“Hard Style Juice” tells a murder mystery through a wrestling lens

I’ve been a fan of both professional wrestling and comics for many years, so getting to talk about both for this interview was just perfect.

Writer Clay McCormack, artist Ricardo Lopez Ortiz and I dive into “Hard Style Juice,” a new series that you can only see on Comixology Originals. Here’s a look at the story for those new to it:

Wrestling is big business in arenas across the country, and for the Castros, it’s the family business. "King" Castro is the patriarch of the family, he’s also the manager, booker, promotor, MC, and owner of the local independent wrestling promotion KCPW, King Castro Pro Wrestling.

His daughter, Ramonita "Mona" Castro, has dreams of going to business school, but also has a penchant for wrestling. And his son, Rey Castro, is the star. A real showman, Rey is known as the "King of the Death Match," and he's on the verge of getting a contract to go pro.

Pro wrestling built the Castro family, and now it’s about to tear it apart. A shocking in-ring death sends the family spiraling out of control, and down the path of revenge as one big question rears its head: was it an accident? Or was it murder?

We talk about the series origins, and how Clay and Ricardo’s interest in wrestling played a role in shaping it. Clay talks about working with murder mysteries and how he paces the story, while Ricardo shares how he captured the feel of the wrestling world and his favorite parts to draw.

The series is now three issues in, with the fourth to be dropped on July 16, and we go into where the story is now and a few hints as to what we can expect in future issues.

Doug Knight returns to talk about a series dedicated to the doctors

Douglas Knight of Crosseye Comics is back to talk about the newest issue of “Super Wicked White Cell Squadron,” a series launched last year and based on his time in the hospital as a kid undergoing cancer treatment. 

The comic is dedicated to the doctors that took care of him and which Knight wrote, drew and colored.

This series features a team of heroes inspired in part by the doctors Doug knew as a child and we talk about these real-life heroes. The 70-page first issue was released in 2023 and we look at how the story of SWWCS continues with the second issue. 

Unlike others in the creative fields, Doug chose not to back this through sites like Kickstarter and goes into what led to this decision.

The series gives a nod to shows like “Power Rangers,” and Doug shares how the costumes, mech designs, and villains all came to be. We also get a look at what he plans next in this series, and the many other projects he has in the works.

Father-son comics duo creates a beautiful apocalypse in “By A Thread”

Well, if the world has to end, at least it looks amazing.

Comics great Scott Snyder has teamed up with his son Jack to pen the ComiXology series “By A Thread,” now three issues in, with issue four to be released on March 26.

Set amidst a desolated Earth, The Shroud has consumed nearly the entire surface of the planet, with just a handful of outposts remaining. Jo and his friends live on five “Needles,” spikes of diamonds, the only substance that The Shroud cannot devour. It’s a hard life, but the appearance of a strange traveller gives hope to a legend of an untouched island where life can thrive once more.

Scott, Jack and I talk about how this series grew from a writing exercise to published comic. This was Jack’s first foray into comics, and we go into how he viewed the experience and the lessons learned, both for he and his father. The series was drawn by Valeria Favoccia (Beatrix Rose), colored by Whitney Cogar (Giant Days), and lettered by Tom Napolitono (letters), and we talk about how this team collaborated and produced some of the best art I’ve ever seen.

Jack helped create the diverse cast, and we look at each person’s role and how the characters were created—both the heroes and villains. Though the story is nearing its end, more is planned for “By A Thread,” and Scott shares a few details on what we can expect.

Two comics for the price of one!

The name Scott Hoffman (AKA Babydaddy) is well known in the world of music as co-founder of the disco glam band Scissor Sisters. And now we can add “comic writer” to his resume with the release of his two series, “Nostalgia” and “Wag,” both available through Comixology Originals.

Scott and I talk about how both these series came to be. “Nostalgia” is about a reclusive rock star in a dystopian future, and you can bet Scott channeled some of his time in the music industry into this title. We also go into the sick artwork, which is some of the dreamiest, trippiest drawings I have seen.

Next is “Wag,” also in a dystopian future, but that is where the similarities end. Wag is the story of a loner in a post-apocalyptic world, who hears voices in his head. We talk about the legwork that went into creating the character and the world he lives in.

Meeting the creative minds at MICE

Recently, Ben Chou and I went to the Massachusetts Independent Comics Expo (MICE). For me, it’s been many years since I went there, and remember what a great collection of comics they had, many of which I still have today.

