Comics Syllabus

On the return of the Comics Syllabus podcast, we talk about “Hot Comb” by Ebony Flowers (Drawn & Quarterly), a memoir in vignettes about Flowers coming-of-age in the Baltimore area black community as a young woman and her experiences surrounding hair, touching poignantly on race, gender, growing up, family, societal expectations, community, class, identity, and […]

TwoPlai sets up to return to the Comics Syllabus, and he offers a remembrance of Derek Parker Royal of the Comics Alternative. Derek and the Comics Alternative: http://comicsalternative.com/ Engage with the Comics Syllabus: https://twitter.com/twoplai https://www.instagram.com/twoplai/ http://www.multiversitycomics.com/tag/comics-syllabus/ Subscribe to the Comics Syllabus on Apple Podcasts or add this RSS feed to your podcast app: https://paulflai.com/feed/podcast/comicssyllabus For […]

A farewell... for now. Paul is redirecting his podcasting energies to start "Mother Box: A New Gods and Jack Kirby's Fourth World Podcast" with Matt Lune, as well as to appear weekly on the Comics Alternative and pursue other endeavors. This episode is a fond farewell as the Comics Syllabus podcast goes on indefinite hiatus, with heartfelt thanks to all the guests, listeners, friends, and Multiversity colleagues who've made this podcast a total joy for the past two years. Comics Syllabus may be back in the future or on occasion, but for now, Paul's signing off. Look for "Mother Box" to come soon (and fill in this every-other-Tuesday slot at Multiversitycomics.com), and look for Paul and his friends at Multiversity, as well as on the Comics Alternative podcast weekly review episodes. And thanks for listening! Let's keep reading. (Track art is a drawing of Paul by wonderful artist Max Sarin)

On today's Comics Syllabus, Paul and brother Sonny discuss "Green Lantern Earth One Volume One," Gabriel Hardman, Corinna Bechko, and Jordan Boyd's DC graphic novel retelling of Hal Jordan Green Lantern's origin story in the Earth One universe. "Green Lantern Earth One" is a dash of Sonny's favorite stuff-- Green Lantern Corps and Green Lantern lore--filtered through the cinematic stylistics of Hardman and Bechko, some of Paul's favorite creators. Then, Sonny and Paul pick upcoming trade collections on their wait list: Sonny picks "Batman Detective Comics TP Vol 06 Fall Of The Batmen Rebirth" by James Tynion IV and Joe Bennett and artists (DC), the fall of Clayface and nearing the end of the Tynion Detective run. Paul recommends "Fantastic Four Epic Collection TP New Fantastic Four" (Marvel) by various writers and artist, notably (for Paul) Art Adams art, collecting "Fantastic Four" #347-361 and Annual #24, a 90s run that includes Wolverine, Spiderman, Hulk, and Gho

Chad Sell, the creator and artist of the wonderful new all-ages graphic novel, “The Cardboard Kingdom” (Penguin Random House), joins Paul to tell the inspiring origin story of the book, co-written with a team of contributors. Just as Chad and many other contributors lent their talents and perspectives to the craft of this book, the book itself is a tribute to the diverse imaginations and explorations of a neighborhood of kids, having fun and finding themselves through an extended universe of play. The kids take on roles like The Sorceress, the Big Banshee, and The Gargoyle, fashioning costumes and castles from cardboard and creativity. The graphic novel’s assembled short stories amass into an overarching tale of childhood fun, community formation, and identity development, enjoyable for young readers and adults too. Chad shares about the craft and process of putting together “The Cardboard Kingdom”… its inspiration from kids comics, drag queens, and coloring book contests. It’s a great conversation… don’t mis

Writer Jacob Semahn joins Paul on the Comics Syllabus podcast to talk about “No. 1 with a Bullet,” the Image Comics series he co-created with artist Jorge Corona, colorist Jen Hickman, and writer Steve Wands. “No 1 with a Bullet” is collected in a trade that comes out June 6, 2018. It’s a thrilling near-future story about Nash Huang, a TV personality’s assistant who must survive the brutal public exposure of our social media age… and worse! Jacob and Paul talk about the big ideas and cultural trends that prompted the book’s creation, and the craft behind his and his collaborators’ creation of this dynamic book. Let’s dig deep! (Note: Swears and content warning– with respect, Jacob and Paul discuss issues of harassment and violence, though not graphically. Separately, heads up for some adult language in this one.) Subscribe and follow the Comics Syllabus podcast on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, or Soundcloud, or copy this RSS feed to your podcatcher: http://feeds.soundcloud.com/users/soundcloud:users:235183739/s

