The genre of gothic horror is replete with imagery from an imagined past of crumbling castles and abandoned graveyards. Even in the Victorian era, whose media culture evinced a strong interest in the gothic, these spooky stories were often set in isolated country manors far away from the innovations of modern society. The past, after…
ROUNDTABLE: 11 Comics We Love at ShortBox Comics Fair!
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! No, not Christmas, we’re talking about ShortBox Comics Fair. The brilliant small press publisher has created something unlike any other comics festival, releasing over 100+ digital comics that are only available during the month of October. There’s a fantastic array of creators with eclectic styles, stories, and…
Con Diary: HurriCon Celebrates the Long Island Community
HurriCon, a now-biannual fundraiser event for the Bethany Congregational Church, was founded by community member David Donovan in 2018. My best friend Cassidy and I talk about HurriCon, a local benefit comic-con in East Rockaway, Long Island like it’s the event of the season. To us, it is. Limited to the space of a church…
REVIEW: Redemption and Revenge Ring True in Darlin’ and Her Other Names
Two guides are hired to lead a hunting party. Black and white artwork marries a short narrative of some privileged yet unfortunate souls, with a surprising supernatural twist at the end that stayed in my brain years later. The first version of this supernatural western comic, titled simply Darlin’, was created by Olivia Stephens back…
REVIEW: Ms. Marvel: The New Mutant #2
Having established Kamala Khan’s new normal in the previous issue, Ms. Marvel: The New Mutant #2 promises a deep dive into dreams.
REVIEW: Buffy the Last Vampire Slayer #1 Has Bite, But Not Enough Bark
Buffy the Last Vampire Slayer #1 has fun writing, but the art trips it up.
WWACommendations: Delicious in Dungeon, Nodame Cantabile, Things in the Basement and More
WWACommendations never relies on a theme, but this month we sort of have one — exploration. I inadvertently kicked this off by desperately needing to shout about my Delicious in Dungeon reread, but Masha and Carrie both followed up by recommending manga about exploring unique relationships, and finding unexpected connections. Very different from finding monsters…
REVIEW: Spider-Man Annual #1 Smells like a Hit
Spider-Man Annual #1is a great package of humor and action, one that will hook readers on this sprawling, multi-issue “Contest of Chaos” event.
Archie Comics Pubwatch: September 2023
Welcome to the Archie Comics Pubwatch for the month of September! I’m Lisa, reporting from a corner booth at Pop’s Chock’lit Shoppe, and here’s this month’s news! In September’s Pubwatch there’s a new Sabrina holiday issue ahead, some exclusive covers, and more!
REVIEW: Childhood Agency and Literary Freedom Break Free in Occulted
I am always checking for new graphic novels from Iron Circus Comics, one of my favorite publishers in the game who consistently bring strange and amazing comics and more. This recent release offers an eyebrow raising yet intriguing premise: it is a graphic memoir of cult survivor Amy Rose’s childhood in the late 90’s. Occulted…
ESSAY: Oglaf is Comics Burlesque at its Finest (NSFW)
Oglaf, the long-running webcomic by Trudy Cooper and Doug Bayne, is perhaps best not spoken about in polite company. Launched in 2008, it’s a raunchy, riotous take on fantasy, sex, and comedy. Held together by punchlines and the occasional recurring character rather than an ongoing plot, Oglaf feels a bit like a graphically sexual, chaotic…
