive into the creative process once again.
Stay Tuned for More
As I embark on this new creative journey, I look forward to sharing updates and sneak peeks along the way. Your support has been instrumental in the success of 'Dadder Jokes,' and I can't wait to bring you more laughter and joy with the upcoming installment.
Thank you once again to everyone who supported 'Dadder Jokes.' Your enthusiasm and engagement have made this project a wonderful experience. Stay tuned for more updates on the next installment and get ready for another round of humor and creativity!
Review: "Granite Kingdom" by Eric Pope - A Vivid Portrayal of Early 20th Century Vermont
Eric Pope's "Granite Kingdom" is a compelling historical fiction novel that masterfully brings to life the granite industry and newspaper business in early 1900s Vermont. Set in the fictional village of Granite Junction, modeled after the real town of Hardwick, the story centers around Dan Strickland, a newspaper reporter caught in the midst of industrial rivalry and social aspirations.
Pope's narrative is rich with historical detail, immersing readers in the era's complexities. The novel's strength lies in its well-developed characters, each contributing to the story's depth and authenticity. From the ambitious Dan Strickland to the competing granite producers and the diverse townsfolk, Pope creates a dynamic and believable world.
The novel's backdrop of Granite Junction, a hub for granite production, is depicted with such vividness that it becomes a character in its own right. Pope's attention to historical accuracy is evident, making "Granite Kingdom" not only a work of fiction but also a window into Vermont's past. The intertwining of the granite and newspaper industries provides a unique perspective on the period's economic and social dynamics.
Having had Eric Pope on my show, his passion for Vermont's history and the granite industry was unmistakable. This enthusiasm translates into his writing, making "Granite Kingdom" a captivating read for anyone interested in this period of Vermont's history. Despite being a work of fiction, the novel captures the essence of Vermont's past with remarkable clarity and detail.
Weathering the Storm and Radio Station Progress
As many of you might have experienced, we had an intense snowstorm recently. To ensure I could make it to the radio station on time, I had to spend the night at my parents' place. This is because my parent’s house is closer to the station than my own home. Driving 35 miles in a snowstorm is more complicated than driving 8 miles in a snowstorm. It was an unexpected change of plans, but sometimes you just have to roll with what nature throws your way. Thankfully, I was able to stay safe and keep things running smoothly at the station despite the weather's challenges.
On the work front, there's been significant progress at the radio station, especially in the sales department. I'm thrilled that we've hired a new part-time salesperson, which is a big step forward for us. Additionally, getting registered with Nielsen was a major milestone. It's a testament to the growth and potential of the station, and I'm excited about the opportunities this will open up for us.
However, the long hours at work do mean less time spent with my kids, which is always a tough trade-off. But it makes the moments I do get to spend with them even more special, particularly during this festive season. Balancing work and family life is never easy, but it's these small, precious moments that remind me of what's truly important.
As we move deeper into the holiday season, I'm looking forward to more of these special moments with my family, and I'm grateful for the support and understanding they've shown as I navigate this busy period at work.
Jordan watching to her first ukulele concert in Johnson Vermont.
I am growing my Patreon and offering an excellent way for my independent creative community to sustained advertise their work!
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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/