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: 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'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.

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.

Rhode Island Comic-Con, Episode 1

In the first episode of Citywide's coverage of Rhode Island Comic-Con, I open the show with Jane Lei, creator of the popular webcomics Pigeon Gazette and Genji Cat. Jane talks about how these comics came to be, where the inspiration comes from, and how she powers through events like the RICC.

Cosplayer Dezcreepcore and I spoke at last fall's Keystone Comic-Con, and this weekend we got to catch up on what she's been up to, new cosplays that she's done, and the work it takes to make it into a career.

Michael Terracciano, the writer behind the Star Power comic series, is another familiar face, whom I spoke to in January. He and I talk about the upcoming volume five of the series, as well as some of the conventions he and artist Garth Graham will be appearing at.

The character of Vortex Man has become something of a staple at conventions in the New England area, with that larger than life green statue and a booth that commands attention. We take a deep dive into the character's history, the series' immense cast, and the goal of encouraging a positive change in people's environmental actions.

It wouldn't be a comic-con without some gaming, and so this episode is closing with Clark Huggins, co-creator of the Reckless Deck card game. In this game, you make the hero—literally. By choosing a combination of characteristics, including weapons, items, and abilities, you craft a unique individual that is brought to life through your story.


 

Review Roundup, Edition 6

Third Shift Society

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. 

Webcomics
Third Shift Society
One of the newest comics to come from Webtoon, this series is focused on Ellie, a young woman who’s hitting a lot of walls. She’s lost her job, is practically broke, and has no options. Oh, and she has magic powers. That’s there too.

Ellie runs afoul of a demon and Ichabod, a ghost hunter with a pumpkin for a head who offers her a job, assisting him with her newfound abilities. This series has writing that’s funny as hell and some amazing artwork. I eagerly look forward to Fridays when the new episodes are posted.



Music
The Cast Irons—The Longest Night
The new release from this Boston-based quartet, The Longest Night is a great blend of folk and rock, with a profound power that hits you on the first track. I’d love to see these guys live, and I think that’s how you know that an album is great, that it drives you to seek out the band’s next show.



Babymetal—Shanti Shanti Shanti
I may get some flack for this, as this female-fronted metal band from Japan seems some sort of sin to “true metalheads.” But fuck those clowns, this is my review and I love this band. The newest release has what we’ve all come to love about this band—intensity times 10, fast-paced music, and extremely catchy songs. I listened to this one three times without realizing it.



Anime
My Hero Academia
I’ve given this one awhile before I saw down to review it. It’s by no means a new series or that unknown, and I can see why. In the world that this show’s based in, most people have a superpower or “Quirk,” all except one guy, Izuku Midoriya. But this doesn’t stop him from dreaming of the day when he can finally be one. When his hero, All Might, sees Izuku try to take down a powerful villain, he gifts the young man with his ability, and makes his dream come true.

This series was an instant hit for me, and if you’re a comic fan, odds are it will be with you too. The animation is amazing and the voice acting is perfect for each character. It’s well-paced and there are no filler characters—each one brings something different to the table and justifies their presence. Though it runs pretty long, trust me, it is worth the investment of your time.



Books
“Where Weavers Daire,” by R.K. Bentley
A book where science and magic exist side by side? Sign me the hell up! This one reminded me of the anime series Outlaw Star, but R.K. Has made a story all his own here. A salvage hauler, a necromancer, and a weaver [think magi] are all in a race to the grand New Year festivities that effects everyone. This story is really well-written, and R.K. Has clearly given this one time to be fleshed out before he began writing. The result is a clever, quirky, and exciting sci-fi and fantasy blend that had be hooked in the first chapter

July 16, 2019: Marty Thornley/BADD and KB/Firebrand

To kick things off, I'm chatting with Erika Lewis, co-creator and co-writer of the Webtoon series Firebrand, now in its second season. This magic-themed story has seen strong reviews and responses from fans, and we talk about that as well as what happens in the new season (but no spoilers!). Erika introduces us to the team behind it and what has made this project a success.

