Storycomic Weekly Newsletter: June 8th
ALWAYS POSTED A WEEK EARLIER ON PATREON
Podcast Recordings This Week
Behind the Legend: Glenn Fay Jr. on Ethan Allen’s Family and Legacy
In Episode 360 of Storycomic Presents, Barney Smith interviews esteemed historian Glenn Fay Jr., whose upcoming book, "Ambition: The Remarkable Family of Ethan Allen," offers a groundbreaking look at one of America’s legendary figures and his family. Glenn’s research illuminates the complexities of life in early Vermont, focusing on the Allen family’s resilience and impact on the state’s founding.
Glenn’s narrative goes beyond the well-trodden tales of Ethan Allen as a frontier leader and delves into his personal life, exploring his relationships with his family, servants, and the indigenous communities. This book provides a richer, more nuanced portrait of the Allen family, revealing how their personal trials and interactions with various colonial and native entities shaped Vermont's early days.
The discussion in this episode covers several intriguing aspects of the book, from the challenges of sourcing and interpreting historical documents to the surprising revelations about the Allen family’s everyday life. Glenn also discusses his role on the board of the Ethan Allen Homestead Museum and how it influences his work, providing deeper insights into Vermont’s storied past.
Listeners will appreciate the depth of research and the compelling stories that Glenn brings to light, offering a new appreciation for the personal histories that influence broader historical narratives.
Vermont’s Literary Daughter: Brent L Kendrick on Mary E. Wilkins Freeman
In the latest episode of Storycomic Presents, host Barney Smith warmly welcomes Brent L Kendrick, an acclaimed writer and academic, to discuss his latest literary endeavors. Episode 361 shines a light on Brent's recent publications, 'In Bed: My Year of Foolin’ Around' and 'Green Mountain Stories', which mark significant additions to his illustrious career.
'In Bed' offers a collection of intimate essays that Brent crafted nightly, providing reflections on a wide array of subjects from the comfort of his bed. This work showcases his ability to intertwine personal anecdotes with scholarly insights, making complex ideas accessible and engaging. Following this intimate exploration, Brent discusses his critical work on 'Green Mountain Stories', where he brings Mary E. Wilkins Freeman’s narratives back to her Vermont origins, enriching the state’s literary map with her historical significance.
The episode also delves into Brent's profound impact on education, highlighting his innovative teaching methods and his contributions to curriculum development in Virginia. His passion for literature not only invigorates his students but also his writing, blending his academic expertise with his creative pursuits.
Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of how Brent’s work as an educator influences his writing and vice versa, offering a unique perspective on the interconnectedness of teaching and literary creation. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersections of writing, history, and education.
Project Updates
Just a quick update on 'Daddest Jokes Volume 3'. This past week has been pretty hectic, so I had limited time to work on the book. However, I’m still actively gathering and curating some fantastic jokes to include. Even though progress was slower this week, I’m excited about the quality of humor we’re putting together. Stay tuned for more updates and thanks for your continued support!
What I’m reading
"Tintin: The Blue Lotus" holds a special place in my heart for many reasons, and revisiting it as an adult has only deepened my appreciation. As a long-time fan of Tintin's adventures, the blend of humor, historical context, and captivating artwork in this installment makes it one of the standout entries in Hergé’s legendary series.
This volume is where Hergé truly begins to surpass himself. Set against the backdrop of the 1930s tension between Japan and China, "The Blue Lotus" intricately weaves historical events and socio-economic issues into the narrative. The story centers around Tintin's efforts to uncover and thwart a drug trafficking ring in Shanghai, bringing to light the ravages of the opium trade. This comic is not only informative but also deeply engaging, filled with moments of humor and adventure that keep readers hooked.
One of the highlights of "The Blue Lotus" is the introduction of Tintin’s friend Chiang, who plays a crucial role in the story. Their friendship adds a layer of warmth and camaraderie to the narrative, enhancing the emotional depth of the tale. The graphic design by Hergé is impeccable, with each panel meticulously crafted to bring the story to life. The depiction of opium dens and secret societies adds a layer of mystery and intrigue that is both thrilling and educational.
Hergé’s ability to blend satire with serious themes is brilliantly showcased in this comic. The scenes featuring the bumbling detectives Thompson and Thomson provide comic relief, while the satire of Western colonial attitudes adds a sharp, thought-provoking edge to the story. One memorable scene involves a group of Westerners arrogantly discussing their supposed cultural supremacy, completely oblivious to their own hypocritical behavior. This critique of colonialism is a refreshing and bold stance that adds significant depth to the narrative.
While some favorite characters like Bianca Castafiore and Captain Haddock are absent, "The Blue Lotus" more than makes up for it with its rich storytelling and stunning visuals. The humor, historical accuracy, and adventure make it a compelling read, suitable for both young readers and adults. It's a testament to Hergé's genius that this comic remains relevant and engaging, offering both a window into the past and a timeless story of courage and friendship.
Personal Updates
Successful Remote Broadcast at the Spring Globe Festival
This week, we had our first ever remote broadcast at the Bradford Business Association's 'Spring Globe Festival'. I have to admit, I was a bit nervous going into it. It was my first time managing a remote broadcast, and there were a lot of moving parts to coordinate. But I’m thrilled to report that everything went off without a hitch! The broadcast was a success, and it was great to be able to bring the energy and excitement of the festival to our listeners. It was a fantastic experience, and I'm looking forward to doing more remote broadcasts in the future.
Movie Night with the Girls
On the home front, I had a wonderful movie night with my daughters. We watched "The Empire Strikes Back", and it was so much fun experiencing their reactions to the big reveal—Darth Vader being Luke Skywalker’s father. Watching their jaws drop and hearing their gasps was priceless. It's moments like these that make movie nights so special and memorable.
Thank you all for your continued support and encouragement. It’s been a week of new experiences and wonderful family moments. Looking forward to more adventures ahead!
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!