Comic Spotlight: Erma

Creator: Brandon Santiago

Publisher: Webtoon and Tapas


To be honest, I’m a little surprised it took me this long to write about this comic. I mean, it’s only one of my favorite comics of all time! Anyway….

Written and drawn by Outcast Comics, “Erma” is centered around the adventures of, well, Erma. She’s a young child, has a lot of friends and a mom and dad that think the world of her. Nothing else. Nope. Nothing more to it.

Oh, and she’s a half human/half yokai. And her mom’s a yokai. And her mom’s entire family are supernatural beings as well. Oh, and Erma can fly, phase through walls, has telekinesis and her hair can take on all kinds of shapes. Yep, just a normal, everyday kid.

What drew me to this comic in the first place was the humor. It’s incredibly hilarious, woven well into the story, and balanced well by the more dramatic moments. The comic’s been around for some time and there are a slew of story arc, from the time Erma and friends found a race of talking rat-people (one of whom is among said friends) to the time she met her demonic family and her dark side was awakened. Yeah, there’s a lot to see and the pacing is such that each episode has a lot to discover.

The rest of the cast brings a lot to the table. Sam and Emiko Williams, her parents, help guide Erma through this wild thing called life in a world that isn’t quite ready for her. Felicia, Erma’s babysitter, is in my opinion part of some of the best storylines, and I love how she isn’t phased in the slightest that the kid she watches over is more of less the ghost from The Ring. Then there’s Siris, Erma's undead pet dog who is the reincarnation of Osiris. Really, we’re just scratching the surface here. Like I said, there’s a lot to the series.


The art here is amazing. Well-detailed, Brandon puts a lot into each scene, whether that’s the sights around their hometown, the varied members of the family, or the incredibly horrifying scenes when Erma lets loose. Trust me, it’s not something to miss.

All in all, this one gets the highest marks from me. It’s a lot to read, but after a few episodes, I doubt you’ll complain.

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.

Comic Spotlight: The Killing Vote

Creators: Eom Seyun and Jung Ipum

Publisher: Tapas


It’s no shock that the justice system is broken and all too often people that we all know are guilty as sin get off on technicalities. But what would the public do if given the chance to give these people the punishment they deserve? That’s the concept of this amazing crime thriller on the webcomic app Tapas.

Gaetal, a mysterious figure in an ominous mask, broadcasts a message to the nation: vote on whether or not to kill a criminal who managed to dodge a conviction. Surprise, surprise, they opt for the killing vote.

The police, led by Detective Joo Hyuk, are faced with an opponent who seems to be well ahead of them. Joo is a very “by the book” type of detective, and doesn’t support this type of vigilante justice,but struggles against the reality that so many apparently do.

I loved the writing in this comic and the “what-if” aspect to this story. It’s an interesting question posed to the reader, as we’ve likely all found ourselves wishing that someone could get the justice that the system failed to deliver. How would I vote? Honestly, part of me is afraid to be given that choice. I think it’s a “slippery slope” type of situation. If I were to vote to kill one person, how would I vote on the next? Or the one after that?

The action is fast-paced and exciting. In one scene, a criminal has a bomb strapped to their chest, with a timer counting down and a promise that if it’s tampered with….BOOM. Joo figures that this vigilante won’t set it off and stays with their victim, but will this pay off? You gotta read to find out.

The characters are well thought-out, and beyond just Joo and Gaetal, we have a well-rounded cast, many of whom continue the discussion on whether this type of justice is justice at all. In particular is Joo’s sister, who seems to have an internal battle over this question.

Gaetal is a great character, though not much is known about them. I’m really looking forward to the big reveal, if there is one planned. One sense I have from the creators is this isn’t their first time behind the keyboard. There’s a definite feeling of experience on their part.

Overall, this is an amazing story and the cliffhanger endings are very well done. I highly recommend for any mystery fan.

Citywide Comic Spotlight: Ryder

Creator: Austen Marie

Publisher: Tapas Media


If you asked me to choose my favorite webcomic of 2021 (please don’t, there’s too many options), “Ryder” would have to be among my picks. The titular character is a songwriter living the artist life in Los Angeles. When a mysterious woman leads her to a world of the supernatural, Ryder finds herself in a place that, for the first time, makes her feel like she’s finally home.

It was the art that first drew me in, but this series is far more than just amazing illustrations. The story of Ryder and her dreams of musical stardom is easily relatable, and there is much more to come. In the aforementioned supernatural world, she meets some unforgettable characters, including Landon Moon, a musician from (she thought) the human world that she’s a diehard fan of, along with Blithe, who’d also an artist with a complicated past.

The story touches on some serious topics, including relationships, mental health, and what it means to be truly happy. I really liked this aspect of the writing, and imagine some real-life elements have been woven into the story—it just seems the writer has a lot to say on these topics.

At the same time, there’s laughs aplenty, whether it’s Landon learning of the fan-fiction Ryder wrote about him or her conversations with Blithe as they discuss the rules of the supernatural world and explore a growing relationship. There’s a lot of depth here and the length of each episode means we get plenty of time to explore without feeling rushed.

