Radio Free Krypton

When artists move to a neighbourhood and open up shops and studios, property prices can increase and force people out.

Hamilton writer and artist Sylvia Nickerson's comic "Creation" grapples with the role art plays in gentrification.

Sylvia sits down with Justin and Jacob for a self-aware interview exploring her book's unique visual style and the tensions it brings to light.

This interview references the Hamilton Spectator's Code Red series of reporting, which can be found here.

RFK airs first on CJRU 1280 AM in Toronto. Please support the show and station on our Patreon.

This episode was produced by Justin Chandler.

Toronto creator Kat Verhoeven joins Jacob to discuss Meat and Bone, her web-comic-turned book in which an ensemble cast deals with problems including body-image issues and eating disorders.

Kat tells Jacob about the process of publishing a web-comic in print and about the personal toll of telling such a sensitive story.

RFK airs first on CJRU 1280 AM in Toronto. You can support the station and out show on Patreon.

This episode was produced by Jacob Dubé.

Sometimes writers don't love what they've written. Sometimes comics get misinterpreted. Sometimes one's feelings on what they wrote change with time.

In clips from two of our favourite shows this year, comic creators Dennis O'Neil and Kelsey Wroten candidly reflect on their work.

Dennis O'Neil is an iconic writer famous for his work on Batman and Green Arrow/Green Lantern in the 1970s. Hear the full interview with him here.

Kelsey Wroten is an editorial cartoonist and writer of the book "Cannonball." Hear the full interview with her here.

RFK airs first on CJRU 1280 AM in Toronto. This episode was edited by Mitchell Thompson. The original interviews were produced by Justin Chandler, Jacob Dubé and Mitchell Thompson.

Montreal-based but Toronto-born artist and writer Sherwin Tija channeled a sense of hopelessness when making "Plummet," a new comic in which a woman wakes up to find herself falling, with no end in sight.

Sherwin tells Jacob about the emotions behind the story, which was inspired in part by the September 11 attacks. They also discuss the technical work that went into drawing a book where everything is falling.

This interview was recorded in November 2019. RFK airs first on CJRU 1280 AM in Toronto. This episode was produced by Jacob Dubé.

When it comes to comics, language matters — especially in the case of Dakwäkãda Warriors. Vancouver's Cole Pauls joins Justin to discuss how his Indigenous futurist comic keeps the Southern Tutchone language alive.

Much of Dakwäkãda Warriors is written in Southern Tutchone, which Pauls learned growing up in Haines Junction, Yukon. The comic, which was recently published in a collection, tells the story of two Indigenous heroes battling a cyborg Sasquatch and an evil pioneer.

Cole tells Justin about his goals for the comic, his self-publishing process and the stellar party his community threw when the book came out.

RFK airs first on CJRU 1280 AM in Toronto. You can support the station and our show on Patreon. This episode was produced by Justin Chandler.

Just when you thought you were done with the Canadian election... Winnipeg cartoonist Kaj Hasselriis joins Justin and Jacob to discuss Politikids, his kid-friendly comic about the childhoods of Canada's four major party leaders: Justin Trudeau, Andrew Scheer, Jagmeet Singh and Elizabeth May.

We ask: How should one talk to children about politics and do they even care?

NOTE: Since this recording, Elizabeth May has resigned as leader of the Green Party.

RFK airs first on CJRU 1280 AM in Toronto. This episode was produced by Mitchell Thompson.

If you like RFK, please consider supporting us on Patreon.

Producer Leena Minifie curated When Raven Became Spider, an exhibit featuring a fusion of Indigenous art and superhero comics. She talks to Justin and Jacob about transformation—the exhibit's major theme—and about keeping stories alive.

When Raven Became Spider will be at the University of Winnipeg Art Gallery, 1C03 until Nov. 30. It was organized by the Dunlop Art Gallery in Regina. See video from the exhibit in this APTN report.

RFK airs first on CJRU 1280 AM in Toronto. You can support us on Patreon here.

This episode was produced by Justin Chandler.

Was Joker a powerful wake-up call about marginalization and inequality? A dangerous call to would-be violent offenders? A fake-deep art project disguised as more?

Maybe it's like the titular character once said he prefers: a backstory that's multiple choice.

Justin and Jacob discuss alongside friend of the show Ally Enrile. Spoilers!

Please help support campus radio at Ryerson University by pledging to our Patreon.

RFK airs first on CJRU 1280 AM in Toronto. This episode was produced by Jacob Dubé.

Related reading based on what we discussed in this episode:

• 'Joker' ending explained: Director Todd Phillips on fan theories and open questions
• What's the Panic Over 'Joker' Really About?
• The secret to the Joker's 50 year transition from trickster to 'twisted'

This week, Justin and Jacob jump into a new super hero universe with Gundala—an Indonesian superhero movie from comic company Bumilangit— which played at the Toronto International Film Festival this month.

They talk about the film's history, recap a Q&A with the director and examine how the American superhero film model is being adapted in Indonesia.

Want to support campus radio? Check out the RFK Patreon.

RFK airs first on CJRU 1280 AM in Toronto. This episode was produced by Mitchell Thompson.

Brampton, Ont. comics creator Ricky Lima joins Justin to discuss love, sex and self-publishing.

Ricky's work includes Black Hole Hunters Club, Cauldron, Happily Ever Aftr, Undergrowth and Love me, please. The latter provides an honest, wide-ranging look at topics including unrequited love and masculinity.

Related listening:

• Sam Noir on Cauldron
• Shane Heron on Black Hole Hunters Club

Like the show? Please consider supporting us on Patreon!

RFK airs first on CJRU 1280 AM in Toronto. This episode was produced by Justin Chandler.