Storycomic Weekly Newsletter: July 20th
ALWAYS POSTED A WEEK EARLIER ON PATREON
From Middle East to Comic Feasts: Wes Al-Dhaher's Journey to 'Tales of Khayr'!
In the latest episode of Storycomic Presents, host Barney Smith welcomes Wes Al-Dhaher, a dynamic figure in independent comic book publishing, known for his dark fantasy narratives that weave together historical and cultural elements from his diverse life experiences. Wes, who has lived everywhere from the Pacific Northwest to various parts of the Middle East, brings a rich tapestry of influences to his work, challenging traditional fantasy tropes with his deep dive into unexplored cultural narratives.
The discussion centers on his latest series, 'Tales of Khayr,' which is quickly gaining attention for its innovative approach to Muslim fantasy. It is akin to creating a shared universe like the Avengers but rooted in diverse historical contexts. Wes shares insights into the challenges and triumphs of building such a universe, emphasizing the growing demand for diverse voices in fantasy literature.
Wes's journey from a curious observer of history to a creator of worlds that reflect the underrepresented cultures he has experienced is inspiring and a call to action for creative storytellers to explore beyond the conventional boundaries of their genres. His work is a beacon for a new generation of fantasy that celebrates diversity and inclusivity, proving that the realm of imagination is boundless and inclusive of all cultures and stories.
Project Update: Exciting Times Ahead for 'Daddest Jokes' and a Return to 'Appliance'
'Daddest Jokes' Progress
I’m thrilled to announce that I’m sending out more information to get everyone excited about 'Daddest Jokes Volume 3.' Your support and enthusiasm so far have been incredible, and I’m eager to keep the momentum going. We’ve got some fantastic jokes lined up and the cover design is shaping up beautifully. Stay tuned for more updates and sneak peeks as we get closer to the launch!
Revisiting 'Appliance'
On another note, I’ve been diving back into my 'Appliance' role-playing game. It’s been a while, but revisiting the game has been a rewarding experience. I’m rediscovering the creativity and fun that initially drew me to this project, and I’m excited to see where it goes next. It’s great to balance the humor of 'Daddest Jokes' with the imaginative world of 'Appliance.'
Book Review: "Plain Jane and the Mermaid" by Vera Brosgol
"Plain Jane and the Mermaid" by Vera Brosgol is a delightful and empowering read that blends humor, adventure, and social critique. This graphic novel, from the Eisner Award-winning author of "Anya's Ghost," is a must-read for anyone looking for a story that champions self-love and confidence amidst a whimsical underwater setting.
The book tells the story of Jane, who is constantly reminded of her plainness by everyone around her, including her own family. Determined to change her fate, Jane proposes to Prince Peter, only to have her plans thwarted by a mermaid kidnapping him. This sends Jane on an incredible journey into the underwater world to rescue her maybe-fiancé.
What makes "Plain Jane and the Mermaid" stand out is how Brosgol hints at a rich world-building without overwhelming the reader. The underwater environment, filled with selkies and mermaids, is beautifully illustrated and adds depth to the narrative. Each page is a visual treat, capturing the magic and danger of the ocean depths.
Brosgol’s storytelling conveys themes of courage, confidence, and inner beauty. Jane’s journey is not just about rescuing Peter but also about discovering her own worth. The well-developed character arcs make the story more than an adventure. Jane's transformation from a self-doubting girl to a confident young woman is inspiring and heartwarming.
Another highlight is the humor in the book. Brosgol’s wit shines through in both the dialogue and the situations Jane finds herself in. Including quirky characters, such as Mr. Whiskers, a begrudgingly helpful seal, adds to the charm and makes the story even more engaging.
Despite being filled with British humor and cultural references that might not resonate with everyone, "Plain Jane and the Mermaid" contains universal themes and moments of gold that make it enjoyable for a wide audience. The critique of patriarchal beauty standards and the exploration of self-worth are handled with both sensitivity and boldness.
Personal Update: Busy Week of Remote Broadcasts and Family Fun
It’s been a hectic but rewarding week at the radio station. I was responsible for running the board for two major remote broadcasts. First, we covered a rodeo event, which was a thrilling experience. I then managed the board for a White Mountain Motor Sports race in Woodstock, New Hampshire. I’m pleased to report that everything went very smoothly, and I’m pretty proud of how well the board work turned out. Seeing all the hard work pay off is always satisfying, especially during live events where anything can happen.
On the home front, we had a wonderful two-week visit from Edith’s cousin and my first podcast guest, Jane Straw. It was fantastic having her around; she added much fun to our family time. From local adventures to hanging out and catching up, it was a great visit that we all enjoyed immensely. We were sad to see her go, but we’re grateful for our time together.
My view from the studio during the race
kids making a mess while making things.
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!