But back to the art, which is absolutely stellar. The use of color is extraordinary, and really brings the story to vivid life, from the clothes to the buildings to the lighting. The scenes for the shows are very detailed and reminded me a lot of my time living in Boston. These scenes are among my favorite. I especially liked the varied outfits the characters wore, with each matching their personality.

The series appears to be taking a break. Whenever it comes back, you can bet I’ll be ready!

Citywide Comic Spotlight: The Prep and the Goth

Creator: Loree Jon

Publisher: Webtoon, Tapas or Instagram

A prep and a goth meet while at school and immediately dislike each other, becoming lifelong adversaries. 

Well, that’s how it normally goes, but not so with “The Prep and the Goth.” The prep, Cassidy and the goth, Valerie, do meet at school, but instead of adhering to stereotypes, they find common ground and form a deep and lasting friendship. 

I first saw this on the creator’s Instagram and immediately liked what I saw. One thing which makes this series stand so strongly is the depth of the characters. Yes, Cassidy is a prep and Valerie is a goth, but the two look beyond both surfaces and find they have a lot in common, whether it’s music or movies or just enjoying one another’s company. 

Both also help each other grow, such as when Valerie begins tutoring Cassidy in math (I could have used a friend like that!) or when Cassidy tells Valerie how pretty she is, a compliment apparently heard for the first time. 

One word to describe this series is “healthy.” Valerie and Cassidy have a great friendship and I love seeing it grow in each episode. The humor is great and genuine. One thing I got is that the connection just happens—there’s no “explanation episode” where they have to defend or define who they are. It’s like they already know there’s more beneath the surface and I really like it.

The art is really good. The expressions of the characters is what stood out to me and I’m getting a lot from the interactions of the cast. Cassidy and Valerie’s clothes definitely stick to what we expect butin the end, it’s just what they like to wear, not who they are.

In all, “The Prep and the Goth” has a lot to offer and I look forward to seeing what comes next. 

Lackadaisy makes the jump from comic to animated pilot

I’ve been a longtime fan of the Lackadaisy webcomic, so when I heard it had been adapted into an animated pilot, my only question was “How do I see it!!” The pilot, around 23 minutes long, is a superb creation with stunning animation (Don Bluth’s movies came to mind), brilliant music and some of the best voice work I’ve heard in awhile. I’m sincerely hoping that more episodes get released.

Joining me for this episode is Comic Creator Tracy Butler, Director Fable Siegel, and 3-D Layout Artist Zachary Nall. We talk about how this pilot came to be and the adjustment to the story. Tracy and Fable share how they met and the collaboration process. Zachary goes into about the different challenges of animating a series set in the 1920s and we dive into the extensive research needed for everything from trash bags to firearms.

But this show wouldn’t be complete without the sounds. We also talk about the exceptional music done by Sepiatonic and the diverse and talented voice crew that brought this fantastic cast of characters to life. And of course, we look at what’s next for the series, both comic and animated.

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.

“Let’s Play” jumps into the videogame world with “Everdate”

I’ve been a longtime fan of the webcomic “Let’s Play,” so when I heard that it was being adapted into a dating game called “Everdate,” I had to learn more. 

Series creator Mongie (Leeanne Krecic) and I talk about how the goal of getting into gaming and working with Always Imagine to make it happen. We dive into how the game will be played and the creative approach they’ve taken.

Players will be able to play as one of 12 canonical characters and interact with other characters throughout the world. 

This game mode will be handled like most popular dating simulation games, with information shared between characters that may be vital in contributing to a successful date. Fans of the series will love getting to spend more time with their favorite characters, and we look at how their different personalities come through.

There’s a Kickstarter going on until March 16, and Mongie shares the different tiers, how it feels to well exceed the original goal and how this success will impact the final product.

  

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.

Arechan takes us on a tour of the world of LUFF

I've been looking forward to this one for awhile! Arechan—writer/artist behind the Webtoon title LUFF—joins me to give listeners a tour of the world behind this amazing comic. We talk about the worldbuilding that went into it, including the LUFF system and how it becomes such a central force that influences all aspects of people's lives. We go into the characters, Daniel, Julian, and Beatriz, and how they've changed over the course of 89 episodes.

Review Roundup, Edition 4

Editor's Note: This is a weekly collection of mini-reviews of music, books, comics, movies, and more that I've enjoyed. Unless indicated, no one has requested a review, but I am open to submissions or suggestions, which can be sent to citywidemax@yahoo.com. 

Anime
Cannon Busters
At the time of this writing I'm four episodes into this new Netflix anime series and it's already got me hooked. For fellow anime lovers, this one reminded me a lot of series like Cowboy Bebop, Outlaw Star, and Samurai Champloo. The writing is funny as hell, the characters are endearing in different ways, and the plot is pretty decent. I loved both the opening and ending themes, and I'll definitely be watching this one through to the end.


