Podcast appearances and mentions of avery hill publishing

Want to know how to deal with writers block? Do you think that the big 2 will ever cease to exist? Ever wondered what happens when 3 lifelong comic fans and forced to choose which of their collection to keep and which to lose? All that and more are discussed in this weeks round of comic book chatter that was born from the ACP community. The chat gets deep, thought provoking and sure to get you talking yourself, but don't worry... there's also plenty of stupid laughs along the way as well! Great stuff to check out: Oddly Compelling: The Dennis Kitchen Story, Sam Hardacre, Acid Box, Avery Hill Publishing, Romo the Wolf Boy, Ilya, Macc Pow, Banana Man, The Santos Sisters, Cutaway Comics, Unhappily Ever After, Dipladocus and Sea Lion, Faster Than Light, Sarah Cooke, Paradox, Fleshdigger, Monster Forge Productions, Coffin Knockers, Early Worm Comics, Lance Goiter Comics

Three hosts. Three questions. Three hot topics of debate. From the world of celebrity comics to classic books that just don't connect with you, this week the ACP are talking about plenty of fun comics based chat and having fun as they do so. Alongside that is a raft (other floating devices are available) of indie comics to check out and an exciting on air opening of a special edition comics pack! Great stuff to check out: Acid Box, Avery Hill Publishing, Blags Boys Big Book of Comics, Romo the Wolf Boy, Cutaway Comics, The Santos Sisters, Dipladocus and Sea Lion, Pat Mills, The Soul-D, Nick Bryan, Stone Cop, Tribute Press, Lawless Comic Con 2025, Archers Comics, Battle Beast, Robert Kirkman, Ryan Ottley, The Jump, Wesley Griffith, Alien Armageddon: 1944, Dren Productions, Two Wrongs Make a Wrong, Dan Hughes,

This week the gang have fun talking about a lot of comics. Some would say a megaton of comics, and who better to talk about indie comics publishing and superhero parodies than Don Simpson, creator of Megaton Man! From his roots and interactions with comic creative legends, missed reprint opportunities and the new collected edition of his cult superhero parody. Theres also talk of great comics to check out and a dramatic reading of a comic that will shake the very foundations of the comics industry. Great stuff to check out this week - Don Simpson, Megaton Man, Zoop, The Collected Megaton Man, Fantagraphix, Kitchen Sink Press, Anton Drek, Wendy Whitebread, Eros Comics, Mugshots, Vicarious, Mean Girls Club, Drink and Draw, Star the Shadow, Pat Mills, Ken Reynolds, Avery Hill Publishing, The Green Archer, Mad Cave Comics, Dead Body Trade, Omelette of Power, Nick Gonzo, Stupid, Paul Kortjohn, G.I.Joe, Truck Mutts, Ian Mathews

In this episode we talk to Tim Bird, the creator of Adrift on a Painted Sea, which came out on the 1st October 2024. Kat talks to Tim about family, memory, loss, art… and making quiet comics. The post Signals From The Hill #61 – an interview with Tim Bird, creator of ‘Adrift on a Painted Sea' appeared first on Avery Hill Publishing.

In this episode we talk to J. Webster Sharp, the creator of The Scrapbook of Life and Death, which came out on the 3rd September 2024. We talk about newspaper clippings, the secret lives of humans, and art as exorcism. The post Signals From The Hill #60 interview with J. Webster Sharp, creator of The Scrapbook of Life and Death appeared first on Avery Hill Publishing.

In this episode, Avery Hill Publishing's Ricky Miller talks to Katriona about the cultural influences on her work in comics. Kat picks a favourite book, play, film, comic, and TV show to discuss. The post Signals From The Hill #59 – Katriona Chapman (author of ‘Breakwater' and ‘Follow Me In') about the cultural influences on her work in comics appeared first on Avery Hill Publishing.

In this episode, Avery Hill Publishing's Ricky Miller talks to Katriona Chapman about her cultural influences on her work in comics. Katriona picks a favourite book, play, film, comic, and TV show to discuss. Signals from the Hill is the Avery Hill Publishing podcast! In this episode, Avery Hill's Ricky Miller and Pidge talk about the cultural influences on Pidge's work in comics. Pidge picks a favourite book, film, comic, TV show and podcast to discuss.

In this episode, Avery Hill Publishing's Ricky Miller talks to Pidgeabout the cultural influences on her work in comics. Pidgepicks a favourite book, film, comic, TV show and podcast to discuss. The post Signals From The Hill #58 – Pidge on the culture and media that have influenced ‘Infinite Wheatpaste!' appeared first on Avery Hill Publishing.