Well, this year did not disappoint. Held at Boston University’s Fuller Building, the event featured dozens of comics creators, some at the start of their careers and others with a slew of titles to their names.



In this episode, Ben and I talked with a some of artists and one of the minds behind the event (who is also an artist, so remember that!). First up is Savannah Strodder. This was her first MICE and we talk about the experience, the people she met and some important lessons for her artistic career.

Savannah has a comic out, “Mundae,” with beautiful illustrations and absolutely no text, so the reader can make their own story. I really like the concept and yes, I purchased a copy. I wonder how my story will go…..



Hannah Templer may be a familiar name—she’s worked on titles like Doctor Who, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and many more. Hannah also has a great series called “Cosmoknights.” It’s all about a ragtag group of space gays out to save princesses from the patriarchy. Needless to say, I bought both volumes shortly thereafter.

We go into the origins of the series, how it’s grown over the years, and what we can expect in the forthcoming third volume. Hannah also shares some of her times at MICE and what she likes about the expo.



Tak Toyoshima is perhaps best known for his Secret Asian Man comic, and for years he was an exhibitor at MICE. Well, he’s also one of the organizers as the Art Director, and let me tell you, that’s no cake walk. Ben took the lead here, and the two talk about what led to Tak taking on this new role and what it’s been like.

Tak gives us some history on Secret Asian Man as well as some other projects he’s working on (hint: think Choose Your Own Adventure). He and Ben talk about the state of the comics industry and the pros and cons of the recent changes that it’s seen.



Wrapping this episode up is Shaina Lu. Like Savannah, this is her first time at MICE and she shares the great memories made over the weekend. Shaina is in the process of releasing a new comic, “Noodle & Bao,” all about a food cart that stands against a hip new café and gentrification.

Shaina said the series takes a cue from what she has seen in Boston’s Chinatown and we go into that as a theme. Shaina is also an art teacher for elementary students and we look at her teaching style and how she helps guide the next generation of creatives.

Citywide Comic Spotlight: The Dummy’s Dummy

Series Creator: Mochamura

Published on: Webtoon 

Without a doubt, “The Dummy’s Dummy” has become my favorite horror comic, both for the captivating art and amazing story. It centers on a psychic girl named Yumi, an eerie living puppet named Paris, and the strange, deadly monsters they have to take down.

Art-wise, this is what really nailed it for me when I began reading. It’s absolutely beautiful, and bringing that skill set to a horror title—let’s just say it’s hard not to jump at the sound when my heater kicks on. The colors are a great blend of light and dark shades and the style flows like a living thing.

But it’s not just the art that sold me on it. Paris and Yumi’s mission to stop the her grandfather’s creations from committing wholesale slaughter brings a depth that goes beyond a normal horror tale. It’s not another ‘monster of the week’ kind of story. Each encounter brings something different, whether it’s Yumi coming to terms with her role or helping the spirit inhabit a haunted camera make peace with their past. There’s a lot of heart in this, which to me makes it stand apart from a lot of other stories.

You can check out The Dummy’s Dummy on both Webtoon and Tapas, and trust me, it’s a great read—just make sure the lights are on.

Citywide Comic Spotlight—Dark Spaces: Wildfire

Writer: Scott Snyder

Artist: Hayden Sherman

Publisher: IDW Publishing


I’m a big fan of Scott Snyder’s comics, so hearing that he was involved in this series is all I need to know.

Set during the historic Arroyo Fire, a crew of women from an inmate firefighting program are risking everything when a new recruit, a white-collar convict, discovers they’re mere miles from her crooked former boss’ mansion. She proposes they abandon their duties and hunt for riches under the cover of smoke and ash, a shot at a score that would change their lives…one way or another.

It was the cast of characters that hooked me the most. Snyder’s work has always featured a cast so real, you’d swear it’s a true story. Such is the case with “Wildfire.” The women in this firefighting unit have such reality and depth to them and it’s their struggle for a better life that really got to me. Even if they serve their sentences, what will await them afterward? But a score that could set them up for several lifetimes, who wouldn’t risk that?

The story had some great twists which I honestly didn’t see coming. I had intended to just read one issue and come back to it later, but before I knew it I had downloaded the entire series and was eagerly checking it out.