Web Series
Let's Play
I'm a huge, huge fan of the Webtoon comic, so when I heard that it had been adapted for an animated series on YouTube, I had to watch it. I was absolutely blown away! Each episode is roughly five minutes long, and a lot of story is packed into each one, but not so much that it's hard to watch.
The voices for the characters are spot on to what I thought they'd sound like, and getting to see them brought to life in this new medium has been so much fun. The animation is really high-quality and I'm looking forward to more episodes.


Music 
Lina Cooper—A Good Year
I was contacted by this Boston-based artist, and wanting to learn more about her, decided to check out her music. This is her first single, and before I knew it had listened to the rest of her music. Lina has a strong vocal presence, but not forced. It's a voice you can't ignore, and if I were in a loud club and she began singing, I can imagine stopping mid-sentence to hear. On this track she's joined by Misha Bogomolov—with whom she wrote the song—and he's an equally intense singer. The two work really well together, and I dare you to only listen once.


Comics
Star Power
I picked this one up on an internal dare at the Rhode Island Comic-Con and am so glad I did! The story follows Danica Maris, who is chosen to wield the Star Power, a force to be wielded to protect the galaxy. Now, Danica is far from ready to take on all the baddies in the universe, and one of the things I liked was watching her deal with the pressure of this new role.
The artwork is beautiful and the many characters really add a lot to the series. The bad guys are really bad, and those on Danica's side also bring a lot to the table. I've only read the first trade, but that is going to change very soon.


Ghosts Among the Wildflowers
I just read this series for the second time, so I thought it'd be appropriate to include it in this week's Roundup. The series follows an unlikely group of friends as they search for the Ghost Treasure, a legendary treasure that is said to be able to grant any wish. I loved this one from the first episode. The characters are such a wide, funky range of personalities, from the jivin' Gelly and loveably hyper Milly to Victoria, whose stern demeanor hides a good heart (though she'll never admit it!).
The artwork is vibrant, flowing, and so colorful that it's hard to top. As mentioned, I've read this twice, and see a third in the near future.

Review Roundup, Edition 1

Editor's Note: This is the first of what I hope to be a weekly collection of mini-reviews of music, books, comics, movies, and more that I've enjoyed. Not everything here is new, but it may be new to you, and I hope you check out the work, which can be found via the links included.
Unless indicated, no one has requested a review, but I am open to submissions or suggestions, which can be sent to citywidemax@yahoo.com. 

Music

Maddy Roop—“Rings”
Boston-based singer-songwriter Maddy Roop's debut album collects three years' worth of work into a powerful volume. A great blend of rock styles, this one is raw, powerful, and shows great potential for future albums.


Poni Capri—Dark Candy
I'm not as deep in the rap genre as some, but I've heard enough to know what I like, and I really like this new EP from London-born, now Atlanta-based Poni Capri. It's an intense, powerful album that touches on her early years, from her time in the world of drugs and gangs to now making her mark in the world of music and modeling. “Rich Sex” is my favorite off this album, and I look forward to what comes next.

Comics

Girls Have a Blog
This comedic slice-of-life Webtoon series has been a favorite of mine for some time. It follows Tara and Sara through their journey to find a career as comic creators, but it covers a lot more than that. From hilarious boyfriend encounters to confronting very real depression and emotional obstacles, this one delves deep into the lives of these two young creators. There's something new to discover each time you read it, and odds are I'll jump back in again sometime soon.


Giant Days
This may get a longer review down the road, but I had to include this in the first edition. I found this comic—available through Boom! Studios—almost by accident, but what a happy accident it is! Set in a university in Sheffield, England, this slice-of-life comic is centered on the adventures, hijinks, and pitfalls of best friends Esther, Daisy, and Susan. This comic has a rich, complex story that drew me in from the very beginning.

As of this time, I've read the first 10 trades....twice. That's how great it is. The characters are all so fleshed out and nuanced that it's easy to identify with each and their stories have been a blast to explore. I think the only downside is that someday, it's got to come to a close.

Audiobooks

Of Blood and Bone
This is the second volume of the “Chronicles Of The One” series by Nora Roberts. Narrated by Julia Whelan, this follows “Year One,” an apocalyptic tale where a mystical curse called The Doom wipes out one third of the planet's population and ignites an age of magic. The second book focuses on Fallon Swift, known as The One and charged with a task of setting the world right and beating back a fate even worse than The Doom.

Whelan does an absolutely superb job in this audiobook [she also narrated “Year One”]. From the storytelling to the voices of the large cast, the story was a delight to hear, and it's clear that she is both talented and a big fan of Roberts' work.

Music Videos

Genie Santiago—Spirit Party
"Spirit Party" is the first single off of Genie Santiago's upcoming album, and if this song [and the video] are any indication of the final product, there's a lot to look forward to.

The video [shot in black and white, which I loved] looks to be 'a day in the life of Genie.' It begins with her morning meditation, goes to a meeting with a friend, hitting the recording studio, and driving through Boston. Having interviewed Genie before, I've seen her as a fairly open person, and this video reflects that. Nothing is held back, and perspective is that of being along for the journey. The videography by Alex Cole is clear, concise, and well put together, and Mertz does a great job with the production and engineering.