Storycomic Weekly Newsletter: March 29th
ALWAYS POSTED A WEEK EARLIER ON PATREON
The Two Worlds of David Quinn: Comics and Kids' Books
In our latest podcast episode, we had the pleasure of sitting down with the multi-talented David Quinn, known for his compelling contributions to both the comic book world and children’s literature. David opened up about his creative process, from the dark, gripping narratives of 'Faust' to the whimsical bedtime stories of 'Go to Sleep, Little Creep.' He shared how his experiences writing for iconic characters like Doctor Strange influenced his approach to storytelling across different genres.
David also gave us a sneak peek into his latest venture, contributing to the 'Kids Comics Unite' anthology. His upcoming story in 'Let's Go,' illustrated by Patrick Lugo, promises to enchant young readers with its vibrant storytelling and captivating illustrations. This project, alongside his illustrious career, highlights his versatility and commitment to engaging audiences of all ages.
Listeners will find David’s insights into the transition between the intense themes of adult comics and the gentle narratives of children’s books particularly fascinating. His journey underscores the profound impact of storytelling, whether through the mystic arts of a superhero or the simple bedtime tales aimed at young children. This interview is a must-listen for anyone fascinated by the art of turning simple ideas into stories that resonate deeply across diverse audiences.
Drawing Dreams: Inside WagWorks with Geoff & Ashlee Wagner
In an enlightening interview, Geoff and Ashlee Wagner, the creative forces behind WagWorks, share their journey from working as scientists to becoming icons in the children's comic book industry. Their studio, WagWorks, is renowned for its engaging children's comics and graphic novels. During our conversation, the couple delved into their artistic processes, their collaborative dynamics, and their passion for promoting art education and literacy through comics. They also highlighted their participation in the 'Let's Go' anthology by Kids Comics Unite, showcasing their commitment to the broader comic book community. With projects that blend humor, adventure, and learning, the Wagners continue to inspire and captivate young minds, proving that comics are a powerful tool for education and creativity.
Project Update: Slow and Steady
Not much change this week, but still slowly plugging away. The Daddest Jokes book is still on my radar and I continue to make small bits of progress where I can. The good news is that everything is still moving forward—just at a slower pace than I’d like. Between radio station work and other commitments, creative time has been a bit limited. Still, the projects aren’t going anywhere, and neither am I!
Book Review: The Thank You Book by Mo Willems – A Sweet, Silly Celebration of Gratitude
There’s something magical about sitting down and having your 8-year-old read The Thank You Book by Mo Willems out loud to you. Not only is it heartwarming, but it’s also an absolute delight—just like every book in the Elephant and Piggie series.
My daughter is a huge fan of Elephant Gerald and Piggie, and this book was another home run in her eyes. From the start, The Thank You Book is full of Willems' signature humor, charm, and simple-yet-expressive artwork. Piggie is on a mission to say thank you to everyone she knows—and I mean everyone—while Gerald, ever the cautious elephant, worries she’ll forget someone important.
The story is light and funny but also delivers a beautiful message about gratitude and kindness in a way that kids completely understand and appreciate. And let’s be honest—watching Piggie bounce around full of joy and thankfulness while Gerald frets in the background is just classic Elephant and Piggie fun.
As a parent, this book was a joy because it’s engaging enough for kids to read independently, but also warm and silly enough to enjoy together. And the big twist at the end? It got a big smile from both of us.
Five stars—thank you, Mo Willems!
Personal Update: Big News and Bike Rides
I can officially announce it — I’m purchasing a local weekly newspaper! This is a huge and exciting expansion for me and a perfect complement to running the radio station. I’ve always believed strongly that local media is essential for small businesses to thrive, and this new venture reinforces that mission. Radio and print together will allow us to serve our community even better, and I can't wait to get to work on it.
On the personal side, we had a bit of a warmer week, and I was able to do some fun things with my middle kiddo, Jordan. She officially outgrew her old bike, so we found her a great used one that she loves — another parenting win! Jordan is also my superhero sidekick, and we snuck in a movie night to finally see the new Captain America movie before it left theaters. It was a blast, and I’m grateful for these small moments of joy and connection amidst all the hustle.
Exciting times ahead, and I'm so thankful for the support I have from my family and community as these big changes take shape!
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!