Signals from the Hill is the Avery Hill Publishing podcast! In this episode, Avery Hill's Ricky Miller and Pidge talk about the cultural influences on Pidge's work in comics. Pidge picks a favourite book, film, comic, TV show and podcast to discuss.

Collecting Comics is something we all do, but what happens to those books when we need shelf space (or head to the great comic book store in the sky)? Eamonn from the Mega City Book Club joins the ACP gang this week to discuss the comic collecting hobby and the many questions people don't normally think about over the years. Plus a new reading challenge is set and a whole bunch of great indie comic recommendations as always! Great stuff to check out this week - Mega City Book Club, Eamonn Clarke, Black Hole, Charles Burns, Golgo13, Berserk, The Boys, Pat Mills, Sha Vol.1, The Brutalist, Zak Cahill, Coma, Bridlington Comic Con, Avery Hill Publishing, My Favourite Thing is Monsters 2, Scarred for Life, Scrapbook of Life and Death, Jay Webster Sharp, Zine Tails #3, Image Comics, Cobra Commander, Oni Press, EC Comics, Cruel Universe

In this episode, Avery Hill Publishing's Ricky Miller talks to Lizzy Stewart about her book ‘Walking Distance' and the cultural influences on her work in comics. Lizzy picks a favourite book, film, comic, TV show and piece of music to discuss. The post Signals From The Hill #57 – Lizzy Stewart on ‘Walking Distance' and some of her cultural influences! appeared first on Avery Hill Publishing.

In this episode, Avery Hill Publishing's Ricky Miller talks to Lizzy Stewart about her book 'Walking Distance' and the cultural influences on her work in comics. Lizzy picks a favourite book, film, comic, TV show and piece of music to discuss.

In this episode, Avery Hill Publishing's Ricky Miller talks to Kit Anderson about her book ‘Safer Places' and the cultural influences on her work in comics. Kit picks a favourite book, film, comic, TV show and piece of music to discuss. The post Signals From The Hill #56 – Kit Anderson on ‘Safer Places' and some of her cultural influences! appeared first on Avery Hill Publishing.

In this episode, Avery Hill Publishing's Ricky Miller talks to Kit Anderson about her book 'Safer Places' and the cultural influences on her work in comics. Kit picks a favourite book, film, comic, TV show and piece of music to discuss.

More TCAF interviews! In this episode, Jimmy talks with B. Mure. Mure's incredible world of Ismyre continues in his upcoming graphic novel DISCIPLES OF THE SOIL. They chat about the book while dancing around spoilers, if more of the wonderful world of Ismyre is coming, other projects, art process and teaching. Thanks to TCAF for a great time and to all of my interviewees for taking the time to hang and talk. One last TCAF interview special is on the way next! Also, get a hold of us! Thanks for listening!

In this episode, comics editor extraordinaire Shelly Bond interviews Pidge, the creator of Infinite Wheatpaste Vol. 1 – Catalytic Conversions about her extraordinary Sci-Fi epic. Help support the book now on Kickstarter (campaign ends 11th April 2024!) https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/averyhillpublishing/infinite-wheatpaste-volume-1-catalytic-conversions The post Signals From The Hill #55 – A conversation between Pidge (Infinite Wheatpaste) and Shelly Bond! appeared first on Avery Hill Publishing.

This week the ACP head to Arrakis to talk about the world (or worlds) of Dune in comics! Joined by Tom Curry the conversation is a pure unfiltered fan discussion of the Herbert books, comic book adaptions and more. Plus there's great comics recommendations and indie stuff to check out and Tom brings some letters that confuse the ACP trio! Great stuff to check out this week -  Dune, Tom Curry, Nick Prolix, Infinite Wheatpaste, Avery Hill Publishing, Paul Ashley Brown, Boston Metaphysical Society, Steamroller Man, Cliff Cumber, Starblazer Magazine,  No Second Chance, Zak Cahill, Evolution of Horror, Mike Lee Graham, The Ambassadors, Mark Millar, Frank Quitely, Fractures 2, Collossive Press, Wolfgang Crowe, Prawn: The Jumbo Shrimp, Matt Strott, The Six Fingers, Sector 13

In this episode, Avery Hill Publishing's Ricky Miller talks to Lucy Sullivan about the cultural influences on her work in comics. Lucy picks a favourite book, film, comic, TV show and piece of music to discuss. The post Signals From The Hill #54 – Lucy Sullivan on things that influence her comics work appeared first on Avery Hill Publishing.

