Dialogue Balloons: Lucy Knisley
Jason and cartoonist Lucy Knisley talk about shared pencil obsessions, parenting nuances, and comics for children.
Features
At Image, Comic Book Workers United Takes Another Step in a Long Union Walk
A report on the ratification of the first union contract for employees of Image Comics: a historic moment in the labor history of comic books in the United States.
All Over Bar The Shouting – This Week’s Links
When I look at news, I just want to shout! Oh no, the wolves.
Comics at the Oscars: Ivalu
Who says comic book movies get ignored at the Academy Awards? A comparison between the Oscar-nominated short film Ivalu and its comic original.
The Tradition of Training Images in Manga
In this essay from 2012, Natsume Fusanosuke examines images of the body across 70 years of manga history – with a special emphasis on how the body (and the spirit) is transformed through physical training.
Incel Supernova: From a Single Comic Strip to the End of the Universe with Scott Adams
In this expansive essay from 2020, Abhay Khosla explores the story of, the glory of, the creator of Dilbert.
That’s Why They Call It Money – This Week’s Links
I, for one, am old enough to recall the Leisure Town parody of Dilbert…
Past Perfect
Act I So I guess what it comes down to is that I’ve underrated Jim Rugg for a significant amount of time. When I trip merrily down the primrose path of memory I’m struck by how I’ve enjoyed the products of his career, for the most part. And also by how little I’ve rated him… Read more »
Atomic City Comics
Retail Therapy returns to Pennsylvania to take a look at a different perspective on selling comics in Philadelphia, as Zach sits down with Michael Yates of Atomic City Comics.
“The Entire Point Of Being In Comics Is To Be Here For A Long Time”: An Interview with Reimena Yee
Reimena Yee’s extensive comics-making career encompasses adult comics, kids’ comics, serialized webcomics, print comics and illustration. The winner of the 2022 Ignatz Award for Outstanding Artist, Yee’s webcomic Alexander, the Servant & the Water of Life has also been featured in an exhibition at the British Library. My Aunt Is a Monster, Yee’s latest graphic… Read more »
I’ll Smash Another Cup – This Week’s Links
The view up here is stunning… I can see all the news…
European Journal 2023, Part 1: Bologna
What’s it like being an awards judge at a major international festival? Bill Kartalopoulos takes you inside the Bologna Children’s Book Fair as far as decency will allow in this inaugural chapter of his European Journal 2023.
Short Run Comix & Arts Festival 2022: A Look Back
Chris Diaz takes TCJ on a massive look back at Seattle’s Short Run Festival, which celebrated its 10th Anniversary (and its first edition following COVID-related postponements). Comics, the people that make them, and the events that happen when those things come together!
“You’ve Got to Constantly Reinvent Yourself”: Dan DiDio Is On a Mission to Save Comics From Itself
One of the most well-known figures in corporate-owned superhero comics returns to the direct market, single issues, and Frank Miller. We catch up with Dan DiDio about what’s different this time.
I Was Borne Upon The Tide – This Week’s Links
Jostled through the plastic tunnel of another week, but look at what’s at the end.
Galactic Quest
Zach heads down South for this installment of Retail Therapy to check in with Kyle Puttkammer, who has been surviving and thriving with two Galactic Quest direct market comic book stores for decades. Optimism? He’s got some!
Searching for Michael Dougan
John Kelly presents a detailed account of the life and career of a beloved figure of 1980s & 1990s Seattle alternative comics: Michael Dougan, who died last month in Japan. With special tributes from eight collogues from the days of the Seattle scene.
“I Love The Community Of Queer Comics”: The No Straight Lines Interview, with Justin Hall and Vivian Kleiman
A documentary on queer comics, inspired by 2012’s award-winning anthology of the same name, No Straight Lines is available on PBS now. Alex Dueben speaks with the film’s director/producer Vivian Kleiman and cartoonist/editor/producer Justin Hall about the book’s journey to film.
Space Is The Place – This Week’s Links
You are standing at the end of a road before a small brick building. Around you is a forest. A small stream flows out of the building and down a gully. GET NEWS.
Dialogue Balloons: Consumption and Transformation
Exhaustion. Translation. Breakfast. Smoking. Jason’s ready to talk to cartoonists about these subjects, and more, in this month’s Dialogue Balloons.
Untouchable: Lee Hyun-se‘s Alien Baseball Team
Get acquainted with one of the classics of 1980s Korean pop comics, Lee Hyun-se’s Alien Baseball Team – just in time for its 40th anniversary.
“I’m Very Self-Deprecating, But I Know What I Can Do”: An Interview with Eric Powell
For the first time, we sit down with one of the indefatigable figures of 21st century indie genre (and now non-genre comics): Eric Powell, creator of The Goon and artist of the much-acclaimed true crime comic Did You Hear What Eddie Gein Done?
Man And Superman – This Week’s Links
If I was in Angoulême, I feel like I’d just know the language. It would simply occur to me.
Fat Jack’s Comicrypt
Zach Rabiroff speaks to the manager of one of the oldest comic book shops in the US about the impact the economic downturn and the pandemic have had on their business.
