Storycomic Weekly Newsletter: May 25th
ALWAYS POSTED A WEEK EARLIER ON PATREON
The Whimsical World of Wizardry and The Law with Justin Coke
In the latest episode of Storycomic Presents, host Barney Smith engages in a lively discussion with Justin Cooke, creator of the intriguing comic series 'SWAT: The Secret Wizard Assault Team.' Episode 359 explores this unique comic that infuses the magical with the mundane in a narrative that combines elements of classic detective noir with whimsical urban fantasy.
'SWAT' features a squad of wizard detectives who enforce a pact known as the Grand Bargain, ensuring that monsters adhere to hunting quotas in exchange for protection. Leading this team is Larry Slaughter, a wizard who could be described as Harry Potter if he had grown into a world-weary detective. The series offers a clever blend of humor and action, drawing comparisons to both 'The Wire' for its gritty realism and 'What We Do in the Shadows' for its dark comedy.
Justin discusses the creation of 'SWAT,' from concept development to character design, highlighting the collaborative dynamics with co-creator Rachel Distler. He shares insights into the challenges and triumphs of merging genre elements to create a cohesive and engaging story that captivates fans of both fantasy and crime genres.
Listeners will come away with a deeper appreciation of how 'SWAT' breaks conventional genre boundaries to offer a fresh perspective on wizardry, law enforcement, and the eternal battle against the monstrous.
Update on 'Daddest Jokes Volume 3
I’m still on the hunt for the best dad jokes out there, aiming to gather over 500 groan-worthy gems for this new volume. Each joke is carefully selected to bring a smile (or a good-natured eye roll), and it's been a lot of fun digging through the archives and discovering new ones to share with you all.
In addition to collecting jokes, I’m also hard at work on designing the cover for the book. It’s coming together beautifully, and I can't wait for you to see it. I’m putting in a lot of effort to make sure it captures the humor and spirit of what’s inside.
Stay tuned for more updates, and thank you for your continued support and enthusiasm. It’s your love for dad jokes that keeps this project going strong. More laughs are on the way!
Book Review: "Embodied: An Intersectional Feminist Comics Poetry Anthology"
"Embodied: An Intersectional Feminist Comics Poetry Anthology" is a unique and powerful collection that combines the beauty of poetry with the visual impact of comics. Edited by Cardinal Rae and Saida Temofonte, this anthology features an impressive roster of cis female, trans, and non-binary poets and artists, offering a rich tapestry of experiences and perspectives.
The anthology is a treasure trove of emotions and themes, ranging from mystical and joyous to painful and deeply rooted. Each poem and its accompanying artwork provide a window into the complexities of gender and identity. The collaboration between the poets and comics artists is nothing short of spectacular, resulting in a keepsake volume that resonates on multiple levels.
As an adult reader, I found the themes of trauma and resilience, particularly around topics like opium smuggling and gender-based violence, to be more impactful than they were when I first encountered similar subjects in literature as a child. The anthology's strength lies in its ability to address these heavy topics with both brutal honesty and tender hope, making the experience deeply moving.
The blend of poetry and comics is beautifully executed, allowing readers to explore the intersection of these two art forms in an innovative and engaging way. The illustrations by artists such as Weshoyot Alvitre, Lesley Atlansky, and Andrea Ivetic Vicai bring the poems to life, adding layers of meaning and enhancing the reader's connection to the text.
I purchased this anthology last summer during a family vacation in Cape Cod. As a father of two young daughters, I always look for comics that uplift and amplify diverse voices. "Embodied" does just that, making me optimistic for their future. Seeing such powerful, inclusive work makes me happy and hopeful.
"Embodied" is not just a collection of poems and illustrations; it is a celebration of intersectional feminism and the transformative power of art. It’s a must-read for anyone who appreciates the fusion of graphic storytelling and poetic expression. It is highly recommended for those looking to explore the depths of human experience through the lenses of gender, identity, and resilience.
Springtime Successes and Family Fun
First off, I’ve made significant progress in expanding my sales team and finding new clients for radio advertising. This growth is crucial for our station, and I’m thrilled to see these efforts paying off. The support from our community has been incredible, and it’s exciting to bring new businesses on board.
Speaking of community, I’ve been quite active in local meetings, including the Rotary Club, Chamber of Commerce, and lodge meetings. These gatherings are always inspiring and provide great opportunities to connect with fellow community members. Being involved in such a vibrant and supportive network is a pleasure.
On a personal note, I had my annual physical this week and am happy to report that I’m in good health. It’s always reassuring to get that clean bill of health and know that all the hard work is paying off.
Spring is in full swing here, with flowers blooming everywhere and the lawn freshly mowed for the first time this year. There’s something so refreshing about the sights and smells of spring—it really lifts the spirits.
In true Dad fashion, I also introduced my kids to Star Wars for the first time this week. Watching their faces light up with excitement and wonder as they experienced the galaxy far, far away was priceless. Moments like these make all the hustle and bustle worth it.
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,
Higgens802, Von Allan, Stephanie Nina Pitsirilos, Marek Bennett, Andrew Gronosky of Shewstone Publishing, and Matt & Therese. Check out their fantastic work at:
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!