This week the gang talk about the pros, cons, differences in narratives and more when it comes to ongoing storytelling or limited series. Theres mentions of classics in the independent scene and things to bear in mind for new creators and more. Theres also talk of an XMen reboot and the idea of a comics creator directory. All that and of course tons of indie comics for you all to check out in the week ahead! Great stuff to check out this week -  Vertigo, Image Comics, Boom, Fantagraphics, Invincible, Hellboy, Terry Moore, Parker Girls, Mage, Matt Wagner, XMen, Avery Hill Publishing, Infinite Wheatpaste, Cartoon Museum, Steamroller Man, Matthew Schofield, My Nervous Breakdown, Stuart Lloyd Gould, ACP Recommends, PeePee PooPoo, Caroline Cash, The Underground Kingdom: Romance, Little Black Book, AWA, A Lungful of Brine, Dan Tappan

This week Sarah Webb (Knave of Hearts) joins the gang to talk about what's handy to know and check out for a newbie to the medium. Comic creators that are worth checking out, comic narratives, breaking out of the panel structure, crazy first convention stories and making comics for the love of it. Theres also plenty of tips, recommendations and a lot of hilarious comics banter to boot, so buckle up for another classic! Great stuff to check out this week -  Sarah Webb, Knave of Hearts, Love and Rockets, The Hernandez Brothers, Comics and Sequential Art, Will Eisner, Terry Moore, Chris Bachelo,, Adam Help, Pet Shop, Infinite Wheatpaste Volume 1, Avery Hill Publishing, Jon Sterling: Superspy, Steamroller Man, Geek Syndicate, Lenore, Roman Dirge, Tyrant Fall, Bootleg Spiderman, Outrage Aux Bonnes Moeurs Parla La Voie Du Livre, Dynamite Comics, Madballs vs Garbage Pail Kids

Happy New Year! We look back on our favourite moments from comics in 2023, and discuss what we're looking forward to in 2024. The post Signals From The Hill #53 – New Year Episode with Ricky, Kat, Danielle and Chloe! appeared first on Avery Hill Publishing.

In this episode, Avery Hill Publishing's Ricky Miller talks to George Wylesol about the cultural influences on his work in comics. He picks a favourite books, film, video game, TV shows and piece of music to discuss. The post Signals From The Hill #52 – George Wylesol on what influences his comics work appeared first on Avery Hill Publishing.

This week the ACP take on the greatest villain to ever grace the comic page, the one and only DRACULA! As well as the crews view on the character in comics, Dacre Stoker and Chris McCauly (Dracula The Return) jump in to drop some serious lore, history and story knowledge about the daddy of all villains! It's a fascinating and informative chat, and with tons of comics to check out and recommend its a show that even the Creatures of the Night would not want to miss! Great stuff to check out this week -  Dracula The Return: Cult of the White Worm, Dacre Stoker, Chris McCauley,Stokerverse, Pat Mills, Edison Neo, No Brainer, DUI #3, Graphic Gospel #2, Tribute Press, Inferno: The World Dies Screaming,  Global Comics, Underground Comics, Vampire State Building, Avery Hill Publishing, The Hard Switch, Shaman Kane, David Broughton, Kill Your Darlings

In this episode, Avery Hill Publishing artist Lizzy Stewart (Walking Distance/Lights, Planets, People!) talks to Owen D. Pomery about his upcoming graphic novel The Hard Switch. They have a fascinating discussion about Owen's creative process and his love of world-building, kiosks, and B-movies. The post Signals From The Hill #51 – Owen D. Pomery on ‘The Hard Switch' appeared first on Avery Hill Publishing.

In this episode, Avery Hill Publishing artist Lizzy Stewart (Walking Distance/Lights, Planets, People!) talks to Owen D. Pomery about his upcoming graphic novel The Hard Switch. They have a fascinating discussion about Owen's creative process and his love of world-building, kiosks, B-movies.

In this episode we talk to Briggs about their newly-release graphic novel adaptation of Macbeth, and Ricky also tries out a new podcast format in this one! He asks Briggs to name a favourite film, piece of music, book, comic and TV show, and they discuss how these may have influenced Briggs's work and creativity over the years. The post Signals From The Hill #50 – Briggs on ‘Macbeth' appeared first on Avery Hill Publishing.

In this episode we talk to Tillie Walden in honour of the five year anniversary of the release of her hugely successful graphic novel On a Sunbeam.We chat with Tillie about the early origins of the comic, we go deep into some parts of the story and characters, and we even speculate about a potential sequel! (Spoiler alert – it's probably not going to happen…) The post Signals From The Hill #49 – Tillie Walden on ‘On a Sunbeam' appeared first on Avery Hill Publishing.

