Storycomic Weekly Newsletter: February 1st
ALWAYS POSTED A WEEK EARLIER ON PATREON
Racing Through History: Major Taylor’s Story Revisited with John Kennedy Howard
In a compelling interview, John Kennedy Howard discusses his latest book, The Black Cyclone: Major Taylor - A Hero the World Forgot, which shines a light on Marshall "Major" Taylor, the pioneering African-American cyclist. Howard, an Olympian himself, passionately delves into the significant yet overlooked contributions Taylor made to sports, particularly cycling, during a time when racial prejudices were stark. Through extensive research and personal anecdotes provided by Taylor's family, Howard paints a vivid picture of a man who was not only a world-class athlete but also a trailblazer in the fight against racial inequality in sports.
Howard’s narrative is not just about sports; it's a poignant exploration of the societal context that shaped Taylor's career. He discusses how Taylor, known as the world's first black sports superstar, navigated the complexities of fame, racism, and perseverance at the turn of the 20th century. The author's dedication to restoring Taylor's legacy offers a critical reflection on how history often forgets its heroes and the importance of revisiting those narratives. This interview not only highlights Taylor's achievements but also serves as a call to acknowledge and learn from the past, ensuring such figures are remembered and their legacies honored.
Crafting History: Robin Hamilton on the Power of Documentary Filmmaking
In an insightful interview, Emmy award-winning filmmaker Robin Hamilton shares her experiences and motivations behind her documentary work, particularly her focus on African American women’s stories. Robin’s journey in filmmaking is driven by her passion for storytelling and her commitment to bringing marginalized narratives to the forefront. With a background that bridges journalism and filmmaking, she offers a unique perspective on creating documentaries that are both informative and deeply moving.
Robin discusses the meticulous research and creative processes involved in bringing historical and contemporary issues to life through film. She highlights the importance of authenticity and sensitivity in handling subjects, especially when dealing with complex themes of race and history. Her work not only sheds light on untold stories but also sparks conversations that can lead to social change.
The interview provides valuable insights for anyone interested in the art of documentary filmmaking or the power of media to influence society. Robin Hamilton’s dedication to her craft and her ability to weave compelling narratives make her a notable figure in the industry, inspiring both upcoming filmmakers and seasoned professionals.
Project Update: Editing Phase for Daddest Jokes
Exciting progress to share—Daddest Jokes is officially in the editing phase! I’m going through the manuscript to ensure everything is polished, consistent, and ready to bring the laughs.
This stage is all about fine-tuning the content, making sure every joke lands just right, and preparing the book for the next steps. It’s exciting to see it all come together, and I’m looking forward to sharing these groan-worthy dad jokes with the world soon.
Thanks for sticking with me on this journey—more updates to come as we move closer to the finish line!
Everyday Humor Done Right: A Slice-of-Life Gem
"Caffeinated Toothpaste: Volume 2" by Josh Bauman is a delightful read that captures the charm of slice-of-life humor in the best way possible. I’ve always had a soft spot for strip comic formats—they’re quick, engaging, and when done right, pack a punch in just a few panels. Josh Bauman nails this style, and this collection showcases his talent beautifully.
The book is full of quirky observations and relatable moments, all delivered with a witty sense of humor that feels fresh yet grounded. Bauman’s minimalist art style works perfectly here, letting the humor and heart of the stories shine through. Whether he’s tackling the absurdities of daily life or offering a moment of introspection, each strip feels like a little gem.
What makes this collection so enjoyable is how personal it feels. It’s like getting a peek into the funny, awkward, and sometimes mundane moments that make up life—but told in a way that’s effortlessly entertaining. If you’re a fan of slice-of-life comics that make you chuckle and nod in agreement, Caffeinated Toothpaste: Volume 2 is definitely worth picking up.
Personal Update: Pushing Forward and Making Progress
This week had its challenges, especially with a bit of a setback in some of my expansion plans for the station. Despite that, I’m not letting it slow me down—I’m moving forward with new strategic initiatives and working hard on getting the WYKR Classic internet station up and running. If all goes well, it should launch in the next few months, which is super exciting.
On the home front, I’ve been tackling this year’s big project: moving the washer and dryer into the basement. A big shout-out to my friends over at VTCarpenter.com, who came by and installed a laundry chute from the kitchen to the basement. It’s already a game-changer and makes the whole project feel even more worth it.
As for family time, the kids and I continued our Ghostbusters movie marathon, watching the two more recent films this week. It’s been a fun way to share something I love with them, and they’re definitely enjoying the mix of comedy, action, and ghosts!
While it’s been a week of juggling challenges and progress, I’m feeling good about the direction things are headed—both at work and at home.
It’s hard to tell, but this is our new laundry shoot!
Yup… It’s Ghostbusters
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.
Also at the Super Club level, we will publish an advertisement for the patron at a minimum of once a month.
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/
Also to Michael Winn who is a member of our Founders Club!