The Allure of the Dark Side: Exploring the Anti-Hero Archetype — by Hernando Diaz

The anti-hero plays a significant role in storytelling for several reasons: they enrich narratives and deepen character development, adding depth and complexity to storytelling.

Feelings of redemption and identity crises are parts of their arcs. We examine how this journey reflects internal struggles as we explore characters like Wolverine and Harley Quinn, who grapple with their pasts while seeking a sense of belonging or purpose. Another important characteristic is their realistic motivations, such as revenge, personal loss, or a desire for justice, that sometimes clouds their judgment and can create a more engaging narrative, as readers witness the character’s growth. Continue reading The Allure of the Dark Side: Exploring the Anti-Hero Archetype — by Hernando Diaz

#816 Chester Brown interview: “Paying for It,” the movie

Chester Brown’s work has come up on this show a number of times over the years. We’ve discussed Ed the Happy Clown, Louis Riel, and Paying for It. He’s actually published 10 graphic novels since 1989, some of which are collections of his comics series. In connection with the recent premiere of the movie version of Paying for It at the Toronto International Film Festival, our own Koom got a chance to interview Brown for this week’s show!

Check out Koom’s novel, Killing Shakespeare

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Behind the Panels: Journey of a Comic Creator — by Hernando Diaz

In the dark light of a cluttered room, surrounded by stacks of sketchpads and half-finished sketches, the spark of creation flickers like the neon glow of a city skyline at dusk. It’s a passion that boils in the veins, a relentless urge to breathe life into ink and paper. Each panel is a heartbeat, every dialogue a pulse, telling stories that dart and weave through the imagination like superhéroes, héroes, stories soaring through a kaleidoscope of worlds. Here, in this sanctuary of creativity, ideas collide with inspiration, forging characters that leap off the page and adventures that beckon readers to turn the page, hungry for more. The thrill of comic book creation isn’t just about the art; it’s about capturing the essence of what it means to dream, to struggle, and to triumph—all with a splash of color and a healthy dose of humor.

That introduction reminds me of Will Eisner, who created one of the most interesting books about making comics when Poorhouse Press published Comics and Sequential Art in 1985. In every single chapter, Eisner covers different topics and includes some of his own vision to provide examples that are very helpful to new creators. His guide defines comics as a form of reading and describes how the medium juxtaposes words and images, how panel structure plays with time, and the forms sequential art can take. It’s a book that is really important to check out so you can understand these first steps in your personal creation.

Panel to panel, I identified and understood some important topics that all new creators must keep in mind in the moment to create a new comic book:

  1. Character Development: Characters are the lifeblood of any comic book, driving the narrative forward and captivating readers with their personalities, motivations, and relationships. They must be distinct and memorable, with traits that resonate with the audience.
  2. Visual Style: This involves determining the artistic approach, such as the use of color palettes, line work, and panel layouts, to evoke the desired mood and enhance the storytelling.
  3. Scriptwriting: At the heart of every comic book lies the script, a detailed written document that outlines the dialogue, narration, and actions of each panel and page. In a full script, the writer provides detailed descriptions of each panel, including dialogue, narration, and visual cues. The scriptwriting requires careful attention to pacing, characterization, and dialogue, ensuring that the story unfolds in a compelling and engaging manner.
  4. Environment and Background Design: These play a crucial role in setting the scene and establishing the mood of the story. Environment and background design involves creating detailed and immersive settings that enhance the narrative and provide context for the action. Artists must consider factors such as architecture, landscape, lighting, and atmosphere to create believable and visually stunning environments.
  5. Proofreading and Revision: Once the lettering is complete, the final step is proofreading and revision, to ensure accuracy, clarity, and consistency. Creators carefully review the text for spelling errors, grammatical mistakes, and formatting inconsistencies. It’s essential to pay attention to detail during this stage, as even minor errors can detract from the reader’s immersion in the story.

I also want to recommend this Facebook group of creators called Indie Comic Source, a group with thousands of members. It offers the opportunity to interact with fellow creators, and that’s something even the most independent writers and artists need if they want to turn a passion into a profession.

In conclusion, the passion to create comic books is a powerful force that transcends mere ink and paper; it’s a celebration of storytelling, artistry, and connection. Each panel is a window into new worlds, where heroes rise, villains fall, and every turn of the page sparks the imagination. For creators, it’s a journey that requires not just talent, but an unwavering dedication to conveying emotions and experiences that resonate with readers. The thrill of bringing characters to life, crafting intricate plots, and exploring the limitless potential of the medium fuels our desire to inspire, entertain, and challenge perspectives. It is in the vibrant colors, dynamic lines, and compelling narratives that we find our voices, and in the hands of our readers, we discover the true magic of comic books: the ability to forge connections that linger long after the last page is turned. As we continue to nurture this passion, we pave the way for future generations of creators and fans, ensuring that the art of comics storytelling remains alive and vibrant for years to come.