This week Jason McNamara (Past Tense, The Rattler) joins the ACP crew to talk about the long, winding and satisfying journey of creating an original graphic novel! From the ups and downs of project managing, collaboration, pitching to publishers and working in genres, its an awesome comics process talk not to be missed. Plus there's great recommendations of books old, new and strange as well as the usual ACP natter! Great stuff to check out this week - Jason McNamara, Ghost Band, Past Tense, Nocturnal Commissions, The Rattler, Tillie Waldon, Torpedo, Jordie Bernaire, Jonah Hex, The Hard Switch, Avery Hill Publishing, Warline, From Woolworth to Wartime, Sarah Webb, Knave of Hearts, Boxes Comic Magazine, Craig Shields, Davon Elly Kurtz, Global Comix, Worn Tuff Elbow, Marc Bell, Lady Mayhem, Fear Agent, Rick Remender, Tony Moore, Jerome Opena, The Earth 2 Podcast, Antarctica, Top Cow Comics

In this episode we talk to Ellice Weaver, the creator of Big Ugly. We talk world-building, being part of a cartooning couple, and loving your characters! The post Signals From The Hill #48 – Ellice Weaver on ‘Big Ugly' appeared first on Avery Hill Publishing.

In this episode we talk to Nicole Goux, the creator of Pet Peeves. We talk storytelling, manga, the struggle to make things… and writing embarrassing songs in college! The post Signals From The Hill #47 – Nicole Goux on ‘Pet Peeves' appeared first on Avery Hill Publishing.

Taki Soma has a sit-down chat with us about her graphic memoir "Sleeping While Standing." This deeply personal episode covers everything from the purpose of memoir, the lives of our parents that we know nothing about, the universality of grief, and the heartbreaking tragedy of losing a pet. That all sounds pretty heavy, but this is a pretty cathartic and, yes, funny episode with one of the best people doing it today in the world of comics. Follow Taki Soma on Twitter or Instagram Pick up "Sleeping While Standing" from Avery Hill Publishing or just about anywhere you get books! You can follow Bitches on Comics on Instagram and Twitter @BitchesOnComics and you can follow our hosts: Sara Century: @saracentury (Instagram and Twitter), S.E. Fleenor: @se_fleenor (Instagram and Twitter), and Monika Estrella Negra: Instagram and Twitter. Follow our Sound Editor Kate on Twitter. Show us some love by giving us a 5-star Review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, PodChaser, or wherever you get your podcasts. Support us by joining our Patreon Community. Keep in touch with us and see what we're up to by visiting our website: BitchesOnComics.com And check out our new narrative horror podcast Decoded Horror Channel which includes Graveyard Orbit, Tales of the Sapphire Bay Hotel, and more! Bitches on Comics is a Queer Spec project. Check out our other projects! Learn more about Queer Spec at: QueerSpec.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On a special edition of Open Era, Simon and Devang welcome illustrator Tom Humberstone to chat about his incredible upcoming graphic novel ‘Suzanne: The Jazz Age Goddess of Tennis.' Tom takes us through the career and life of Suzanne Lenglen, one of the game's true trailblazers. Among many topics, they discuss Lenglen's lasting impact on the sport today, and why her story is required reading. ‘Suzanne' ships in September 2022. Pre-order your copy at Avery Hill Publishing. https://averyhillpublishing.bigcartel.com/product/pre-order-suzanne-the-jazz-age-goddess-of-tennisCome join the Patreon family for bonus content and ad-free episodes: https://www.patreon.com/openera Follow @OpenEraPod on Twitter! And say hello to @DesaiDevang while you're there.If merch is your thing, be sure to check out the store: https://bit.ly/merchera Or reach out to the show and say hey: podcast@openera.ca If you enjoyed today's show, please rate Open Era 5-Stars on Apple Podcasts.See you again next week for an all new episode of Open Era.

On a special edition of Open Era, Simon and Devang welcome illustrator Tom Humberstone to chat about his incredible upcoming graphic novel ‘Suzanne: The Jazz Age Goddess of Tennis.' Tom takes us through the career and life of Suzanne Lenglen, one of the game's true trailblazers. Among many topics, they discuss Lenglen's lasting impact on the sport today, and why her story is required reading. ‘Suzanne' ships in September 2022. Pre-order your copy at Avery Hill Publishing. https://averyhillpublishing.bigcartel.com/product/pre-order-suzanne-the-jazz-age-goddess-of-tennisCome join the Patreon family for bonus content and ad-free episodes: https://www.patreon.com/openera Follow @OpenEraPod on Twitter! And say hello to @DesaiDevang while you're there.If merch is your thing, be sure to check out the store: https://bit.ly/merchera Or reach out to the show and say hey: podcast@openera.ca If you enjoyed today's show, please rate Open Era 5-Stars on Apple Podcasts.See you again next week for an all new episode of Open Era.