Alongside the gripping story is the artwork of Hayden Sherman. It’s downright trippy at times, and the mood of each scene really jumps off the page. Whether it’s looking back at each characters’ past, the time spent fighting the fire, or the more mellow scenes, I was really drawn in by Sherman’s art. He’s got a real gift for capturing the feelings portrayed by the story.

“Dark Spaces: Wildfire” is a real pleasure to read, and I plan to do so again. Something tells me that you will too.

Citywide Comic Spotlight: Life is Strange

Author: Emma Vieceli

Interior Art: Claudia Leonardi

Coloring: Andrea Izzo

Publisher: Titan Comics


As a longtime fan of the "Life is Strange" video game series, it was with great excitement that I began reading the comic that continues the story following one of two possible endings for the first game.

Chloe Price and Max Caulfield have been living a new life for the past year in Seattle, and their relationship has evolved into something more. Things are going pretty well--Max has stopped using her temporal powers and the two are finding their way in a city that I really hope to visit one day. Things take a turn when Max begins having visions of alternate realities which could have come to pass had she and Chloe made different choices.

Meanwhile, Arcadia Bay is being rebuilt through the “generosity” of the Nathan Prescott Foundation. Between these two developments and the timing, Chloe and Max decide to return to the town to see if they can get a handle on what’s happening. The visions begin getting worse, causing Max physical pain and even drawing Chloe in. Max soon learns that the visions are in fact alternate timelines created through the different plot points in the game’s story. In one, Chloe’s family is still alive and well; in another, Chloe died from a gunshot wound; in another, Max died in the same car crash that claimed Chloe’s dad.

The strain of these visions is tearing Max apart, and before tearfully bidding Chloe farewell, decides to leave her timeline for another one that’s more stable. Interestingly, this timeline has Rachel Amber alive and well and living with her girlfriend Chloe. A couple years later and Max is settling into her new life, but never forgetting the one she left behind, nor giving up on returning to it and her Chloe.

One of the strongest elements of LiS is its story and the comic’s is just as well done. Over the course of six volumes you’re immersed in a creative, deep world that drew me in from page 1. There’s all sorts of Easter Eggs with characters from the first two games (LiS and LiS: Before the Storm) making appearances, plus a wide array of new cast members to meet. This isn’t just the “Max and Chloe” story. Returning characters and newcomers each bring a lot to the table and contribute in their own way. Author Emma Vieceli clearly has a lot of love for the game and it shows throughout.

The art of Claudia Leonardi and Andrea Izzo evokes memories of my time in Boston. It has that indie-artist look to it, maintaining the feel of the game series while at the same time standing on its own. The detail in areas like Max’s favorite coffee shop, the apartment the three share or any of the many, many settings is beautifully done.

Even if you’re not a fan of the game, this series offers an engaging story of a journey to find your home….and the people that make it that way.

Citywide Comic Spotlight: Night Owls and Summer Skies

Author: Rebecca Sullivan (Twitter/Instagram)

Illustrator: TIKKLIL  (Twitter/Instagram)

Publisher: WEBTOON


Based on a book of the same name, I was quickly drawn in through main character Emma Jane, who’s left at Camp Mapplewood for the summer by her mom. Determined to get kicked out (through some hilarious plans), things change when she meets Assistant Camp Counselor Vivian Black, with whom she forms an unexpected bond.

The story, written by Rebecca Sullivan, has a mellow pace, which ties in well with the summer season. At the same time, there’s a lot to unpack and I found myself relating to some of the challenges. Emma, Vivian, and the rest of the cast all have a role, whether it’s goofy counselor, unexpected friend, or camp bully. It’s all realistic and I find myself choosing favorites pretty quickly. There’s some great hints as to different aspects of the characters’ lives and I hope we learn more as the story continues.

The artwork of TIKKLIL is really beautiful. Like the story, it’s got a chill vibe and the coloring is on point. Scenes are skillfully set, and the diversity of thought comes through with the characters.

This webcomic came up as a recommendation and I’m glad I decided to check it out. It’s a great read for those looking for an exciting, at times intense, love story.

“I Am The First” comic explores bullying and mental health alongside hope and being true to yourself

The recently-released comic series “I Am The First” is a powerful story that touches on subjects like bullying, grief, and even suicide. But there's another message as well—that hope is still out there. The comic is the brainchild of author Jeremy Flagg and working with illustrator Amanda Kahl, they have created a story that has resonated with readers in a number of ways.

