Good morning, everyone. It’s your Friendly Neighbourhood Previously Editor bringing you the latest news from the world of comics and entertainment. Some of it is distressing, but there’s hope to be found in the darkness. And isn’t that really what pop culture is, at its core?
Starting off with some unhappy news. Writer Brett Graves is seriously ill following residual effects from a traumatic brain injury. His sister, Jenn Graves, has started a GoFundMe to aid his financial recovery. If you can, please do help the Graves family reach their financial goal. You can access the GoFundMe here.
Apologies for staying in the sad zone but unfortunately, wars aren’t joyful events. The divisive Israel-Hamas war has seen some seriously shocking takes from individuals, politicians and organizations alike. However, publisher Fantagraphics Books has shared a ceasefire call alongside a thoughtful message supporting the people of Gaza, while condemning the attacks on Israel by Hamas on October 7, 2023. Read the complete message here.
In happier news, British graphic novelist Posy Simmonds has won the Grand Prix at the Angoulême International Comics Festival, the lifetime achievement award for comics creators. She’s the first British comic creator to win the French award. Congratulations to Simmonds. Read more about her award and her career in The Guardian.
The Comics Studies Society has announced a call for papers. The categories include individual, panel, roundtable, and workshop proposals. The deadline is February 16, 2024. Submit your proposal on their website here.
The Oscar nominations for 2024 are out. There’s been a lot of discussion about snubs, but I’d like to take a moment to celebrate some successes—Lily Gladstone is now the fourth Indigenous person, and first Native American woman, to be nominated for best actor. First-time nominations include actors of colour, America Ferrera, Jeffrey Wright, and Sterling K Brown (both for American Fiction). Best actor nominee Colman Domingo is a member of the LGBTQ+ community playing someone from his community (he was also sublime in Sing Sing). Danielle Brooks and Da’vine Joy Randolph have got nominations for best supporting actor, and three women-directed films (Barbie, Past Lives and Anatomy of a Fall) have been nominated for Best Picture.
That’s all for now, folks. Remember to stay warm (or cool) depending on the weather. Drink plenty of water and don’t doomscroll on the socials—it’s too depressing. Take care and I’ll see you next time.