This week the pod gang get an education in comics, both in writing and history courtesy of the legend Paul Kupperberg! Theres talk of his work with DC, writing some of comics biggest characters, editing and so much more. Plus there's plenty of comics to check out and events to put on your radar too. Don't miss it! Great stuff to check out this week - Paul Kupperberg, I Never Write for the Money - but I'll take the Paycheck, Direct Comments, Avery Hill Publishing, Shadows, Dan Harris, Killtopia, Dave Cook, Thought Bubble Festival 2022, Endangered African Horn Man and Juggy, Inkdrop, Adam Falp, Reject All, Power Broker Click here to buy comics from the creators of the Awesome Comics Podcast! Let us know what you think! Email: awesomecomicspod@gmail.com  Join the discussion today at our facebook group Awesome Comics Talk Check out the folks who sponsor this lil show - the mighty folks at Comichaus! If you love our Intro/Outro music, then check out the brilliant Chad Fifer and more of his musical badassery at www.chadfifer.bandcamp.com

In this episode we talk to Shanti Rai, the creator of Sennen. We talk mythology, and anthropology and comic art… plus how chronic illness has affected Shanti's creative processes. The post Signals From The Hill #46 – Shanti Rai on ‘Sennen' appeared first on Avery Hill Publishing.

In this episode, Greg and Leon discuss the following comics: Detective Comics #1062/1063 (https://www.dc.com/comics/detective-comics-2016/detective-comics-1062) Shock Shop #1 (https://www.darkhorse.com/Comics/3011-156/Shock-Shop-1) Suzanne - The Jazz Age Goddess of Tennis (https://averyhillpublishing.bigcartel.com/product/pre-order-suzanne-the-jazz-age-goddess-of-tennis) Available now here! (https://averyhillpublishing.bigcartel.com/product/pre-order-suzanne-the-jazz-age-goddess-of-tennis) Gallery: Sennen (https://averyhillpublishing.bigcartel.com/product/sennen-by-shanti-rai-pre-order) Available for pre order here (https://averyhillpublishing.bigcartel.com/product/sennen-by-shanti-rai-pre-order) Published: 20th Oct 2022 (UK) 27th Oct 2022 (NorthAmerica) Gallery: Send any questions or feedback to (mailto:acecomicals@gmail.com) acecomicals@gmail.com. And also please subscribe (http://www.acecomicals.com/subscribe) and leave us a review! If you like what we do please consider donating to us (https://ko-fi.com/acecomicals) at https://ko-fi.com/acecomicals. All contributions will be used to defray the cost of hosting the website. Ace Comicals, over and out!#

In this episode we talk to Tom Humberstone, the creator of Suzanne, which came out last week. We do a deep dive into ideas about storytelling and writing, and find out about Tom's early small press work creating (among other things) the well-loved UK comics anthology Solipsistic Pop. The post Signals From The Hill #45 – Tom Humberstone on ‘Suzanne' appeared first on Avery Hill Publishing.

Signals from the Hill is the Avery Hill Publishing podcast! In this episode we talk to Tom Humberstone, the creator of Suzanne, which came out last week. We do a deep dive into ideas about storytelling and writing, and find out about Tom's early small press work creating (among other things) the well-loved UK comics anthology Solipsistic Pop.

On a special edition of Open Era, Simon and Devang welcome illustrator Tom Humberstone to chat about his incredible upcoming graphic novel ‘Suzanne: The Jazz Age Goddess of Tennis.' Tom takes us through the career and life of Suzanne Lenglen, one of the game's true trailblazers. Among many topics, they discuss Lenglen's lasting impact on the sport today, and why her story is required reading. ‘Suzanne' ships in September 2022. Pre-order your copy at Avery Hill Publishing. https://averyhillpublishing.bigcartel.com/product/pre-order-suzanne-the-jazz-age-goddess-of-tennisCome join the Patreon family for bonus content and ad-free episodes: https://www.patreon.com/openera Follow @OpenEraPod on Twitter! And say hello to @DesaiDevang while you're there.If merch is your thing, be sure to check out the store: https://bit.ly/merchera Or reach out to the show and say hey: podcast@openera.ca If you enjoyed today's show, please rate Open Era 5-Stars on Apple Podcasts.See you again next week for an all new episode of Open Era.