#593 “Reading ‘Nancy’”, plus “Cat and Mouse”!

How to Read Nancy

FLASHBACK! A comic strip gag can be a deceptively simple thing. Once you take it apart — “deconstruct” it, one might say — you find that it actually has many moving parts.

Click to enlarge

Paul Karasik and Mark Newgarden‘s How to Read “Nancy” takes a close look at each of those parts — as well as arguing persuasively for Bushmiller’s underrated artistic chops, and giving us some comic-strip history as well. Tim and Patrick review.

Cat and Mouse

PLUS: Roland Mann, Dean Zachary, and Kevin Gallegly join Tim to talk about the return of Cat and Mouse! (Originally published May 21, 2018.)

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Critiquing Comics #239: “Let’s Go, Coco” and “Digital Bardos”

Let's Go, Coco and Digital Bardos

What does an 11-year-old do when her “only friend” moves away? In Coco Fox’s “sorta” memoir Let’s Go, Coco, she joins the basketball team. But when you’re a pre-teen, everything’s fraught with challenges. Tim and Adam discuss this book – aimed at middle schoolers, but recommended for all ages.

As far from that world as possible is the first issue of King Klaus’ Digital Bardos (now live on Kickstarter). It introduces us to Darren — make that “All-Mighty Darren,” a digital god. The issue begins to answer the question of how he got that way. Tim and Jason critique.

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#338 Everything’s Archie!

Veronica, Archie, Betty

FLASHBACK! It’s been more than 70 years now since the debut of Archie comics, featuring (though not quite from the beginning) America’s favorite love triangle of Archie, Veronica, and Betty. Along with Jughead, Reggie, and the rest of the gang, these characters keep us coming back for more, changing with the times while still presenting an idealized America where drugs, booze, and sex seem not to exist. This week Tim talks with Archie ubercollector (and Coliseum of Comics Back Issue Manager) Jack Copley about what keeps Archie interesting, some of his favorite stories and creators, and “The Archie Room”! (Originally published November 12, 2012.)

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#815 Jack Kirby’s “Eternals”, #9-12: Judging books by their covers

Eternals 9-12

Eternals are only human, I guess! In Eternals issues 9-12, many of the Eternals exhibit a segregationist attitude toward the Deviants, and just about everybody assumes Karkas is going to kick the Reject‘s butt in a fight based solely on how they look. Meanwhile, are the Celestials kind, or sadistic? Tim and Emmet discuss Jack Kirby‘s statements on prejudice, as well as a shocking turn of events for a group of Soviet generals, pioneering the concept of dozens of superpowered beings in costumes all hanging out together, and… exclamation points!

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#134 “The R. Crumb Handbook”

Crumb HandbookFLASHBACK! A then-recent R. Crumb compilation is reviewed by a Crumb connoisseur (Kumar) and a Crumb newbie (Tim). The book features Crumb at his sweetest and his most shocking. But can this (or any book) claim to be the perfect Crumb compilation? (Originally published June 30, 2008.)

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Critiquing Comics #238: “Jane Jet” and “The Fog Within”

Once again we take a look at some comics submitted by their creators; we talk about what we liked about them and what could have been better.
Jane Jet
Jane Jet book 1: Nuclear Shadows, by writer Amal Desai and artist Paul Essenson, recalls Dave Stevens’ Rocketeer — the art, the jet-pack concept, the time period — but it deals with a woman getting out of an abusive relationship. Tim and Jason critique.

The Fog Within

The Fog Within, by writer Sean Wood and artist Deivid Deon, is a post-apocalyptic science fiction story, which… might have a few too many story elements. Tim and Adam discuss issues 1 and 2.

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#591 “Promethea”: A mind-bending, life-changing comic

PrometheaFLASHBACK! While Alan Moore and J.H. Williams’ Promethea, published from 1999 to 2005, is not one of Moore’s most remembered works, it’s not because the author wasn’t at the top of his game. Kumar and Emmet find it to be entrancing, even if you don’t buy into the various magical and spiritual elements that Moore built into it.

Also, inevitably, the incorporation of Promethea and other Moore creations into the DC Universe comes up; is it really just a business decision, or is the publisher singling out Moore’s work out of spite? (Originally published April 30, 2018.)

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