Storycomic Weekly Newsletter: October 12th
ALWAYS POSTED A WEEK EARLIER ON PATREON
Podcast Updates
We had three varied and fascinating interviews this past week.
How Deece Casillas Crafted a Neo-Noir Masterpiece!
In the latest episode of Storycomic Presents, Deece Casillas, a multifaceted creator known for his stand-up comedy and insightful writing, dives into the tumultuous world of his latest creation, Kill Stan. This comic, which combines elements of neo-noir and psychological thriller genres, offers a raw, unfiltered look at the life of Stan, a character grappling with profound despair and a sense of purposelessness.
Casillas discusses the genesis of Kill Stan, born from a desire to explore the darker aspects of human psychology through the medium of comics. He describes how the protagonist, Stan, embodies the struggles and contradictions that many face—caught between a desire to end it all and an emerging role as an unlikely hero within his community. The discussion delves into the complexities of crafting such a narrative, highlighting the challenges of portraying violence and despair without glorifying them.
The episode provides insights into Casillas' creative process, including his collaboration with artists to bring the gritty visuals of Kill Stan to life, and his hopes for the comic's impact on readers. Casillas' passion for storytelling shines through as he shares how personal experiences and his stand-up comedy career have influenced his approach to writing comics.
Listeners of the podcast will find a fascinating intersection of comedy, tragedy, and the art of comic book creation, all woven together by Casillas’ articulate and passionate commentary. This episode not only showcases the depth of Kill Stan but also highlights Casillas' evolution as a creator who continually seeks to challenge and redefine the boundaries of narrative art.
Sophia Brown: Spinning Tales of Grandmas and Grandkids!
In the latest episode of Storycomic Presents, we had the pleasure of hosting Sophia Brown, a cherished voice in children's literature. Sophia, a loving grandmother and gifted storyteller, shared insights from her latest books in the "Grandma Story Time Books: A Peanut, Popcorn, and Buddha Collection." This series, inspired by her own grandchildren, aims to capture the whimsical and heartfelt moments that define family life.
Throughout the interview, Sophia discussed how her personal experiences as a grandmother fuel her creative process, allowing her to craft stories that resonate deeply with both young readers and their families. Her books, including titles like FUN at Grandma's House and Grandma's Sweet Candy Cane Christmas Kisses, are not just stories; they are gateways to creating lasting memories and fostering a love for reading.
Sophia's passion for storytelling is palpable as she explains the importance of bonding over books and how her tales are designed to spark joy and laughter. Each book in her collection invites readers into a world where grandmothers are central figures of love and guidance, celebrating the unique bond they share with their grandchildren.
Listeners of the episode are sure to find inspiration in Sophia's dedication to spreading love and joy through her books, reminding us all of the enduring power of storytelling in nurturing the young and young at heart.
Uncovering the Mystical and the Medieval in Nicked by M.T. Anderson!
In the latest episode of Storycomic Presents, we were joined by the illustrious M. T. Anderson to discuss his new novel, Nicked, a riveting blend of history, fantasy, and humor set in medieval Italy. Anderson, known for his satirical and incisive prose, has ventured into the realm of adult fiction with a story that's as profound as it is entertaining. Nicked centers on a daring and sacrilegious quest to steal the mystical remains of Saint Nicholas, promising miracles and a solution to a city plagued by disease.
Throughout our conversation, Anderson delved into the historical accuracy and creative liberties that shape Nicked, reflecting his deep commitment to storytelling that engages and educates. His passion for bringing historical figures and epochs to life with a fresh and fantastical twist was palpable, offering listeners an intriguing glimpse into the processes that fuel his writing.
Nicked is not just a novel; it's a journey back in time, infused with Anderson's unique flair for blending the real with the surreal. The book challenges the boundaries of genre, exploring themes of faith, power, and the human condition through the lens of a medieval heist. Anderson's discussion on Storycomic Presents highlighted his knack for making history accessible and thrilling, proving once again why he remains a pivotal voice in contemporary literature.
Project Update: Slow and Steady Progress on Daddest Jokes
Just a quick update on the Daddest Jokes project—progress has been slow but steady. I’ve been focusing on fine-tuning the jokes and making sure they’re all polished as we move closer to the finish line. It’s a bit of a gradual process, but every step is bringing the book closer to completion.
Book Review: Yesterday's Tomorrows: The Golden Age of the Science Fiction Movie Posters, 1950-1964 by Bruce Lanier Wright
Yesterday's Tomorrows is a delightful dive into the vibrant world of 1950s and early 1960s sci-fi movie posters, and Bruce Lanier Wright has done a stellar job of capturing the magic of this era. As someone who loves old-time radio and the iconic artwork from that period, I found this book to be an absolute treat.
Wright not only provides a visually stunning collection of classic sci-fi posters—from The Time Machine to When Worlds Collide—but he also pairs each image with witty and insightful commentary on the films themselves. His writing is sharp, humorous, and refreshingly non-academic, making it accessible for both die-hard fans of the genre and newcomers alike. His playful critique of overly academic approaches to film analysis adds to the fun, keeping the tone light and engaging throughout the book.
The posters themselves are nothing short of captivating. They evoke an era of bold imagination and thrilling possibilities, perfectly capturing the excitement and wonder of sci-fi's golden age. As an art book, it excels, offering beautifully reproduced images that any collector or fan of retro artwork will appreciate.
For anyone who loves science fiction, classic movie posters, or just enjoys taking a nostalgic trip back to a time when the future felt full of infinite possibilities, Yesterday's Tomorrows is a must-have. Wright has assembled a fantastic collection that brings the excitement of mid-20th century sci-fi cinema to life, all while reminding us why these films and their posters continue to hold such a special place in pop culture history.
Personal Update: A Week of Highs and Lows
This past week has been a rollercoaster of emotions with some significant ups and downs. On the bright side, I’m excited to share that I’ve hired two amazing new salespeople for the radio station, and they’re set to start next week. I’m really looking forward to seeing how they’ll help us grow.
In a surprising turn of events, I also accidentally won three office rooms at a local auction for just $10! I’ve spent the latter part of the week cleaning them out, sorting through everything to figure out what I can resell on eBay and what might be useful at the station. It’s been a fun little adventure, even if unexpected.
On the more challenging side, we’ve had two family deaths, which have made the week emotionally heavy and a bit hectic. On top of that, one of the boards I sit on is dealing with some strategic technical challenges, and that’s been taking up a good chunk of my time as well.
It’s been a full, somewhat bittersweet week, but I’m pushing forward with a lot of hope for what’s ahead.
Iggy getting his first 'non-mom' hair cut!
My little brother helping me clean out the 3 rooms!
Playing in the leaves!
I am growing my Patreon and offering an excellent way for my independent creative community to sustainably 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, Michael Winn, Higgins802, Von Allan, Stephanie Nina Pitsirilos, Marek Bennett, Donna Carr Roberts, Andrew Gronosky, and Matt & Therese. Check out their fantastic work at:
https://www.stephanieninapitsirilos.com/
https://mrfuzzyears.com/
Also to Michael Winn who is a member of our Founders Club!