On a special edition of Open Era, Simon and Devang welcome illustrator Tom Humberstone to chat about his incredible upcoming graphic novel ‘Suzanne: The Jazz Age Goddess of Tennis.' Tom takes us through the career and life of Suzanne Lenglen, one of the game's true trailblazers. Among many topics, they discuss Lenglen's lasting impact on the sport today, and why her story is required reading. ‘Suzanne' ships in September 2022. Pre-order your copy at Avery Hill Publishing. https://averyhillpublishing.bigcartel.com/product/pre-order-suzanne-the-jazz-age-goddess-of-tennisCome join the Patreon family for bonus content and ad-free episodes: https://www.patreon.com/openera Follow @OpenEraPod on Twitter! And say hello to @DesaiDevang while you're there.If merch is your thing, be sure to check out the store: https://bit.ly/merchera Or reach out to the show and say hey: podcast@openera.ca If you enjoyed today's show, please rate Open Era 5-Stars on Apple Podcasts.See you again next week for an all new episode of Open Era.

In this episode we talk to Taki Soma, the creator of Sleeping While Standing which comes out in July 2022. We talk about why Taki loves editing, the balance of darkness and humour in her writing, and how she narrowly avoided a career in advertising. The post Signals from the Hill #44 – Taki Soma on ‘Sleeping While Standing' appeared first on Avery Hill Publishing.

In this episode we talk to George Wylesol, whose book ‘2120' has just come out. We discuss how George arrived at his unique, dark and compelling style of storytelling, and his journey through the various books he's published with Avery Hill. The post Signals from the Hill #43 – George Wylesol on ‘2120' appeared first on Avery Hill Publishing.

In this episode we talk to Karen Shangguan, the creator of Quiet Thoughts, which came out in autumn 2021. We talk about how Karen makes her poetic, contemplative comics. The post Signals From The Hill #42 – Karen Shangguan on Quiet Thoughts appeared first on Avery Hill Publishing.

In this episode we talk to Lord Hurk, the creator of Jinx Freeze, which came out in October 2021. We discuss tying lots of ideas together into one big story, the London small press scene, dreams… and lovingly-rendered biscuits. The post Signals From The Hill #41 – Lord Hurk on Jinx Freeze appeared first on Avery Hill Publishing.

In this episode we talk to Clio Isadora, the creator of Sour Pickles, which came out in October 2021.We talk about how Clio approaches making comics, the economic inequalities that affect people hoping to make a living in the arts, and how the pandemic has affected people in the industry. The post Signals From The Hill #40 – Clio Isadora on Sour Pickles appeared first on Avery Hill Publishing.

Time Codes: 00:00:24 - Introduction 00:02:14 - Setup of interview 00:03:59 - Interview with Katriona Chapman 01:06:41 - Wrap up 01:07:15 - Contact us Katriona Chapman first came to our attention through her work at Avery Hill Publishing. She works in marketing there, and back in summer of 2015 she introduced Tillie Walden. Tillie's first book, The End of Summer, had just been released, and Kat worked was instrumental in setting up an interview with the very young artist. But over the subsequent year, we've come to know Kat as more of an artist herself. She had done a lot of illustration work for children's books, but it was her self-published comic, Katzine, that specifically caught our attention. In fact, we had discussed Katzinein a special episode from last year, where we looked at self-published comics. In one of the later issues of Katzineshe mentions working on her first book, an autobiographical work centered on her travels in Mexico. Last month that book, Follow Me In, was released by Avery Hill. This is a fascinating travelogue about her experiences touring Mexico, it's diverse regions, its many ruins, and its vibrant cultures. As you'll hear in this interview, Kat doesn't only write about her experiences touring in this new book, but she also explores her problematic relationship with her companion as well as her own efforts as an artist. As such, Follow Me Inis much more than a travelogue. It's an account of a young artist undergoing new experiences and using those to grow as a creator and to define her art.  

