You’ve heard Weird Crime Theater, the comic by our own Mulele and Kumar, mentioned a million times on Deconstructing Comics, dating back to the early shows nearly a decade ago (when the comic was known as “Rack ’em Smack ’em”!). But that’s all been discussions of collaboration and business; what’s actually IN the comic? In […]

Is there “work for hire” in Japanese comics? Yes and no. Nao Yazawa was hired as the artist for Wedding Peach, a manga published in Shogakukan’s Ciao magazine from 1994 to 1996. However, as is typical in Japan, she and writer Sukehiro Tomita co-own the copyright. In this episode, she explains the details of this […]

This week a look into the world of toy-based comics! Kumar and his brother Ilango discuss two recent IDW Transformers books, More Than Meets the Eye volume 1, and Transformers vs. G.I. Joe. Music (from the 1986 film The Transformers (The Movie)): “The Transformers (Theme)” by Lion “The Death of Optimus Prime” by Vince DiCola The […]

At the International Comics Festival in November, Tim picked up A Cat Named Tim and Other Stories by John Martz. It’s a whimsical book aimed at kids that plays with several devices that only work in comics. It’s also another example of the convergence of comics and children’s picture books that we noted on this […]

NimProd.com has sent us the first issues of two Western books, “Bang Bang Lucita” and “Snake”. Both are fairly heavy on fan service for 21st-century straight guys, anachronisms be damned, with lots of skin showing on the shapely titular (pun intended) heroines. Both ladies are drawn with care, but what’s getting short shrift here? Tim […]

What happens when the computer that routes calls in a call center takes on a mind of its own? That’s the setup for the first story arc of Back Office, a Web comic by Mark Egan now available as a book. This week Tim asks him about his inspiration, his adopted home of Norway, and […]

Tim and Mulele look at Headshrinker’s Press Presents #1, an anthology book with stories of various genres, stories to amaze and confound. Especially confound.

How does one (or two) go about selecting the best American comics from any 12-month period? Especially a challenge when many are by independent creators who aren’t used to submitting their work to publications like The Best American Comics. This week Tim talks with series editor Bill Kartalopoulos about the selection process, working with the […]

FLASHBACK!  Tim and Brandon review of two Canadian coming-of-age comics: The first three volumes of Bryan Lee O’Malley’s “Scott Pilgrim” series, and “Paul Has a Summer Job” by Michel Rabagliati. Listen carefully, because later this month, Tim and Cassey will discuss the entire series, and Tim’s take on it has changed… ALSO: Give today to […]

Irene of Studio Revolver stopped through Tokyo recently! In this episode, she chats with Tim and Mulele about displaying  work at conventions, and how conventions are changing. We also visit Tokyo’s massive Comiket event (imagine a San Diego-sized con that’s entirely Artist’s Alley!) and give our impressions.