Citywide Comic Spotlight: Reveal Out!

Creator: Treasure

Assisted By: Hinahina Gray and Caribo

Publisher: Webtoon

Ever wish you could go back and live those milestone years of your youth all over again? This amazing Webtoon series gives the main character Eeden the chance to do just that, and the results are a blend of hilarious and deeply emotional.

Eeden is living a life with a fair amount of regret—her art career is going nowhere, she’s been evicted from her apartment, and the woman she loves doesn’t even know it. Eeden is clearly hurting, and along with her choices, it seem a lot of that stems from her father, who never accepted that his daughter is gay. Long story short—nothing is going right.

All that changes when Eeden wakes up one morning to find herself years in the past—all the way to her first days of college. All of a sudden, she has the perfect chance to do things all over again, and do them right! But can things work out, even knowing how it all goes?

It’s the story that really captured my interest. When I found this series, it was five episodes in, and before I knew it I had read them all. That’s how much I was drawn in. Eeden’s character really captures that desire for a ‘do-over.’ I think we’ve all been there, and I found myself reflected in her desire for a second chance.

Art-wise, I really dig the style. Given that Eeden is an artist herself, I saw the technique as someone inspired by the greats, but eager to put their own twist on things. Above all else, the method of conveying emotion is really on point.

This story brings a lot of depth, emotion, and the twists keep you waiting for the new episode. Highly recommended.

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.

  

Take a tour of The City….just watch your back

 It’s comics time! Lately I’ve been reading the new series “The City,” and after checking out the first two issues, Writer David Choi and I sit down to delve into his debut title. 

We talk about the gang war that has engulfed the city and the folks responsible, Jericho, K, and Comox, and the role that each plays.

David talks about how he met Illustrator Dicky Siregar and Colorist Dave Praetorius and what led them to take “The City” from concept to published product. 

But publishing is just part of the process! What follows is the hustle to get each copy into the reader’s hands. If you’ve seen the comic’s Instagram, you know that hustle is real and David shares some of the different ways he’s been getting the word out.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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 2

Editor's Note: This 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 
Nordic Daughter—The One
The latest release from Nordic Daughter blends incredible drumming, stellar violin, and beautiful vocals to take the listener on a wonderfully melodic trip, the kind you'll want to repeat. The violin is downright surgical, standing out amidst the strong rock notes, but not so much that it buries the rest.

“Born to Be a Valkyrie” is without a doubt my favorite. Listening to this, I see a grand battle unfold, with warriors of legend striding across the field, weapons held high as they meet their foes. If you're a fan of Celtic rock, or are just looking for something walking a different step, this one's for you.


Separate Charm—Me Time
Country's a genre that I've only recently gotten into, but this duo of Melissa Ramski and Lizzie Miller have me very curious to explore it some more. This new single is a powerhouse tune, moving smoothly from the quiet opening to a punchy tempo. This song is catchy as hell, speaking to getting out of the normal rut and having some fun. In a world where it's become easier to work your life away, some Me Time is something we could all use more of.


Audiobooks
Alien III—An Audible Original Drama
I'm a big fan of the film series, and when I heard of this recent release, which brings William Gibson's uncovered Alien III script to life, I knew I had to get it. Alongside a full cast, Michael Biehn and Lance Henriksen reprise their iconic roles as Corporal Hicks and Bishop from the 1986 film “Aliens.” The rest of the cast is amazing, and the music and sounds effects really complete the experience. And frankly, this would have made a much better movie. Hey, I said I'm a fan of the series, I didn't say I loved them all equally.


Movies 
Well Water Filmmaker Sharisse Zeroonian tackles youth and the desire to grow up immediately in this wonderful comedic drama. Cora and Ben are a young couple in the midst of planning their future. While Ben wishes for a simple, stable life, Cora looks to a photography degree in New York City. The two find themselves at an impasse, unable to find a lot of common ground. It's a place familiar to many—being so young, but wanting all the trappings of adulthood. Sharisse's writing is clever, emotional, and draws the viewer into the story. The cast really gets into the roles, and it's clear they've been here before. The film is available on Opprime.tv.


Comics 
Let's Play
Another great comic from the folks at Webtoon, this series (which just kicked off its second season) centers on Sam, an aspiring game designer who publishes her first game, only to have it torn apart by a popular reviewer, one she's a big fan of. Not only that, but said reviewer becomes her new neighbor!

That alone would be enough to craft a great story, but this comic is chock-full of many characters, from Link, Sam's longtime friend (and maybe more!), her somewhat overprotective father, and of course, her faithful canine companion Bowser. There's a lot more, and each have earned their place in this series. This one had me from the first episode, and I've been hooked ever since.

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.

Citywide Blackout, March 23, 2019: Fabien Nicieza and Reilly Brown

Comic legends Fabian Nicieza and Reilly Brown join me to talk about their highly popular comic “Outrage,” available exclusively through WEBTOON. A virus is attacking people who abuse others on the internet. Comedic ass-kickings are occurring across the country by a sentient entity that appears through the personal devices of people everywhere. We talk about the origin of the character, how the story developed, and how the current social climate plays a role. We also delve into the many, many titles that these two have worked on over the years. 

And for music, it's the Manchester-based band Sepsiss with “Eyes of Empathy.” They've played a ton of shows in the Boston area, and these feature bespoke lighting, wild costumes, choreography and dazzling effects.

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.

Feb. 3, 2019: Rainbow in the Dark

In this week's podcast, I sit down with Comfort and Adam, creators of one of my favorite comics, “Rainbow in the Dark,” now available on the Webtoon app. We talk about the wide array of characters and what each brings to the table, fan reaction to the story and how its changed their lives, and how these two made a career in the world of comics. Big thanks go to Kim Estlund for arranging the interview.

Stick around, because I've also got some new music to share. First, it's “Imaginary Me,” from Zuhlke and “Truth,” from ISSA member Fretsu NJ.

Oct. 25, 2018: Chris Paniccia/Corners of Sanctuary/Acursian/PAAFF

Cover art for Acursian

On the second installment of the all-new Citywide Blackout, it's movies, books, and music galore!

Opening the show is Rhode Island author Chris Paniccia, second in our series of interviews with writers who will be at the Rhode Island Author Festival on Dec. 1. Chris has a new book out on his Haven series, “Rise.” Chris goes into detail about how the story has progressed from the first novel and a few hints as to what we can expect in the new one. Chris is an avid convention attendee and shares a few tips on how fellow artists can keep their costs down as they try to make a name for themselves.

Next up is the Philly band Corners of Sanctuary. They're about to embark on an epic tour of the West Coast in support of their recent release, “The Galloping Hordes.” We hear a few tales from past tours, and the guys give a lesson in what to look for when embarking on a search for a record label.

Corners of Sanctuary

Next up, the author/actor/musician John Barrowman. While he's perhaps best known for his role on the CW's “Arrow,” John's got a new project out, a cool webcomic called Acursian, which you can read for free on Webtoon. The comic is written by John, his sister Carole, and released through Legendary Comics. The story focuses on Charlie Stewart, who John plays, and the curse which has afflicted his entire bloodline for 300 years. The story is a blend of action, mysticism, with a nod to the Scottish and Celtic legends of old. John takes a few fan questions on the characters and music, and as a quiet reminder, it's free to read!

Rounding out the show is Rob Buscher, director of the Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival, which kicks off Nov. 8-18. This festival has featured hundreds of filmmakers over the years, and does so with the goal of educating and exposing the Philadelphia region to films by and about Asian Americans. Rob talks about some of the films, the wide array of genres, and the new ground they're breaking this year.