Time Codes: 00:00:23 - Introduction 00:02:29 - Setup of interview 00:04:11 - Interview with Tim Bird 01:00:17 - Wrap up 01:00:53 - Contact us The Great North Wood, which was just released through Avery Hill Publishing, is Tim Bird's longest work to date. It's the story of -- or perhaps a better way of putting would be that it's a history or a meditation on -- an area in South London known for its wooded past. This includes areas such as Norwood, Gipsy Hill, Honor Oak, and Sydenham Hill Woods. In fact, as Tim mentions in the interview, Sydenham Hill Woods is really the last vestige of the heavily forested area south of London, and it's where Tim and his family currently reside. What makes The Great North Woodstand out is Tim Bird's use of geographic space to tell his story. As he and Derek discuss over the course of their conversation, character is at a minimum in Tim's work, and he uses location and space to carry his narrative. What's more, the creator often underscores the mystery and magic that has traditionally been a part of Britain's wooded areas. Much of Derek's talk with Tim centers on the new book, but they also discuss his previous comics, such as the various works in his Grey Areaseries, also published by Avery Hill. These are also largely based on location and geographic space, and Tim goes into detail about his evolution as an artist, working through his Grey Areacomics to get to a place where he can more fully explore his surroundings in his latest book.

Time Codes: 00:00:24 - Introduction 00:02:25 - Setup of interview 00:04:11 - Interview with Luke Healy 01:04:50 - Wrap up 01:05:30 - Contact us Luke Healy was first on The Comics Alternative at Small Press Expo in 2016, where he briefly spoke with Derek about his provocative self-published minicomic The Unofficial Cuckoo's Nest Study Companion, which was nominated that year for an Ignatz Award. A couple of months later Luke came back on the show, this time for a long and more in-depth interview about his new book at the time, How to Survive in the North, released from Nobrow Press. And now, Luke comes back on podcast to discuss his most recent work. His brand-new book revisits some of his older writings and places them within an entirely new context. Permanent Press has just been released from Avery Hill Publishing, and it's a mock autobiographical text that explores the world of independent comics creators and the relationship between a cartoonist and his ego. What's more, the new book incorporates the previously self-published The Unofficial Cuckoo's Nest Study Companion, but it does so in a way that brings a fresh perspective to the story and even underscores its experimental nature. In this interview, Derek talks with Luke Healy about the origins of Permanent Press, its highly satirical tone, and the process of looking inside of himself and pulling out a narrative that is not entirely autobiographical, but at the same time, not purely fiction. As you'll hear, Luke is certainly one of the medium's most meditative creators.

Time Codes: 00:01:50 - Introduction 00:03:37 - Setting up our favorites 00:07:16 - Year-end statistics 00:15:54 - Our favorites of 2016 01:43:22 - Wrapping up our favorites, and honorable mentions 01:48:55 - Contact us This is the last regular review episode of 2016, and as the Two Guys with PhDs do annually, they use their final show of the year to share their favorite comics from the past twelve months. Both Andy and Derek have each chosen what he considers the 10 best of 2016 -- and in no particular order -- but neither has shared his list with the other until the recording of this episode. So there are some surprises along the way. There is not much overlap between the guys' lists, and only two titles are mentioned by both. Taken together, this is a wide-ranging selection that includes everything from mainstream superhero comics to small-press selections, from webcomics to manga, from comics in translation to works that are sure to become part of many readers' canon. However, before they plunge into their lists the guys share some year-end statistics. By the end of 2016 The Comics Alternative will have produced 162 episodes (including this episode and the December manga review). Among those shows, 278 print titles will have been discussed along with 36 webcomics. Derek also crunched the numbers in terms of the most reviewed publishers. The one whose titles were discussed most frequently was Image Comics, with the guys focusing on 25 of their titles. Next is Fantagraphics and Dark Horse Comics with 21 reviewed titles each. After that it's IDW with 19, DC/Vertigo with 17, First Second with 13, and BOOM! Studios with 11. Other publishers whose titles have been reviewed at least 5 times over the past year include Kilgore Books (9), Kodansha Comics (8), Alternative Comics (7), Aftershock (7), Floating World (6), Drawn and Quarterly (5), Retrofit/Big Planet (5), and Avery Hill Publishing (5). After that numerical rundown, the Two Guys get into their 10 favorite titles of 2016: Andy's Top 10 of 2016 The Nib - Various (The Nib)  Young Animal line - Various (DC Comics)  Vision - Tom King. Gabriel Hernandez Walta, and Kevin Walsh (Marvel Comics)  The Sheriff of Babylon - Tom King and Mitch Gerads (DC/Vertigo)  The Fix - Nick Spencer and Steve Lieber (Image Comics)  Rolling Blackouts: Dispatches from Turkey, Syria, and Iraq - Sarah Glidden (Drawn and Quarterly)  The One Hundred Nights of Hero - Isabel Greenberg (Little, Brown and Company)  March: Book Three - John Lewis, Andrew Ayden, and Nate Powell (Top Shelf/IDW)  The Art of Charlie Chan Hock Chye - Sonny Liew (Pantheon Books)  Rosalie Lightning / We All Wish for Deadly Force - Tom Hart / Leela Corman (St. Martin's Press / Retrofit/Big Planet) Derek's Top 10 of 2016 Paper Girls - Brian K. Vaughan and Cliff Chang (Image Comics) Adam Sarlech: A Trilogy - Frédéric Bézian (Humanoids) Mary Wept over the Feet of Jesus - Chester Brown (Drawn and Quarterly) 5,000 km Per Second - Manuele Fiore (Fantagraphics) The Fix - Nick Spencer and Steve Lieber (Image Comics) Blammo #9 - Noah Van Sciver (Kilgore Books) Delilah Dirk and the King's Shilling - Tony Cliff (First Second) The Art of Charlie Chan Hock Chye - Sonny Liew (Pantheon Books) Highbone Theater - Joe Daly (Fantagraphics) Goodnight Punpun / The Girl on the Shore - Inio Asano (VIZ Media / Vertical Comics) The Honorable Mentions…These Titles Almost, but Just Didn't Quite, Make It onto Each Guy's List For Andy The Black Monday Murders - Jonathan Hickman and Tomm Coker (Image Comics) Dept. H - Matt Kindt (Dark Horse Comics) Happy Trails - Scott Roberts (Ubutopia Press) Paper Girls - Brian K. Vaughan and Cliff Chang (Image Comics) Faith - Jody Houser, Pere Perez, and Marguerite Sauvage (Valiant Comics) Future Quest - Evan Shaner and Steve Rude (DC Comics) Blubber - Gilbert Hernandez (Fantagraphics) Someone Please Have Sex with Me - Gina Wyndbrandt (2dcloud) For Derek March: Book Three - John Lewis, Andrew Ayden, and Nate Powell (Top Shelf/IDW) Briggs Land  - Brian Wood and Mack Chater (Dark Horse Comics) Super Weird Heroes: Outrageous but Real! - Craig Yoe, ed. (Yoe Books/IDW) The Eltingville Club - Evan Dorkin (Dark Horse Books) Panther - Brecht Evens (Drawn and Quarterly) Patience - Daniel Clowes (Fantagraphics) The One Hundred Nights of Hero - Isabel Greenberg (Little, Brown and Company) Various manga: I Am a Hero - Kengo Hanzawa (Dark Horse Manga); Princess Jellyfish - Akiko Hagashimura (Kodansha Comics); Otherworld Barbara, Vol. 1 - Moto Hagio (Fantagraphics)

