Storycomic Weekly Newsletter: November 30th
ALWAYS POSTED A WEEK EARLIER ON PATREON
Podcast Updates
From True War Stories to Fantasy Realms: Snake's Artistic Vision in 'View of the Phoenix Trees'
In this intriguing episode of Storycomic Presents, we sit down with the innovative comic creator, Snake, to discuss his latest project, "View of the Phoenix Trees." This unique comic intertwines the harrowing real-life experiences of his grandparents during the Vietnam War with a mythical narrative that echoes their struggles and triumphs.
"View of the Phoenix Trees" is not just a comic; it’s a historical biopic wrapped in a fantasy adventure, offering a narrative that bridges the gap between reality and myth. Snake shares the origins of this deeply personal project, reflecting on how his grandparents' resilience during such tumultuous times inspired him to blend their real-world experiences with the fantastical elements of Vietnamese mythology.
Throughout the interview, Snake explains the complexities of crafting a story that honors true historical events while engaging readers with the universal themes of survival, family bonds, and the quest for safety. He also discusses the challenges and delights of collaborating with various artists to bring the rich visual elements of the comic to life.
Listeners will get an insider's look at the Kickstarter campaign that aims to bring this project to fruition. Snake details the thought process behind the campaign’s unique rewards, which include custom poetry performances, aiming to create a more interactive and personal connection with the backers.
Join us on this episode of Storycomic Presents as we explore the creative process behind "View of the Phoenix Trees," a comic that promises to captivate with its blend of historical depth and enchanting fantasy.
From Tarzan to Truth: Scott Grace's Path to Mindful Masculinity
Scott Grace, a luminary in the realms of personal growth and humor, recently shared his transformative insights on masculinity in today's interview. His book, "Mindful Masculinity: A Book for Men and the Women Who Love Them," offers a fresh perspective on the roles men play and the pressures they face in modern society. With a background as diverse as opening for celebrities in personal development and performing as the "Spiritual Dr. Seuss," Scott brings a unique blend of humor and deep wisdom to the discussion on manhood.
In our conversation, Scott recounted his evolution from a Tarzan-imitating youth to a mentor guiding men through the complexities of modern masculinity. He emphasized the importance of men embracing vulnerability and moving beyond traditional stereotypes to discover their authentic selves. His approach is not only about personal growth but also about fostering healthier relationships and communities.
Scott's engaging storytelling and ability to infuse humor into serious topics made the interview not just informative but also incredibly entertaining. It's clear that his work is not just a career but a calling to help men navigate the changing tides of identity, purpose, and emotional expression. This dialogue with Scott Grace proved to be a beacon for anyone looking to understand the essence of being a truly mindful man in today's world.
Project Update: Slow Progress Continues
Progress on Daddest Jokes remains steady but slow. The editing process continues, ensuring each joke is polished and ready for the final book format. It’s moving forward bit by bit, and while it’s not quick, every small step gets us closer to the finish line.
As for Appliance, there’s been no new movement this week. It’s still waiting in the wings, but I’m keeping it on my radar for when the timing is right to dive back in.
While it’s been a slower period, I’m staying focused and optimistic. Progress, no matter how gradual, is still progress! Thanks for sticking with me through this journey.
Review of The Seven Crystal Balls:
Revisiting The Seven Crystal Balls in my nostalgic journey through the Adventures of Tintin series was a profound reminder of why these comics have remained beloved for so long. This installment stands out not just for its intriguing plot but also for showcasing a strong and stable cast of characters that have come into their own by this point in the series.
Hergé masterfully weaves a tale of mystery and suspense as Tintin, Captain Haddock, and Professor Calculus delve into the supernatural disturbances affecting members of an Andean expedition. The eerie atmosphere created by the crystal balls' curse and the deep sleep afflicting the explorers sets a perfect stage for the unfolding drama.
What I particularly appreciate about this book is how well-defined the characters are; their personalities shine through, making their interactions and the unfolding events even more engaging. Each character's quirks and their chemistry add a layer of depth that enriches the narrative, ensuring that the suspense of the plot is balanced with moments of humor and camaraderie.
As always, Hergé's art is meticulous, with each panel crafted to draw readers deeper into the story. For those of us who grew up with Tintin, The Seven Crystal Balls is a beautiful reminder of the series' magic, blending adventure with a touch of the mystical. It's a captivating read that sets the stage wonderfully for the adventure that continues in Prisoners of the Sun, making both books inseparable and equally memorable in the canon of classic graphic storytelling.
Personal Update: A Week of Progress and Persistence
This week has been another productive one, and I’m thrilled to share that we’ve surpassed last year’s holiday greetings list! That’s a great milestone for the station, and it’s a testament to the hard work of everyone involved. Our new marketing consultants are really starting to hit their stride, learning the ropes and getting more comfortable with the job. Now, our next big goal is to sell more basketball sponsorships—there’s always something exciting to tackle!
On the personal side, I’ve been battling a mild cold this week. A runny nose turned into a sore throat, which made things a bit tricky when working in radio with a less-than-perfect voice. But it’s nothing major, and I’m pushing through while making sure to rest when I can.
At home, the washer and dryer hook-ups are finally installed in the basement—a long-awaited upgrade! Now comes the task of cleaning up and organizing the space, which is quite the project on its own. Slowly but surely, it’s all coming together.
Overall, I’m feeling optimistic about the steady growth at the station and the progress on all fronts. Here’s to keeping the momentum going!
Looks like someone found my phone laying around.
Jordan had ‘Dress Like a Teacher’ Day!
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!