Comics Alternative

Lately on The Comics Alternative's Kickstarter series, Derek has been focusing more on small presses that are currently crowdfunding their seasonal releases. (See previous shows devoted to Kilgore Booksand Nix Comics.) And this weekend's show is similar, highlighting the latest Kickstarter campaign from Retrofit Comics. On this episode, Derek talks with Jared Smith about efforts for funding their diverse array of 2018 titles. This current Kickstarter campaign revolves around the 12 books they plan on releasing this year. Backers of this project can look forward to: All the Sad Songs- Summer Pierre Fashion Forecasts- Yumi Sakugawa I Love You- Sara Lautman John, Dear- Laura Lannes Our Wretched Town Hall- Eric Kostiuk Williams The Prince- Liam Cobb Survive 300 Million 1- Pat Aulisio Survive 300 Million 2: Serpentine Captives- Pat Aulisio The Troublemakers- Baron Yoshimoto TRUMPTRUMP vol. 2: Modern Day Presidential- Warren Craghead III Understanding- Becca Tobin The Winner- Karl Stevens

Time Codes: 00:00:26 - Introduction 00:02:34 - Welcoming Kristin LaLonde! 00:06:25 - Setup of interview 00:08:47 - Interview with Suzy Hopkins and Hallie Bateman 01:06:36 - Wrap up 01:09:18 - Contact us On this episode of The Comics Alternative's interview series, Derek welcomes Kristin LaLonde. She is one of the cohost of The Secret Stackspodcast, and she has a particular interest in graphic medicine and comics that deal with health and end-of-life issues. Together, the two of them talk with Suzy Hopkins and Hallie Bateman, the writer and illustrator of What to Do When I'm Gone: A Mother's Wisdom to Her Daughter(Bloomsbury Publishing). This is a book that the mother-daughter team worked on together, addressing the eventual death of Suzy and what advice she might want to give to Hallie before passing on. They talk with Kristin and Derek about the origins of this idea, the long incubation period, its evolution as a text from a personal project to something for a much broader audience, and how bot

Time Codes: 00:00:26 - Introduction 00:02:26 - Setup of interview 00:04:12 - Interview with Gerry Duggan and David O'Sullivan 01:03:09 - Wrap up 01:03:37 - Contact us Set in the not-too-distant year of 2024, Analog (Image Comics) is a not-too-far-fetched look at what can come of information technology when it has fallen into the wrong hands. Its protagonist, Jack McGinnis, is a leger man, an armed courier working freelance for individuals and businesses who need to transfer information in the old-fashioned analog manner. This is a world where the cloud has come crashing down, and the "security" of the internet has been exposed as nothing more than fiction. Combining elements of sci-fi and noir narrative, Gerry Duggan and David O’Sullivan have created a world that, curiously enough, smacks of the many of the events we see unfolding on the nightly news. Although they may not have fully anticipated the inroads of Mueller’s Russian investigation, the ongoing revelations of Facebook and Cambridge Anal

Gene and Derek are back for another look at the current month's Previews catalog. This one may not be as long an episode as last month's Previewshow -- which clocked in at just under three hours -- but it's nonetheless hefty. (Well...actually, it is almost as long as the March show.) They begin this week by discussing the new changes appearing in Previewsbeginning in April. They point out the additions of BOOM! Studios and Dynamite Entertainment in the premiere publishers section, prominently displayed in the front of the catalog; the reorganizations of solicits in a new manga section; the shake-up of what had been the book section; the flip arrangement with the toy and merchandise sections; and next month's departure of DC Comics' solicitations into their own supplemental catalog. After that, and several cynical comments (primarily from Derek), they get into the nitty gritty of the April Previewscatalog, highlighting a variety of titles from such publishers as: Dark Horse Comics - Sword Daughter#1, Likely

Time Codes: 00:00:25 - Introduction 00:02:21 - Setup of interview 00:03:28 - Interview with Brenden Fletcher and Karl Kerschl 01:11:31 - Wrap up 01:12:00 - Contact us On April 4 you’ll find in your comic shops the first issue of Isola, Brenden Fletcher and Karl Kerschl’s brand new series from Image Comics that combines nuanced storytelling with Kerschl’s magnificent artwork. In this inaugural issue, we find a captain of the Royal Guard fleeing her capital city with the realm’s queen, on their way to a mythical land called Isola. But appearances can be deceiving, and the initial journey unfolds under the cloud of an evil spell that leaves us with more questions than answers. On this episode, Derek talks with Karl and Brenden about what transpires in this first issue, how long they’ve been nurturing this concept, their process of collaboration, and what we might expect in future issues…at least, as much as they could tell without spoiling anything. The two also share some of their experiences worki

