“Moonstruck” is a comic series that has been published by Image Comics since 2017. “Lumberjanes” creator, Grace Ellis, and talented newcomer, Shae Beagle tell a story of monsters, romance, and magical hijinks. Fantasy creatures are living typical, unremarkable lives alongside humans and barista Julie strives to be the most unremarkable of all. Normal job, normal almost-girlfriend, normal… werewolf transformations that happen when she gets upset? Yikes! But all bets are off when she and her centaur best friend Chet find themselves in the middle of a magical conspiracy. We are very lucky to have Grace and Shae both call Columbus home.
Continue reading “10 Questions with Grace Ellis & Shae Beagle”Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up With Me
The final book can’t be classified as a romance, but a cautionary tale about toxic relationships. Mariko Tamaki and Rosemary Valero-O’Connell put together a stark, heartbreaking story about what happens when the person you love isn’t a great person. Laura Dean seems to be the most popular person in school, with whom our protagonist, Freddy Riley, is very much in love.
Continue reading “Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up With Me”Scott Pilgrim
There is a time in most people’s lives, typically in their late teens to early twenties, where they are broke, in constant flux of relationship status, and involved in a scene of sorts (music, art, etc.) If you take that time period and condense it into comic books, you would get Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World.
Continue reading “Scott Pilgrim”Strangers in Paradise
He loves her. She loves her. She loves him. The modern love triangle is an interesting theme for a reason. There’s built in drama as the audience consistently tries to find out who will end up with who. Include elements of a crime novella and you have Strangers in Paradise.
Continue reading “Strangers in Paradise”RASL
Several years ago, I was working at the “Poultry and Game”, a small shop in the North Market that sold self-described goods. Jeff Smith and his wife and business partner, Vijaya, were regular customers. I had read and loved BONE and, over the course of several customer service interactions, got to know Jeff and Vijaya superficially. Jeff knew I aspired to write comics. One day, Jeff brought in two large books, placed the first on the wobbly corner top table then drew a picture and signed it. The book was RASL. Jeff Smith, an icon in the field of comics, gave signed books to an aspiring comic writer that sold him his chicken. May we all aspire to be as gracious and kind a person as him.
10 Questions with Victor Dandridge
Victor Dandridge Jr. created Vantage:Inhouse Productions in 2011. Since then, he’s created a list of thought provoking and engaging properties including “The Samaritan,” “Origins Unknown,” “The Trouble w/Love,” as well as the novella series, “8 Mins.” and the writer for the all ages friendly “Wonder Care Presents: The Kinder Guardians.” Vantage:Inhouse Productions is also aiming to educate, encourage, and inspire future creators through its U Cre-8 Comics brand, an education-based line of products and programming designed to bridge comics with classroom fundamentals. As if that wasn’t enough, Victor freelances as host/moderator at comic and pop-culture conventions meeting celebrities of all varieties. He also hosts a youtube channel where he critiques comics with Comic Town Owner, Ryan Seymore, called “Black, White, and Read All Over.” Did we mention he also has a fiancé and five kids?
Spotlight on All-Ages Creators: Nick Dutro and Patrick Lay
Patrick Lay is a cartoonist from northwest Ohio. His comics are teen and all-ages stories about our relationships with each other and the ups and downs of a wild world. He earned a B.S.F.A in Oil Painting from Valparaiso University and recently earned an MFA in Comics from the California College of the Arts. Nick Dutro works in economic development in northwest Ohio and formerly was a reporter and editor at a daily newspaper. He graduated from Ohio Northern University with a degree in journalism. He lives with his wife and two daughters. Continue reading “Spotlight on All-Ages Creators: Nick Dutro and Patrick Lay”
10 Questions with Rafael Rosado
Rafael Rosado has had a long career working on some familiar properties. The Boondocks, The Avengers, Teen Titans, The Venture Brothers, and Animaniacs are just a few of the many credits to his name. On top of being a talented storyboard artist and animator, he and his writing partner, Jorge Aguirre, have created a three part all-ages graphic novel series The Chronicles of Claudette including Giants Beware!, Dragons Beware!, and Monsters Beware! Originally born in Puerto Rico, Rafeal is now based in Columbus.
Spotlight on All-Ages Creator: Lee Smith
Lee Smith’s work is not only entertaining, but also educational. As a teacher, he knew comics would be a great vehicle to help his students get excited about Ohio history. After Lee was unable to find anything being currently produced, he decided to create his own series called Ohio Chronicles. Each 16 page comic highlights true stories of Ohio history and many come paired with Teacher’s Editions so educators can include his comics in their courses. Continue reading “Spotlight on All-Ages Creator: Lee Smith”
10 Questions with Bob Corby
Bob Corby has been publishing fine small press comics under the company name Back Porch Comics since 1986. In 1988, he started OH, Comics, an anthology supporting the work of comic creators throughout the Midwest. In 2000, Bob started the Small Press and Alternative Comics Expo or S.P.A.C.E. which will be holding its 20th show this year at the Northland Performing Arts Center on April 27th and 28th. Admission is free and will be attended by comic creators throughout the country. Continue reading “10 Questions with Bob Corby”