Storycomic Weekly Newsletter: April 12th
ALWAYS POSTED A WEEK EARLIER ON PATREON
Crafting Suspense: A Sit-Down with Mystery Maestro Brandon Barrows
Discover the thrilling world of Brandon Barrows, an author renowned for his captivating mysteries in both the realms of comics and prose. In our latest interview, Brandon delves into his varied writing career, offering insights into his creative process and the intricate development of his characters and plots. Best known for his intense comic series like "Voyaga" and "Jack Hammer," Brandon's narrative prowess seamlessly transitions into the mystery genre with novels that engage and intrigue.
His upcoming book, "Long Before They Die," promises to be another compelling addition to his portfolio, weaving complex characters and a gripping storyline that is sure to keep readers on the edge of their seats. Brandon shared exclusive details about this new project, highlighting its unique setting and the deep, personal conflicts driving its narrative.
Brandon's approach to storytelling is methodical yet creative, blending traditional mystery elements with fresh, innovative ideas. Whether discussing his techniques for building suspense or how he develops his distinctive, layered plots, Brandon's passion for storytelling shines through. This interview is a must-watch for fans and aspiring writers alike, offering a rare glimpse into the mind of a master storyteller at work.
My Gnome on the Roam: More than Just a Toy with Anne Armstrong
In an engaging interview with Anne Armstrong, the visionary behind My Gnome on the Roam, we delve into how this unique educational brand is transforming the way families connect and learn together. Anne, who began her career as a gifted and talented teacher, combines her educational expertise with her passion for adventure to create enriching experiences that require just 30 minutes a week.
"My Gnome on the Roam is more than just a toy or a book; it's a gateway to creating lasting memories and fostering educational growth," Anne explains. The kit includes a customizable gnome, a storybook, a journal, and a backpack — tools that encourage children to explore, write, and think creatively.
During our conversation, Anne highlighted how important it is for children to find joy in the simple things and how parents can facilitate these discoveries without overwhelming their schedules. Each product and experience is designed to inspire a love of reading and writing while emboldening children to explore the world around them.
With her motto, "Make Your Life a Book Worth Reading," Anne Armstrong continues to inspire families to create their own adventures and stories, proving that meaningful family engagement can be both simple and profound.
Project Update: Full Steam Ahead for Daddest Jokes
Now that the newspaper business is officially in place, I’m excited to share that I once again have access to Adobe InDesign — which means I can finally get back to the finish line on the Daddest Jokes book! Having the proper tools at my fingertips makes a huge difference, and I’m looking forward to diving back into the layout and final edits.
The content is all there (and yes, the dad jokes are still as eye-roll-worthy as ever), so now it’s just a matter of polishing and getting the design wrapped up. Thanks for sticking with me through the slow progress — things are finally moving again!
Tintin Review: The Red Sea Sharks
This week I read The Red Sea Sharks, the 19th book in Hergé’s Tintin series, and I have to say—it’s easily one of the most exciting and tightly plotted adventures so far. As someone rereading these books with adult eyes (and a healthy dose of nostalgia from those elementary school library days), this one really hits all the marks.
Right off the bat, it’s great to see the return of old friends. Not only is Captain Haddock in classic form (delivering glorious Haddock-isms like “bashi-bazouks” and “ectoplasms” with even more flair than usual), but we also get to see General Alcazar, the bumbling Thom(p)sons, and even that slippery schemer Müller. Hergé really starts tying the Tintin universe together here, making it feel like a fully realized world.
The story kicks off when Tintin and Haddock discover their friend Emir Ben Kalish Ezab’s son has been kidnapped. That leads them to investigate the shady dealings of arms trafficking and—most shockingly—a slave trading operation. The way the story unravels, with a seemingly innocent trail of clues (like a model ship and secretive telegrams) leading to uncovering a massive human trafficking ring, is masterfully done.
One of my favorite scenes involves Haddock trying to fly a plane while Tintin battles off an attacker midair—equal parts suspenseful and hilarious. And the moment when Haddock has to swim for his life after a torpedoed lifeboat? Classic Tintin intensity.
As a kid, this might have been just another cool adventure. As an adult, I appreciate how The Red Sea Sharks tackles serious topics like modern slavery while still maintaining the adventurous spirit and humor that makes this series so beloved. Hergé's clean, expressive art is top-notch here, and the action sequences are especially well choreographed.
A fantastic entry in the series that shows Hergé at the height of his storytelling powers. Definitely glad to check this one off my Tintin list!
Personal Update: First Full Week as a Newspaper Owner
This past week marked my first full week as the proud new owner of The Bridge Weekly, and it’s already been a busy and exciting start. I’ve spent most of the week making small—but important—tweaks to the paper. Nothing major yet, just the nuts and bolts: updating the rate card, swapping in new contact info, and generally getting things aligned with the rest of my media efforts. It’s been a great way to ease into the role while still putting my own stamp on things.
On the home front, Edith and I finally sat down and got our taxes done. I had promised her that if we got a refund, I’d treat her to lunch. True to my word, we went out and enjoyed a nice lunch together—always good to carve out a little time just for us, even in the middle of all the craziness.
All in all, a solid and productive week. Big changes are happening, but I’m enjoying the process and looking forward to what’s next.
Celebratory Lunch!
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!