Time Codes: 00:26 - Introduction 03:15 - Setup of interview 04:11 - Interview with Marcus Sedgwick and Thomas Taylor 51:00 - Wrap up 52:16 - Contact us On this interview episode, Gwen and Derek talk with the creative team behind Scarlett Hart: Monster Hunter, a new book out from First Second. Both Marcus Sedgwick and Thomas Taylor share their experiences conceiving the premise, their process of collaboration, and their hopes to further explore this fantastical world. Scarlett Hartis the story of the titular protagonist who carries on in her deceased parents' footsteps, keeping her city free of monsters. With the help of her steadfast assistant Napoleon, she hunts down big nasties while trying to stay one step ahead of her nemesis, fellow monster hunter Count Stankovic. Over the course of their conversation, Marcus and Thomas discuss their love of weird monsters and young adventure narratives, combining these passions to create what they refer to as a "gothic Tintin."

This weekend Derek talks with Ken Eppsteinabout his latest Kickstarter campaign, backing for Nix Comics' 2018 comic book and record releases. Listeners of the podcast might recognize this publisher, as they've discussed Nix releases in the past. Nix Comics' productions are inspired by the kind of mythos surrounding pre-MTV garage rock. The comics are informed by Ken's years of love for punk rock bands, record stores, and b-movies. For this kickstarter he is offering two subscription levels: Basicand De-Luxe. Basic subscribers will receive 7 printed comic books and zines: Nix Comics Quarterly Nix Western Comics Jenny Mae & Jerry Wick Buck  Slaughter's Book of Rock n Roll Facts The Collected Pander Bear Tales from the Crate Return of Belligerent Kitties De-Luxe subscribers will receive 7 printed comic books and zines, the accompanying records, and a 120-page art and poetry collection: Nix Comics Quarterly Nix Western Comics Jenny Mae & Jerry Wick (comic and record set) Buck  Slaughter's Bo

Time Codes: 00:26 - Introduction 02:57 - Setup of interview 05:11 - Interview with Magdalene Visaggio 29:37 - Interview with Sonny Liew 58:43 - Wrap up 59:20 - Contact us A couple of weeks ago the first issue of Eternity Girl, the latest title in DC’s Young Animal line, was released. Written by Magdalene Visaggio and with art by Sonny Liew, this is a title that combines parts of Element Girl with a dash of Kid Eternity, and mixes things up in an offbeat way that fits perfectly in the Young Animal world. On this interview episode, Derek talks with both Mags and Sonny about this new series, and both kindly agreed to be on the podcast. Listeners of The Comics Alternative will know that both creators have been on the show before. Derek spoke with Mags briefly at HeroesCon a couple of years ago, and then he along with Gwen interviewed Sonny around the publication of his landmark book, The Art of Charlie Chan Hock Chye, a work that went on to win three Eisner Awards last year: Best Writer/Artist, Be

Time Codes: 00:00:26 - Introduction 00:02:29 - More listener mail! 00:06:57 - Iceland 00:30:51 - Fukushima Devil Fish 01:04:49 - Wrap up 01:06:13 - Contact us On the March manga episode, Shea and Derek discuss a couple of experimental works. They begin with Yuichi Yokoyama's Iceland, released last fall from Retrofit Comics/Big Planet Comics. The plot of this book is minimal -- two characters are searching for a third, they find him, and then they drive off in a taxi -- and it's something like you might find in Samuel Beckett narrative. But it's Yokoyama's art that propels the text. As the guys discuss, there is something kinetic, claustrophobic, and even frantic about the visuals. For Derek, futurism comes to mind. After that they look at a book that both Shea and Derek have been eagerly anticipating, Susumu Katsumata's Fukushima Devil Fish(Breakdown Press). The core text comprises nine short stories that provide a diversity of tone. The first two are the most contemporary, originally publishe

Time Codes: 00:00:30 - Introduction 00:03:12 - Welcoming new Patreon supporters, and more listener mail! 00:14:29 - Why Art? 00:42:19 - Infidel #1 00:58:55 - Vampironica #1 01:13:58 - Wrap up 01:15:53 - Contact us This week Gene and Derek discuss three different titles that may or may not be connected (you'll have to ask Gene). They begin with Eleanor Davis's Why Art? (Fantagraphics Books). Going into this reading, the guys thought that the book might be more on the expository or critical side. However, they quickly discovered Davis's unique approach in combining humor, storytelling, and aesthetic analysis. After that they check out the first issue of Infidel (Image Comics), written by Pornsak Pichetshote and with art by Aaron Campbell. This is a curious combination of horror and the dynamics of intolerance, and the first issue raises a variety of questions that start off the series with good story momentum. The Two Guys with PhDs conclude with another horror title, Greg and Megan Smallwood's

