I need a name for these posts
DC's Absolute Universe, posting of books, stuff to check out and all the usual stuff I've been posting lately. See you at Thought Bubble.
the daily grind
Ah, the daily grind, my space to vent and shout into the ether, or ethernet. My therapeutic place where I use you as my doctor, my psychiatrist, my shoulder to cry on. The place where I spew out my thoughts and let you mop them up. Should I apologise for doing that? I probably should, sorry. A lot of what I say or how I put it in written word is for dramatic effect, not to be taken too seriously.
In all honesty, the past couple of months have been pretty good. October flew by and now we’re in the middle of November and racing towards the festive season. I can’t believe another year is almost over. Life is amazing but seems to be going by all too quick. To paraphrase the great Ferris Bueller “life moves fast, if you don’t stop and look around a bit, you might miss it”, so true.
It’s at this time of year when I begin to reflect on the past year. It’s important to look back and take stock, be happy of your achievements and learn from your mistakes. In Scotland we don’t celebrate New Year…as such, we celebrate Hogmanay. Which means, we celebrate the old by bringing in the new. I love that sentiment and as the year races towards its conclusion that’s exactly what I begin to do, some self-reflection of sorts. It’s a healthy thing to do and more people should do it. Don’t look back and blame others, this is your life and the choices are yours. Like I posted last month “the only true freedom in life, is how you react to things” (Charlie Mackesy) it’s such a great statement and if you take a bit of time to think about it, it has a great meaning. Love your life, it’s the only one you’ve got.
DC’s Absolute Universe
Soooo, well then, there has been some buzz around this universe, some good some not so good, especially before the titles launched. It’s been pretty exciting I’d say. I’m not a precious kind of guy and I don’t really care what happens to any character in any universe of any kind. To me, they are characters, fictional people in fictional worlds and if they die, turn gay, turn straight, change sex, sleep with an animal, I couldn’t care less. If the story is good, I’m in. Simple. On a broader scope here though, the buzz around these titles has been really good and it has put a lot of eyes on these books, new and old. I was in City Centre Comics on Wednesday 13th there to pick up some stuff, TMNT #3, Nemesis #4 and Absolute Batman #1 and #2, I picked up Absolute Superman #1 too and a trade of Night Club (if you’re interested). I’ve never been a Wednesday Warrior, I’ve just never had a shop close to be one of those guys, but it was great being in the shop and so many people were coming in picking up these books. There was a buzz and excited feeling amongst us sad comic nerds, it was brilliant and I hope it continues. Make the way into your nearest shop and pick up some comics, it’s such a more satisfying feeling than mail order, especially if your buying from Amazon, that place is soulless.
SPOILERS possibly: I read Batman #1 and #2 and loved it. A whole new take on the big bad bat and it’s got me pretty much hooked. I was dying to see what that cape was all about and it did not disappoint. There are some really interesting themes going on, especially the relationship with his “friends” I like that dynamic. It almost explains why he would keep them around. Basically we have a stripped down universe based on an already built one, meaning that the writers can explore what has worked in the past and not seem like things have been shoehorned to fit. Which I find happens a lot in the big two. My only worry is, it’s probably only a matter of time before all the characters end up just as they are in their other universes. But, I think I’ll stick around and see how it all plays out, for a while at least. Above all, it was good to see some Wednesday warriors in the shop, long may it continue.
posting books
By now everyone should have received their digital copies of all three volumes of The Story of a Missing Girl, plus issue zero of Tales from the City and, I have started posting out physical copies this week! Some should be landing on doormats across the country as I type. I am really excited and terrified to find out what you all think. I have tonnes more to send, so if you haven’t received your copy yet, don’t worry, I might not of got to yours yet, but I will.
I’m excited to finally get the last part out there, it now allows me to properly move onto other things I have planed and floating around in my brain. That, for me, is very exciting indeed.
stuff to check out
comics
Omega Black 1 and 2 - Zach Cahill
This is proper indie comics right here. Written in the tone of 80’s action spy movie it’s a great little read. There are some proper laugh out loud moments. The MacFister sisters have to be one of the best names for a character (or two) I have ever heard, the dialogue in this particular scene is hysterical. I’m in a Slack chat with Zach, so I was lucky enough to pick up both these issues, a third and final is on the way. He releases them on his Patreon, which you can find here. It’s definitely worth checking out if you can.
Spaceboy and the Future King - One Pot Comics
A cracking first issue from the very talented Rory Donald. An all ages book, this is a nice little read. Set in the south of England during the the times when Kings and Queens ruled, Knights were heroes and inventors were seen as crazy people. Horse and cart era. It follows a well liked boy called Arthur, as he runs around town kindly doing chores asked upon him by various locals. An inventor has just shot himself high into the sky over the English Channel and a Dragon boat sits off the coast. The King is also due to return. No aliens yet, but who knows. I’m keen to find out what happens next. You can follow Rory on Instagram here, I really recommend you do, even if it’s just for the great art, or even better, follow him on Substack here.
podcasts
John McShane on the Millar Time podcast.
When I started this little comic book writing thing, way before the world changed, I found a page on Facebook called the Scottish Cartoonist Society, and read that they meet up on the first Thursday of the month in a pub in Glasgow. So I took myself along to see what the craic was, and I met some of the finest people Glasgow has to offer, people I still meet with today, and John McShane was one of them. From then to now, I have met John numerous times, we’ve chatted and he has told me many stories from the Glasgow and British comic scene, they are brilliant. So it was great to hear some of those stories (however brief) getting a good mention on a proper podcast. John really has had a massive influence in the comic book world, especially Glasgow. But don’t take my word for it, let Mark and John tell you all about it. Great wee watch. You find it on YouTube here.
Comics Lab
I’m not sure if I have mentioned this in a previous post or not, but this is a great podcast. Fun and energetic with plenty of tips and tricks on how the hosts navigate through the madness that is indie publishing. There was a very interesting insight into social media that is well worth listening to. Basically, the old sites are done, and possibly Blue Sky is the site to go to, that and Patreon and Substack. So please, download the Substack app. You can find that particular episode here on Spotify, but it looks like there are more episode singing praises for Blue Sky.
comic related sites
Never Iron Anything
Never Iron Anything is a comics review website and it is a great read. I’d class Tony as a buddy of mine, he’s one third of the ACP and he does another great podcast that I have mentioned on here before, also called Never Iron Anything. His Wednesday post, Tops and Bottoms is a great quick read where he gives you a run down on the best and worst comics he’s read that week. There’s also normally a best small press comic of the week to check out. Worth subscribing to. You can find his most recent post here.
Signing off and I’ll see you at Thought Bubble
As always everyone, thanks for reading. And as always a wee like or share really would help this poor tired soul carry on with this comic book writing fantasy.
Cheers,
David