ALWAYS POSTED A WEEK EARLIER ON PATREON

Navigating Uncharted Realms: The Creative Genius Behind 'Death Reign' and 'Lycan: Solomon's Odyssey'

In two riveting episodes of Storycomic Presents, host Barney Smith delves into the minds of John Holland and Dennis Robinson, two storytellers who have significantly impacted the comic book landscape with their unique and visionary worlds. Through 'Death Reign' and 'Lycan: Solomon's Odyssey,' both creators offer readers a gateway into realms where the fabric of reality is continuously woven with threads of fantasy, horror, and mythology.

In his third appearance on the show, John Holland unveils 'Death Reign #1,' a comic that challenges the boundaries of imagination. Set in Gehenna, a world where reality shifts unpredictably from demon-infested lands to territories ruled by vampires and beyond, 'Death Reign' is a 48-page journey into the unknown. Holland's collaboration with artist Hernan Gonzales captures the essence of this ever-changing universe, inviting fans of cosmic adventures to explore the fate of humanity in a realm where anything is possible.

On the other hand, Dennis Robinson, with his roots in the haunted town of Gettysburg, brings to life the story of Solomon, the world's first werewolf, in 'Lycan: Solomon's Odyssey.' This series, rich with horror, adventure, and historical intrigue, paints Solomon's saga against a backdrop reminiscent of ancient epics and Lovecraftian horror. Robinson's commitment to storytelling extends beyond 'Lycan,' as he engages audiences through his work on 'Botched: A D&D Podcast' and various narrated scary tales, showcasing his multifaceted talent and passion for the craft.

Both 'Death Reign' and 'Lycan: Solomon's Odyssey' stand as testaments to their creators' ability to captivate and inspire through the power of comic books. Holland and Robinson's works not only entertain but also invite reflection on the deeper themes of existence, survival, and the human capacity for resilience and creativity. As Storycomic Presents continues to explore the stories behind the storytellers, episodes featuring Holland and Robinson remind us of the boundless potential of comics to explore the complexities of both the human condition and the fantastical worlds beyond our imagination.

 Project Updates

Just dropping in for a quick update on the "Daddest Jokes" front. Progress has been on the slower side lately but steady. Between the spring snow surprises and the big bedroom shuffle at home, finding those quiet moments to sit down and sift through the puns, one-liners, and classic dad jokes has been a bit of a juggle.

But worry not! The quest for the ultimate collection of eye-roll-inducing humor continues. I'm still dedicated to curating a fresh batch of chuckles that haven't yet made their rounds at every family BBQ. It's all about capturing that perfect blend of groan-worthy and genuinely funny, something that'll bring families together with laughter (and maybe a slight cringe).

So, while the pace might be a tad slower than usual, the mission remains: to deliver a book that will be a hit at your next family gathering. Thanks for sticking with me on this journey, and here's to more laughs on the horizon!

A Swashbuckling Tale of Adventure: "Azure Tides" by Andrew Trotter

Dive into the thrilling world of "Azure Tides," a captivating novel by Andrew Trotter that promises to whisk readers away on a high-seas adventure filled with danger, mystery, and the unbreakable bonds of friendship. Trotter, known for his contributions to the indie author community, delivers a story that is both a homage to classic pirate tales and a fresh take on the fantasy genre.

"Azure Tides" follows the journey of Seamus Pearson, a young deckhand aboard the Pearl of Red Duchess, as he navigates through tumultuous waters literally and metaphorically. Seamus, affectionately known as Quickfingers, finds himself entangled in a web of love, betrayal, and a quest for a legendary artifact known as the Heart. With his loyal friend Henri, or Lightfoot, and his love interest Una'pahu, or Snapdragon, by his side, Seamus plunges headfirst into an adventure that will test their courage, loyalty, and resolve.

Trotter's narrative is a masterclass in storytelling, seamlessly blending elements of traditional pirate lore with a unique magical twist that sets "Azure Tides" apart from other tales of the genre. The novel's pacing is impeccable, with each chapter drawing the reader deeper into a world where the line between myth and reality blurs.

What truly elevates "Azure Tides" is its ability to surprise and delight with its twists and turns. Trotter has crafted a world rich in detail and full of unexpected discoveries, ensuring readers are kept on the edge of their seats from start to finish.

For fans of fantasy and pirate adventures, "Azure Tides" is a must-read. Andrew Trotter has proven himself to be a gifted storyteller, and his passion for the indie author community shines through in this enchanting tale. With its engaging plot, memorable characters, and imaginative setting, "Azure Tides" is a testament to Trotter's talent and a treasure trove of adventure that will leave readers longing for more.

Personal Updates

This past week, We were hit by a pretty intense spring snowstorm, which was beautiful and a bit of a curveball. It’s always amazing to see the world outside turn into a winter wonderland, especially when you’re gearing up for spring.

Speaking of spring, we’ve finally started the big bedroom shuffle at home. It’s part of our larger spring cleaning initiative, and let me tell you, it feels good to get things moving. There’s something about rearranging and refreshing your living space that gives you a new lease on life. We’re all excited about the changes and the fresh energy it’s bringing into our home.

On the work front, things are looking up, too! I’ve just secured my second website design contract, which is exciting. It’s been amazing to see this venture slowly gaining traction. Starting Maple Media Designs was a leap of faith, and seeing it begin to take off, even if it's just a bit at a time, is incredibly rewarding. I’m looking forward to diving into this new project and continuing to build this aspect.

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, Andrew Gronosky of Shewstone Publishing, and Matt & Therese. Check out their fantastic work at:

https://marekbennett.com/

https://www.hexapus-ink.com/

https://www.stephanieninapitsirilos.com/

https://www.vonallan.com/

https://higgins802.com/

https://shewstone.com/

Also to Michael Winn who is a member of our Founders Club!