Time Codes: 00:00:25 - Introduction 00:02:50 - Setup of interview 00:04:21 - Interview with John Porcellino 01:21:07 - Wrap up 01:23:19 - Contact us Gene and Derek are excited to have John Porcellino back on the podcast. His new book From Lone Mountain has just been released by Drawn and Quarterly, and John talks in depth about the time in his life covered in this collection, as well as the process of pulling all of these experiences together. The book collects King-Cat Comics & Stories #62-#68, released between 2003-2007. The Two Guys ask John about the evolution of his compositional strategies, the role that place and landscape play in his comics, how both prose and illustrations function for self-exploration, his thoughts on punk and the DIY aesthetic, and how his comics serve as a release for, as well as a reflection of, the many changes in his life. This isn't the first time John P. has been on The Comics Alternative -- he came on for an interview around the release of issue #76 of King-Cat

On this week's Kickstarter show, Derek talks with Nick Prolix about his campaign for Slang Pictorial #3. This will be a 24-page black-and-white comic, following up on on the already published first two hardcopy issues. Nick is using his first-ever Kickstarter in order to cover the comic's printing and shipping. Plus, he has a really cool promotional video! Slang Pictorial is Nick's one-person anthology comic, and it includes his serialized retro comedy-drama The Sheep And The Wolves. This story actually began as a webcomic, and it's a light-hearted look at the broken dreams and busted schemes of the many residents of a fictional London neighborhood at the start of the Swinging Sixties. Slang Pictorial also includes an assortment of other stories set in the same world. Backers can also get reprints of the first two issues of the anthology, and there are exclusive prints and art cards, as well. If you're a fan of Palookaville, Eightball, and Optic Nerve, then this is definitely a comic for you. Be sure to b

For the March on-location recording at Heroes Aren't Hard to Find in Charlotte, NC, the topic of discussion is comics adapted into movies and television series (especially superhero properties), and if we're about to reach the point of oversaturation. Joining Derek in the conversation are shop customers Zyg, Jack, Jesse, Erica, and Christian. All of them are fans of superhero film and TV, and each brings a unique perspective to the discussion. And, as expected, everyone varies in their opinions on how much is too much when it comes to superhero adaptations. Among the various movies and series they discuss are Black Panther, the Iron Man series, Watchmen, The Crow, Justice League, Tim Burton's Batman, Gotham, the various Netflix series, and Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. They also talk about non-superhero comics adaptations such as Lucifer, iZombie, Ghost World, and, of course, The Walking Dead. And toward the end of their conversation, everyone expresses her or his own wish list of other properties that coul

Time Codes: 00:00:32 - Introduction 00:03:42 - More listener mail! 00:11:43 - Bizarre Romance 00:54:10 - The Ballad of Sang #1 01:07:47 - Gideon Falls #1 01:29:11 - Wrap up 01:30:19 - Contact us On this week's review episode, Gene and Derek discuss three recent, and very different, titles. They begin with Bizarre Romance (Abrams ComicArt), an unusual "graphic novel" written by Audrey Niffenegger and with art from Eddie Campbell. The various stories that compose this collection are both comics and prose-centric pieces, and all of the selections have something to do with relationships in an off-kilter manner. Next, they look at Ed Brisson and Alessandro Micelli's The Ballad of Sang #1 (Oni Press). Inspired by 1970s and 1980s kung fu and action films, this first issue in the series introduces us to a young mute street fighter who becomes a fugitive and must fend for himself. Finally, Gene and Derek wrap up with the latest comic from Jeff Lemire, Gideon Falls #1. With art by Lemire's stalwart col

Time Codes: 00:00:26 - Introduction 00:03:05 - Pascal joins the podcast! 00:16:560 - Listener mail 00:20:40 - The Initiates: A Comic Artist and a Wine Artisan Exchange Jobs 01:05:24 - Satania 01:48:51 - Wrap up 01:50:59 - Contact us For the March episode of the Euro Comics series, Pascal Hamon joins Derek to discuss two recent books from NBM Graphic Novels. They begin with Étienne Davodeau's The Initiates: A Comic Artist and a Wine Artisan Exchange Jobs, an autobiographical account of the artist and his friend's mutual education on what the other does. As Pascal points out, the majority of this narrative concerns Davodeau learning about winemaking and literally getting his hands dirty during the process. Not as much space is given to his friend, Richard Leroy, as he is initiated into the comics industry in France, but this makes sense, given the fact that Davodeau is the author of this account and spends a lot of time revealing what he has learned. After that, Pascal and Derek discuss Satania

