Storycomic Weekly Newsletter: November 9th
ALWAYS POSTED A WEEK EARLIER ON PATREON
From Graffiti to Graphic Novels: Eddie Lema Talks "End of Zed"
In our 401st episode of Storycomic Presents, we celebrated the creative journey of Eddie Lema, the mind behind the intriguing new comic book "End of Zed." Set against the backdrop of 1980s New York City, this narrative uniquely combines elements of sci-fi, mystery, and the city’s vibrant street culture.
Eddie shared insights into the genesis of "End of Zed," originally conceived from a screenplay and inspired by his experiences as a graffiti artist during New York’s golden era of graffiti. He discussed how his passion for the city’s dynamic cultural landscape influenced the story's setting and characters, providing a gritty, authentic vibe that resonates throughout the pages.
As we explored the creation process, Eddie revealed how he incorporated elements of urban decay and resurgence, reflecting the rebellious spirit of the era. The discussion also covered his transition from graffiti to graphic novels, highlighting his artistic evolution and how it informs his current work.
This episode not only dives into the making of "End of Zed" but also celebrates the fusion of art and storytelling, showcasing how Eddie's unique vision brings a fresh perspective to the comic book world. Join us in this special episode as we uncover the layers of creativity behind "End of Zed," a story that promises to captivate and inspire its audience.
Project Update: Slow Progress Continues
This week has seen only small steps forward with Daddest Jokes. While there hasn’t been a huge leap, I’m still working on fine-tuning the edits to make sure each joke reads smoothly as I shift them from Facebook posts to the book format. Progress is happening, just at a slower pace than I’d like.
Appliance remains on hold for now as I manage other responsibilities. It’s been a bit of a balancing act, but I’m hoping for more momentum soon. Thanks for hanging in there with me—I appreciate your support through these gradual updates!
Patrick Lugo’s ‘A Tiger’s Tale’
I recently had the pleasure of backing A Tiger’s Tale on Kickstarter, a project by the incredibly talented Patrick Lugo, and it exceeded all my expectations. This graphic novel is a masterful blend of martial arts philosophy, vivid storytelling, and striking visuals. Having had Patrick on my podcast multiple times and appearing on his show as well, I’ve come to appreciate not just his work but the dedication and passion that drive his art.
A Tiger’s Tale* stands as a testament to Lugo’s deep understanding of the martial arts world. Drawing from his extensive experience as an illustrator and former senior designer for Kung Fu Tai Chi magazine, Lugo infuses each panel with authenticity. The story seamlessly intertwines action with introspection, capturing the essence of what makes martial arts so compelling—it’s not just about the fight but the journey toward personal growth.
The narrative takes clear inspiration from classic works like The Jungle Book and the teachings of Tao Te Ching, creating an experience that’s both adventurous and philosophically rich. This balance between thrilling visuals and meaningful storytelling kept me fully engaged from start to finish. The artwork itself is dynamic and fluid, reflecting Lugo’s unique ability to bring motion and emotion to the page. Every scene pulses with energy, yet carries moments of profound quiet that invite deeper reflection.
As a fortunate backer of this project, I felt part of the journey from its Kickstarter launch, where Lugo’s vision quickly captivated supporters. Knowing the care he puts into his craft and having heard him discuss his inspirations and challenges firsthand, I could see the culmination of his effort and creativity in this book.
For those seeking a story that goes beyond the conventional comic book fare, A Tiger’s Tale is a must-read. It’s a rare blend of action, art, and wisdom—a true celebration of storytelling. Supporting this project and seeing Patrick Lugo bring his vision to life has been an enriching experience, and I can’t wait to see what he creates next.
Personal Update: A Week of Family and Work
This week was filled with heartfelt moments and ongoing projects. I picked up Edith's cousin Jane from the bus stop—she was not only my first podcast guest but also a special part of our family. She came to support us during my mother-in-law's funeral on Friday, which marked our final farewell. It was a poignant day, filled with memories and love.
On Saturday, my brother stopped by to help with a home project that’s been in the works: moving the washer and dryer to the basement. His help with the installation was a big step forward and much appreciated.
On the work front, we’ve been focused on making sure our new marketing team is up to speed as we confirm holiday greeting radio messages with our clients. It’s a busy time, but it’s all starting to come together.
I’ve also been working on organizing my eBay inventory in the basement. It’s a bit chaotic down there right now, but I’m slowly bringing order to the mess. Here’s hoping for a more organized space soon!
Saying goodbye to Ruth
Starting to get that washer and dryer installed
That’s one way to use leftover Halloween candy!
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!