In small-town Maine, standing out in a crowd can be dangerous. Alec hasn't had an easy life. After his father died, his mother married Don to help make ends meet. What she didn't know, her second husband would turn into an alcoholic leech. Worst yet, his drunken rages are directed at Alec, the son he never wanted.

To make mattes worse, Alec has a secret even he doesn't understand.

Then there's Roxanne, a friendship that fell apart as Alec struggled to cope with the death of his father. Despite the walls he's erected to shield himself from the outside world, Roxanne is determined to be more than a sidekick in his life. So when the comic book aficionado discovers her friend has gifts beyond the average lanky-teenage boy, she is determined to teach him what it means to be a hero.

In this interview, Remy and Amanda talk about how they came to work together on this project. Amanda dives into the process of creating the visuals while Remy shares the challenges of being a novelist and writing something where brevity is they key. We talk about the different messages behind the series and the response they've gotten from readers. The series is currently in issue 2, with the third to be released later this summer.

Rich Woodall talks the state of indie comics and epic horror tales

It was last November at the Rhode Island Comic-Con that I met comic writer and artist Rich Woodall. After a little schedule tag, we got the chance to talk all things comics. Rich's resume in the field is lengthy, and includes working on major titles such as Savage Dragon and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles as well as his many indie creations.

In this episode, Rich and I talk about his work as co-publisher of Black Caravan. An imprint of Scout Comics, Black Caravan publishes horror and sci-fi comics, and we look at the various titles they have out and what is planned for the near future. Rich shares his origins in the comics industry, how he met the folks that gave him his start and the many amazing people he's worked with over the years.

Arechan is back with a brand new series, “Senorita Cometa”

BONUS TRACK: Constellation Myths are back with a great cover of “Young Lions”

This interview is one that I've been looking forward awhile now. Why? Because web comic creator Arechan has announced her new series, “Senorita Cometa!” This comic will be available only on Webtoon on March 25, and I am here for it!

This comic takes a much darker turn, with main character Alex investigating the disappearance of her friend. This story touches on the real-life situation in Mexico, where organized crime runs rampant in some areas, and authorities having little or no means to stop them. Arechan shares some of her experiences with this and how it influenced certain scenes. We also talk about the challenges she faced writing such a serious story after recently completing the light-hearted romance series “LUFF.”

We also talk about the main characters—Alex, the hero of the series, along with Detective Puig, and Adalmundo. Each has a great story behind them, with Arechan's husband being the mind behind Adalmundo.



After this interview, I am joined by the band Constellation Myths, who will be releasing their rendition of “Young Lions,” one of their favorite Constantines songs from the 2003 album “Shine a Light.” We do a deep dive into their version of the song, which is far different from the original, and the origin of their cool, laid-back country tune.

As this episode wraps up, enjoy Constellation Myths' “Young Lions” and be sure to get your copy when it drops on March 18.

Jason Loo shares the origins of “The All-Nighter,” winning awards, and working with Marvel

I'm very excited to welcome back comic artist and creator Jason Loo to look at the ComiXology Originals series “The All-Nighter.” The series is now complete and will be available in print on March 16.

Main character Alex is bored—flipping burgers for strangers all night is no way for a vampire to live. But he and his fellow vampires Joy, Cynthia, and Ian have agreed to blend into human society. Inspired by superhero movies, one of few passions in his un-life, Alex decides to don a cape and start fighting bad guys. But his decision will have bigger consequences than he realizes—for himself and for everyone he wants to protect.

Jason and I talk about the origin of the series and working with co-creator Chip Zdarsky, with whom Jason worked with for “Afterlift,” another ComiXology Originals title. That project went on to win the Eisner Award, and Jason shares the experience at winning one of the biggest awards in the comics industry.

Marvel is one of the many companies that Jason has worked with, and he talks about getting to do the art for some of his favorite titles. His life is a busy one, with a day job on top of his comics projects and gives some insight into how to balance such a busy schedule.

Christopher Sebela shares character designs and worldbuilding for “.Self” comic

BONUS TRACK-Sal Abbinanti releases his cult classic Atomika: God is Red” in omnibus format

It's a dual-comic episode! First up is four-time Eisner-nominated writer, designer, and publisher Christopher Sebela to talk about his newest series, “.Self,” which you can only find on comiXology Originals.