Gwen and Derek are back with another publisher spotlight episode, this one on the UK press, Avery Hill Publishing. They begin their spotlight with a short interview with the people behind Avery Hill: Ricky Miller, Dave White, and Katriona Chapman. Derek talks with them about the origins of the press, the kind of creators that have come to define Avery Hill, their distribution and publicity outside of the UK, and their plans for fall releases and beyond. After that conversation, Gwen and Derek get into the nitty gritty of the publisher's current offerings. They start by looking at the most recent issues of two ongoing series from Avery Hill, Reads #4 and Metroland #3. The former is an anthology periodical currently in its second volume, and the two discuss its various serialized storylines. Gwen is particularly fond of Owen D. Pomery's "The Megatherium Club," but they also discuss Reads other historically based stories -- Ricky Miller and Tim Bird's "Hitchcock and Film" as well as Bird and Luke James Halsall's "The Bullpen" (inspired by Marvel Comics in the early 1960s) -- and the colorful, offbeat comics of EdieOP. The most recent issue of Metroland continues the drama behind Ricky Miller and Julia Scheele's fictional 1980s band, Electric Dreams, and while discussing this evolving narrative, Derek and Gwen even wax nostalgic over their own musical histories growing up during that time. Next, they discuss three new books released this spring. A City Inside is yet another work from Tillie Walden -- she's become a singular force at Avery Hill -- and this one is a measured, meditative look at self-identity with an almost poetic tone. Rachel Smith's Artificial Flowers does to the London art scene what Miller and Scheele's Metroland does with the city post-punk. Both the artist's unassuming premise and her clean, iconic art style easily draw Gwen and Derek into this fun story. And then finally, the cohosts wrap up with the latest book in Matthew Swan's Parsley Girl series. Neither Derek nor Gwen had been familiar with Swan's work previously, but Parsley Girl: Carrots proves to be a good introduction into his weird and almost psychedelic narrative world. Overall, both Gwen and Derek find a lot of excitement behind this young press. Avery Hill may be just now getting a foothold in the US market -- thanks to its recent distribution agreement with Retrofit/Big Planet -- but as this episode demonstrates, it's definitely a publisher worth watching.