Episode 61: Critical Entertainment's Chris Reda

The Revenge Crew joins up with the main man over at Critical Entertainment for his ancient quest across the ever changing lands of indie comics! Writer, publisher, and over all nice guy, Chris Reda breaks down his new line of comics and graphic novels that are gracing the shelves of shops across the North America. Based in the cinematic dreamland of L.A., California. Chris, along with with his partner in print Mason Mendoza, founded Critical Entertainment to bring their own unique stories to the printed page. Bucking the all too usual restrictions of traditional production ( for context, the usual floppy issue rolls in conservatively at a monthly 22 page release that’s formatted in a standard print size), Critical Entertainment lets the story dictate the print needs of the individual story. Bold and dynamic, it offers readers something a bit different to find on the shelves. Their silent sci-fi epic “Space Dragon” might be one of the boldest examples of this refreshing approach. At a 115 pages, this trade measures in at 7.5" x 12" and is glorious. How else should a planet-sized intergalactic swimming dragon be experienced on the page! Continuing with their fresh approach, Reda is writing a series that’s being illustrated by the very voice you’re reading now. That’s right it’s me, Tadd (always remember, never forget)! “The First Americans” is a title that explores a genre that is mostly unique for todays pop-pubs of capes, sci-fi dramas, and life-slices. As speculative fiction, “First Americans” is the journey of a hunter at the tail end of the ice age some 14 thousand years ago. Who parts with his peoples and the fierce woman of his heart, to track a mammoth and its small herd. Taking him from the eastern Steppe of Siberia, through the gateway of Beringia, and into the new lands of the Americas. It’s an exploration of the human spirit, always pushing toward the beyond of the horizon. The emboldened hunter encounters megafauna, natural elements, and looks into the depths of his own soul as he trudges deeper through vast unknown wilderness. Ambitious in story and execution. As the artist, I changed up my approach and tackle a different style to best fit our storytelling, referencing a master of historical fiction and ink composition, Serio Toppi. While Reda takes an equally unique approach. Letting the story dictate the page count, freeing the flow of physical print limitations. Each chapter comes in thicker than the usual newsstand floppy, and as a quarterly release to boast, throughout the next two years. First Americans, has been a long time coming and now it finally breaks through the ice and into local comic shops next week, March 27th. Or if you need to start the journey now visit Critical Entertainment site to get “First Americans” and their numerous other titles! A note from Tadd: The “NOW” is the resurgence of the independent creator through crowd sourcing and self-publishing availability. As the veil gets pulled back ever further and the predatory practices of corporate models get revealed, it is more and more important to support those who actually create the stories and art that we as consumers enjoy. So SUPPORT INDIE PROJECTS and their CREATORS. Help make the indies the mainstream. Even the smallest of gestures can be of the biggest help. Have you experienced the elusive and majestic energy of the Blue Tiger? Had a sighting in the wilderness of the eternal forest? Drank the blue milk of it’s revenge? Then let the people know it exists! And check out “TAIGA”, Tadd’s latest graphic novel with new pages weekly. Exclusively at patreon.com/gnarpig

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