In .Self, Natalie Winters seems to have a perfect life. But when her Postscript account is hacked, Natalie’s backup files are torrented online and people begin making bootleg copies of her. We talk about Natalie's role, the perception of a perfect life and why she's so determined to get it back. Chris also talks about the character-building process and the different personalities he's created in the many titles he's worked on.

Chris also has a Kickstarter for a new title, “Foulbrood” which has him working once again with artist Claire Roe and we talk about the real-life news story that served as inspiration for a series that explores bees, crime and the intersection of bees and crime.

 After that, I welcome back Artist Sal Abbinanti to talk about the upcoming release of the omnibus edition of his classic title “Atomika: God is Red.” He also has a Kickstarter going that runs until Dec. 2. It's already well past its $25,000 goal and we talk about that and the vast list of artists that are contributing to this new edition.

Sal dives into the history of the title and all the challenges he faced when trying to get it published. We talk about the story and the research that went into building it.

Cheer Up! creators talk real-life character connections and lessons to be found

I recently had the chance to check out “Cheer Up! Love and Pompoms,” available through Oni Press. The story, it's true-to-life characters and the world behind them were such an immediate draw that I read it three times.

Annie is a smart, antisocial lesbian starting her senior year of high school who’s under pressure to join the cheerleading squad to make friends and round out her college applications. Her former friend Bebe is a people-pleaser, a trans girl who must keep her parents happy with her grades and social life in order to maintain their support of her transition.

In this episode, Writer Crystal Frasier and Artist Val Wise share their experiences working together for the first time. We take a long look at the characters of Bebe and Annie, how their friendship deepens throughout the book and what each brings to the overall story. We talk about transgender characters in comics and how this has changed in recent years as well as Aunty Jen, to whom the book is dedicated.

Frank Barbiere walks us through some “Astonishing Times”

What if you lived in a world full of superheroes? Would you be amazed every day to see people who can perform impossible feats or would they just be part of the landscape? In this episode, “Astonishing Times” co-writer and co-creator Frank Barbiere joins me to talk all about this new five-part series, which you can only get at comiXology Originals.

Noah Sans, a young reporter living in the shadow of his father, lives in a world full of superheroes—but no one seems to care. After a world changing event called The Cataclysm, people moved on, and now heroes are old news. But when Noah begins investigating a mysterious murder, he comes face to face with his most revered heroes and is forced to confront a secret past that could change the world forever.

We talk about Noah's character and his perspective on the world of heroes and himself, especially when compared to his father, a journalist who was friends with the greatest heroes. We look at the world creation and how he and co-writer Arris Quinones crafted the cast.

Frank also talks about working with Arris, who is no stranger to the world of comics (he's the host of YouTube's Variant) but newer to writing them. We also look at the rest of the team and brilliant work they did bringing this idea to life.

Barry Windsor-Smith’s graphic novel MONSTERS is on sale from Fantagraphics

Over three decades in the making, the graphic novel MONSTERS by legendary comics artist Barry Windsor-Smith is a 360-page tour de force of visual storytelling. Best known for drawing the Conan series of the ’70s and creating several independent comic series of the ’90s — including Young Gods and The Paradox-Man — Windsor-Smith is now releasing his first major work since The Freebooters (2005).

Set in a timeline spanning the 1940s to the ’60s, Monsters centers around young Bobby Bailey, a naïve, emotionally fraught young man with a tragic destiny. The day he walks into a US military recruitment office, little does he know that he will become the subject of a top secret, experimental genetics program with loathsome Nazi origins. Thus kicks off a dizzying chain of cascading events that spin out of everyone’s control as friends, foes, and others are swept into his orbit and must grapple with the earth-shattering ramifications of what this unholy experiment has wrought. As the titular monsters of the title multiply, becoming real and metaphorical, literal and ironic, the story reaches its emotional and moral reckoning.

“After putting so much time and investing so much creative energy in this project,” says Windsor-Smith, “I’m pleased that it’s finally being published.”

“I’ve known Barry for over 50 years now, so publishing his biggest and most artistically mature work to date is a personal and professional milestone for me,” said Fantagraphics publisher Gary Groth. “I’m grateful that he’s entrusted this important work to us.”

Monsters’ vast narrative canvas is part familial drama, part espionage thriller, part metaphysical journey — in sum, an intimate portrait of individuals and an epic political odyssey spanning two generations of American history. Trauma, fate, conscience, and redemption are a few of the themes that intersect in Windsor-Smith’s Monsters. Rendered in Windsor-Smith’s impeccable pen-and-ink technique, this graphic novel is surely one of the most intense and gripping works of visual storytelling ever drawn.