This week's Kickstarter episode is brought to you by the great folks at Kilgore Books and Comics. If that publisher sounds familiar, that's because the Two Guys have discussed a variety of Kilgore publications in the past...including a publisher spotlight episode back in 2016! Its current Kickstarter campaign is all about their 2018 releases. Dan Stafford, Kilgore's head honcho, talks with Derek about the various titles scheduled for this year, and there are a lot. Backers can look forward to: Blammo #10, by Noah Van Sciver Tinderella, by M.S. Harkness Tommy Time, by Tom Van Deusen Baseline Blvd, by Emi Gennis Lawns, by Alex Nall September 12, by Robert Sergel Angloid, by Alex Graham Monkey Chef: A Love Story, by Mike Freiheit And an untitled Inechi comic by Inés Estrada As listeners of The Comics Alternative know, Kilgore publishes great titles, the kind that define what the podcast is all about. So be sure to back this campaign and get your batch of 2018 releases from Kilgore Books an

Time Codes: 00:00:24 - Introduction 00:02:45 - Setup of interview 00:06:17 - Interview with Ho Che Anderson 01:12:00 - Wrap up 01:14:51 - Contact us On this interview episode, Gene and Derek talk with Ho Che Anderson about his new book Godhead, coming out next week from Fantagraphics Books. This is a work of speculative fiction involving corporate culture and its attempts to communicate with God. It's an ambitious narrative that zeroes in on the juncture of religion, technology, and capitalist greed. The book is the first of two volumes exploring this futuristic world, and it's a project that Anderson has been developing for years. The guys talk extensively with their guest about the genesis of and the creative process underlying Godhead, but they also ask about his larger body of work and its sheer diversity, from the erotic I Want to Be Your Dog, to the five-issue series (along with Wilfred Santiago) Pop Life, to the text he's perhaps best known for, his graphic biography of Martin Luther King.

Time Codes: 00:00:32 - Introduction 00:03:09 - Get on our email list! 00:05:45 - Listener research 00:08:22 - Babylon Berlin 00:47:05 - The True Death of Billy the Kid 01:12:53 - The Highest House #1 01:28:59 - Wrap up 01:30:08 - Contact us This week Gene and Derek discuss three recent titles, all of which concern mysteries. They begin with Babylon Berlin (Titan Comics), Arne Jysch's comics adaptation of Volker Kutscher's noir prose novel. It takes place in 1929 Berlin and set in the Weimar Republic, with all of its historical and cultural contexts embedded within. The guys are very impressed with Jysch and Kutscher's narrative, and they spend a lot of time not only discussing the work as an example of crime noir, but also the issues involved in adapting a text from one medium to another (including the recent Netflix series). Next, they look at Rick Geary's latest efforts, The True Death of Billy The Kid (NBM Graphic Novels). This began as a Kickstarter campaign back in 2014, and in many wa

This weekend Derek talks with Joseph Freistuhler about his current Kickstarter project, The Not So Gold Age #2. This parody of the superhero genre is actually a webcomic, the first physical issue of which Joseph and his co-creator Phil Buck successfully Kickstarted back in 2016. How they're back to bring the second issue into paper existence. The Not So Golden Age is the story of several washed up, dysfunctional superheroes. They were once the premier heroes of their generation, but having been unused for so long, they're relegated to the dreaded public domain. As a result, they now reside in a trailer park outside of Reno, Nevada. That happens. As Derek's talk with Joseph reveals, this is a project steeped in humor, from the narrative itself to the mock ads that populate the insides. As the writer reveals upfront in his Kickstarter disclaimer, "This comic may not actually be the best comic you will ever read. However, it is the best comic book my mother will ever read!" So please, join Joseph's mother in

Time Codes: 00:00:27 - Introduction 00:02:56 - We get mail! 00:08:08 - Everblue 00:34:53 - Handrava 01:07:31 - Warning Label 01:33:36 - Wrap up 01:35:17 - Contact us For the month of March, Sean and Derek discuss three webcomics that are very different in terms of art style and storytelling technique. However, what all three have in common is a focus on relationships. They start off with Michael Sexton's Everblue, a fantastical tale about two young adventurers who want to explore their world while at the same time avoiding the threats that are in pursuit. After that the guys discuss Handrava, a more realistic narrative set in Madagascar's capital city. It's author Rado R. captures the rhythms and flavors of his subject matter through both the dialogue and the visual layout of his scripting. Finally, Derek and Sean turn to a recently completed webcomic, Thom Zahler's Warning Label. As with the creator's previous works -- most notably Love and Capes, Long Distance, and Time and Vine -- the focu