Storycomic Weekly Newsletter: September 28th
ALWAYS POSTED A WEEK EARLIER ON PATREON
Podcast Updates
Donna Carr Roberts Talks Pets, Loss, and Healing in Children’s Books
In the latest episode of Storycomic Presents, we had the pleasure of hosting Donna Carr Roberts, an esteemed Artist in Residence at Bradley University and a compassionate storyteller. Donna returned to our platform to discuss her latest children's book, "The Adventures of Mr. Fuzzy Ears: When Bad Things Happen," a poignant narrative designed to help children navigate the challenging waters of loss and grief.
During our conversation, Donna shared the deep personal connections and experiences that inspired the characters and themes of her book. Each character, drawn from the real-life antics and personalities of her four dogs, brings the story to life with authenticity and relatable emotions. "When Bad Things Happen" not only tells a story but also serves as a gentle guide for young readers—and their guardians—dealing with sickness or death.
The interview highlighted how Donna's artistic and literary endeavors aim to offer comfort and understanding. Her approach to addressing complex emotions in an accessible way makes her books a valuable resource for sparking important conversations between children and adults. By weaving her love for animals with her artistic talents, Donna continues to create impactful stories that resonate with and support young readers in times of need.
From Greek Myths to Space Battles: Jason Lenox Discusses Lords of the Cosmos
In the latest episode of Storycomic Presents, we welcomed the incredibly talented Jason Lenox back to the show for a third time to discuss the much-anticipated fifth issue of his comic series, "Lords of the Cosmos." This series, inspired by 1980s sci-fi and fantasy, continues to dazzle readers with its unique blend of mythology, futuristic warfare, and complex character dynamics.
During our conversation, Jason shared insights into the creative process behind the latest issue, which features an epic storyline involving Greek gods, mutant cyborgs, and high-stakes intergalactic conflicts. He also delved into the artistic challenges and triumphs of bringing such a dynamic and visually demanding story to life, highlighting the contributions of his collaborative team who help realize his visionary world.
Listeners got an exclusive look at what makes "Lords of the Cosmos" a standout series in the indie comic scene. Jason’s passion for blending classic storytelling with innovative art shines through in this latest installment, which promises to deliver even more action, intrigue, and 1980s nostalgia to its growing fanbase. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to the series, Jason’s interview offers a compelling glimpse into the art of comic creation and the dedication required to keep such a fantastical world alive and thrilling.
Project Update: Steady, Though Slow, Progress
Just a quick update on my ongoing projects. While there hasn’t been a ton of movement, there’s still steady progress being made on both Daddest Jokes and Appliance. Things have been pretty busy on both the personal and professional fronts, so it’s been a challenge to dedicate as much time as I’d like to the projects. That said, the wheels are still turning, and I’m excited to keep moving forward.
Book Review: The Shooting Star (Tintin #10)
The Shooting Star is another brilliant installment in Hergé’s classic Tintin series, blending adventure, mystery, and a touch of science fiction. As the 10th book in the series, it’s a nostalgic gem for longtime fans like myself, offering a refreshing change of pace with its unique storyline and imaginative elements.
In this adventure, Tintin finds himself on a high-stakes expedition to the Arctic Ocean in search of a meteorite that has crash-landed from space. With Captain Haddock by his side, they set sail on the Aurora, racing against a rival expedition to uncover a valuable metal hidden within the meteorite. Along the way, Tintin faces sabotage, giant mushrooms, and even a massive spider, adding a thrilling and surreal twist to the story.
Hergé’s venture into science fiction in The Shooting Star is both exciting and fun, offering a departure from his more grounded adventures. The book kicks off with a tense atmosphere as the world fears potential destruction from a fireball hurtling toward Earth, and the story only gets more intense as Tintin and his team face the challenges of their Arctic journey.
What I love most about this book is how it perfectly blends classic Tintin elements—his unwavering bravery, Captain Haddock’s comedic grumbling, and the beautiful, detailed artwork—with a new, fantastical angle. It’s a great exploration of how Hergé could push his storytelling into different genres while maintaining the charm and excitement that Tintin fans love.
Overall, The Shooting Star is a wonderful, nostalgic read, offering thrilling adventure, imaginative sci-fi twists, and Hergé’s signature humor and style. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to Tintin, this is a fun and engaging story that keeps you hooked from start to finish.
Personal Update: Birthdays, Interviews, and Busy Days
It's been a whirlwind of a week, both at home and at work! We had double birthday celebrations in the house—first, Iggy turned 4, and a few days later, Jordan celebrated her 8th birthday. It was a fun and lively time, but as you can imagine, it kept me pretty busy.
At the radio station, I spent a good part of the week interviewing candidates as we look to expand our sales team. It's been great meeting so many talented people, and I'm excited about the future of the station.
I also hosted my second Outdoor Edge show, and I’m happy to say it went much smoother than the first one. I’m starting to get the hang of the format and figuring out how to keep listeners engaged throughout the entire show. It’s definitely different from a regular podcast, but I’m learning more with each episode.
Another race in the books!
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!