Here’s what people are saying about MONSTERS:

“Barry Windsor-Smith has for over three decades been working on Monsters. Almost twenty years ago I read an unfinished version and was shocked and astonished at the power and delicacy of the storytelling, by the honesty of the family relationships, by the feeling that this was being created by someone willing to reveal too much and go too deep in order to tell the story he had to tell. That it is completed and that it will be released to the world is something that's genuinely exciting for any of us who care about comics, or stories, or the place where art and imagination meet.”― Neil Gaiman, New York Times bestselling author

“Any time Barry Windsor-Smith decides to put pen to paper, it's worth paying attention, but the publication of Monsters feels especially momentous even when you consider his illustrious career. ... Barry Windsor-Smith remains a master of the form, and Monsters is proof.”― Syfy Wire

“This exquisitely illustrated epic bursts with emotion, insight, and empathy. Five decades into his already influential career, Windsor-Smith has created his magnum opus.”― Library Journal (starred review)

“Consummate craftsman Barry Windsor-Smith presents an epic tale of love, horror, revenge, and redemption in his outstanding graphic novel. ...Years in the making, Monsters is a graphic narrative masterpiece and a haunting examination of the lingering effects of evil.”― Foreword Magazine (starred review)

“The illustrations are in black and white and finely detailed, with shadows enhancing an ominous tone, and readers of political and supernatural thrillers, sf, and historical fiction with a vein of forbidden love will all enjoy this book.”― Booklist

“Deeply disturbing and frequently beautiful.”― Publishers Weekly

For more info, follow: 

Fantagraphics on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.

Arechan's back on Citywide to discuss the final episodes of LUFF

Arechan returns to discuss the final episode of her amazing LUFF series on Webtoon. This one is full of spoilers as we go in-depth on the final episodes. We talk about the story's conclusion and what it means for the cast, just what happens to them following the conclusion of LUFF, and perhaps most importantly, which guy was the perfect match for Beatriz Torres. We also look at the song “Someone Else's Deam” by Absofacto, which was used in the final episode. 

Arechan and I also look at the meaning behind the series and the message that she hopes all the readers took away once LUFF concluded. She talks about the different directions that the story went in and how she planned it all out. She also talks a bit about some other ideas she's hoping to begin work on.

It's no secret that Arechan and LUFF have a slew of fans, and for this episode, we asked them what they'd like to know. The response was tremendous, as around 100 people posted questions to Instagram and Twitter. These include whether Beatriz, Daniel, and Julian enter into a polygamous relationship, the mixture of the romance side of the story with the political, and what led to her to pursue webcomics in the first place.

Stone Star's second season brings the comic to new heights in art and story

It was a year and a half ago when I talked with writer Jim Zub about the ComiXology Originals series Stone Star. A month ago, the second season began and Jim and artist Max Dunbar join me to talk about what we can expect from the story and the many characters.

Jim provides insight into some of the major plot points of Season 1 and how they'll factor into the new season. He also talks about what it means to have a creator-owned series and the directions the team has been able to go with it.

Max and I talk about the unique art of Stone Star, which features some amazing creature designs and landscapes. Max dives into the process behind his work, and some of the more fun aliens he got to make.

Of course, comic-cons have been among the many casualties of 2020, and Max, Jim, and I share some stories from past cons and offer some tips for up and coming artists who want to take advantage of the networking opportunity that these events provide.

Big thanks goes out to Superfan Promotions for arranging the interview. And if you're not already doing so, subscribe to ComiXology Originals for $5.99 a month to get access to thousands of digital comics from companies such as Marvel, DC, Image, Boom Studios, and much, much more.

Planet DIVOC-91 takes an in-depth look at life in a pandemic

Planet DIVOC-91, a nine-part series from Webtoon, is an offbeat sci-fi satire about a pandemic outbreak in the far reaches of outer space. But the story goes way beyond that. Each chapter features the work of a different creative team and cover artist and is interspersed with short articles, links to videos, and other pieces of art by young adults about issues related to COVID-19, and mixes from world renowned DJs and Producers.

Writer Sara Kenney (who wrote the first part and laid the groundwork for the series) and artist Nick Brokenshire (who drew the second part) join me to talk about the creative process and the different directions aspects of the pandemic that get examined.