Portland gets a lot of ink these days as a comics mecca but I'm always impressed with the work and output of the Boston Comics Roundtable. It's an independent organization of comics creators in the Greater Boston area created in 2006 to unite Boston-based artists and writers in the spirit of camaraderie and professional development. The Roundtable recently expanded again, premiering the second issue of its sci-fi anthology, the first issue of its horror anthology, and the development of a new comics trade show, M.I.C.E. – the Massachusetts Independent Comics Show. On October 28th, they're hosting a great Halloween party at Tommy Doyle's in Harvard Square. And… just out is their latest collection of comics in Inbound 5: The Food Issue. This 176-page trade paperback is their biggest volume ever, featuring 26 brand new stories from dozens of contributors. View book cover and samples at bostoncomicsroundtable.com/inbound-5. More from the press release:
The best and the brightest comics creators from the greater Boston area explore our delectable and complex relationship with food. Where does it come from, and what are we willing to do to get it? From the mythological to the historical, the personal to the fantastical – the range of genres is matched by an equally broad range of graphic styles that exemplifies the fun and creativity of today's independent comics. Contributors to Inbound 5 include: E.J. Barnes, Eric Boeker, Jerel Dye, Franklin Einspruch, Patrick Flaherty, Bob Flynn, Joel Christian Gill, Andrew Greenstone, Danny Gonzalez, Raul Gonzalez, Beth Hetland, Erik Heumiller, Allie Kleber, Braden D. Lamb, Cathy Leamy, Jackie Lee, Jesse Lonergan, Dan Mazur, Mar-T Moyer, Line O, David Ortega, Shelli Paroline, Adrian Rodriguez, Roho, Aya Rothwell, Katherine Roy, Adam Syzm, Laura Terry, Jason Viola, Rebecca Viola, Katherine Waddell, Ryan Wheeler, and Andy Wong.
REVIEWS: The Webcomic Overlooks reviews two horror comics: Walking The Lethe and The Sacrifice — a webcomic based on the Left For Dead videogame.
HYPE: The first chapter, "Track 1: Radio Free Mars" of the new webcomic The Sisters Grimm is done — a good time to jump in and check it out. Also caught this short piece from the University of Tulsa Collegiate newspaper recommending some webcomics.
BUSINESS? Not sure what to categorize this as but Scott McCloud comments on Flattr, the micro-donations system.
MAILBAG
Kit Fox writes "I have been doing a webcomic called Snap Crackle Pop for several years now and I'm trying to get the word out so hopefully some people will read it…. It's a comic about a girl who draws a comic about her life, aided and hindered by a host of demons, dragons, flying pigs, Buddhist goldfish, monsters and mundane chick stuff. I live in Hawaii, and often sprinkle bits of scenery into the comic."
Twisted Peel by British artist Peter Roy — celebrates the release of its 250th strip this week. The anniversary strip, "Man Flu Revisited" finds Peel, the quirky anti-hero, receiving a palpable lack of sympathy for his illness.
Recent Comments