Up next is author Marty Thornley for his book “Painless.” The book is about a new surgical procedure that can eliminate pain, but comes with unexpected psychological side effects. Written originally as a screenplay, Marty talks about how he transitioned this to a book format. He also talks about the science behind the book and personal experiences that led him to write it.

Ending this week's episode is B.A.D.D., an old friend of the show, joined by fellow rapper KB. We talk about the new promotional business that the two started, Daniel Promotes, and how they're bringing a fresh perspective to working with local businesses. The two also share their take on the current Boston hip-hop scene and who they see as the rising stars.

Playlist (In order of airing)

Adam Lanceley –Are You More


The Impersonators—Broken Snow


B.A.D.D. And Prezidential Grown—Yawkey Way


B.A.D.D.—Feel Like HOV

April 2, 2019: Kitty Game/Amrit Ghatore/Naomi Westwater

Amrit Ghatore

Opening this week's podcast, I talk to the husband and wife comic-creating team of Comfort and Adam. I interviewed them a couple months ago for their comic “Rainbow in the Dark,” and this time, we look at their cat-inspired title “Kitty Game.” Based in part on their cat Obi-Wan, this comic follows and adventures of Marty the cat as he traverses lands of science fiction, fantasy, and action.

London-based musician Amrit Ghatore has a new music video out for his song, “It's OK.” This video includes a detailed battle scene that Amrit helped to choreograph, and we talk about the work that went into it. In addition to his work as a musician, Amrit is a model and actor and he tells us how he balances these various aspects of his career.

Naomi Westwater

Boston-based artist Naomi Westwater closes out this week's show with a look at her life as a modern mystic, how it's changed her life and factoring it into her music. She's got a new album out, “Huntress: from dark to light,” inspired by the Roman Goddess of the hunt and moon, Diana. Naomi talks about the many sides to a huntress, both positive and negative. 

And for new music, I bring you “Flowers on the Moon,” from Stereo in Solo, from a new album by Thierry Noritop, a member of the French synth pop duo Stereo.

Webcomic Review: Rainbow in the Dark

I'm fairly new to the world of webcomics, and lately I've been spending a lot of time perusing the titles on the Webtoon app (which, by the way, is totally free). One day I came across the comic Rainbow in the Dark, from the husband and wife team of Comfort and Adam. I was instantly captivated by the gorgeous art, and as time went on, by the unique, hilarious, and inspiring characters.

In the world of RITD, humanity is trapped by a force called The Gloom, the creation of the Veratu, which holds the human race in a world where everything is predictable, safe, and boring. There's literally no color to speak of, and thus, humanity plods along, safe and comfortable in their endless routines. Enter Donna White, a young woman who knows she doesn't fit in, but can't quite say how—until one day she sees a colorful band of rebels driving down the street battling giant monsters. She's dragged along for the ride and finds out for the first time what it means to have real hope and love in her life.

The story of RITD focuses on the rebels, a sort of “free people” that escaped The Gloom and now live their lives on their own terms. Life is unpredictable, far from secure, and that's the way they love it! Their choices are their own, and that's all they want to give the world: the ability to make their own choices, right or wrong.

As I mentioned earlier, the art in this comic is astounding. The colors are vibrant and alive, and those still trapped in The Gloom are cast in shades of grey, seemingly devoid of any real joy. Action scenes are brilliantly drawn, but whether you're seeing a quiet sunrise or giant monster throwdowns, each frame is a pleasure to view.

Each character has something different, from the devil-may-care bravado of Raina, to the cool spiritual wise man Luke, or the paternal stoicism of Jackson. Donna's journey to find her true self is a wonder to watch, and we get to see each twist and turn. We can relate to some, or all of these folks, and it's clear that the creators spent a lot of time delving into their minds to make them who they are.

RITD has an engaging story, visuals rarely seen, and a cast that will capture your heart and keep you reading right up until the end.