On today’s Comics Syllabus podcast, Cohost Kid comes on to talk about Elise Gravel’s “The Mushroom Fan Club” from Enfant/Drawn and Quarterly. Let’s dig deep! Subscribe and follow the Comics Syllabus podcast on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, or Soundcloud, or copy this RSS feed to your podcatcher: http://feeds.soundcloud.com/users/soundcloud:users:235183739/sounds.rss or you can find archives for this podcast (previously named “Study Comics with Paul”) here: http://studycomics.club/ Join the discussion on the Comics Syllabus Facebook page: http://facebook.com/ComicsSyllabus or with Paul on Twitter: https://twitter.com/TwoPlai or leave your comments here on the showpage. Thanks for listening!

A special, slightly different episode: Paul and "That's the Issue" host Matt Lune embark on a podcast journey, as they launch "The Mother Box: A New Gods by Jack Kirby Podcast" project, a read-through of the "Fourth World Omnibus" by Jack Kirby. Together, Matt and Paul aim to learn about the New Gods universe, characters, and stories in anticipation of the planned "New Gods" movie directed by Ava Duvernay. They will read through and discuss Kirby's New Gods work issue by issue. And they'll invite on experts and other readers to inform them along the way. This episode is a pilot, of sorts, for "The Mother Box," as well as a briefing about Jack Kirby, the New Gods, and what we hope to do with the project. Next week, on "That's the Issue," we will continue with a closer reading of the first issues of the "Fourth World Omnibus," the first three issues of Jack Kirby's work at DC on "Superman's Pal, Jimmy Olsen." Let us know what you think! Some pri

Today's Comics Syllabus podcast looks at BE PREPARED by Vera Brosgol (First Second), colors by Alec Longstreth, a wonderful autobiographical summer camp story for all ages. Images discussed on the podcast: 1. The Cover of BE PREPARED and the alienation of Camp https://images.macmillan.com/folio-assets/macmillan_us_frontbookcovers_1000H/9781626724457.jpg 2. Birthday Party and Outsider Feelings https://us.macmillan.com/interiors?isbn=9781626724457 3. The "Hollywood" and Cultural Camp Experiences https://i0.wp.com/www.comicsbeat.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/BePrepared_INT_056.jpg https://i0.wp.com/www.comicsbeat.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/BePrepared_INT_057.jpg Find the full podcast at http://www.multiversitycomics.com/tag/comics-syllabus/ Subscribe and follow the Comics Syllabus podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Play podcasts, or wherever or copy this RSS feed to your podcatcher: http://feeds.soundcloud.com/users/soundcloud:users:235183739/sounds.rss Follow Paul on Twitter: https://twitte

In typical Comics Syllabus fashion, Paul has the most niche of niche solo discussions (with YOU!) about AVENGERS INFINITY WAR. This conversation features SPOILERS but then again kind of doesn't because, as usual, Paul explains very little, kind of hoping that you've not only already seen the movie but consumed the recaps and reviews abounding everywhere. So it's more of a reflective piece, thinking about ideas and themes provoked by the movie. Listen only after you've joined the throngs of people who've already seen the film, cool? Find the full podcast at http://www.multiversitycomics.com/tag/comics-syllabus/ Subscribe and follow the Comics Syllabus podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Play podcasts, or wherever or copy this RSS feed to your podcatcher: http://feeds.soundcloud.com/users/soundcloud:users:235183739/sounds.rss Follow Paul on Twitter: https://twitter.com/TwoPlai Feel free to drum up discussion on the Comics Syllabus Facebook page: http://facebook.com/ComicsSyllabus

MIGHTY THOR #706 from Marvel Comics, written by Jason Aaron, art by Russell Dauterman, colors by Matt Wilson, letters by VC's Joe Sabino. Elias Rosner's Thor by Jason Aaron piece: http://www.multiversitycomics.com/longform/worthy-jason-aaron-thor-retrospective/ Images to go with this episode, via Comixology https://www.comixology.com/The-Mighty-Thor-2015-706/digital-comic/637936 : 1. Sacrificial Jane https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/S/cmx-images-prod/Item/637936/Previews/ed8382bf0c8094ef9952999d9b93b86d._SX1280_QL80_TTD_.jpg 2. To Valhalla https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/S/cmx-images-prod/Item/637936/Previews/6120a942658ed957b1597bd81fd9f848._SX1280_QL80_TTD_.jpg 3. Aaron's Thor summed up in an eye-roll https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/S/cmx-images-prod/Item/637936/Previews/448e3770ee85ca84916bd8da5d61aeb8._SX1280_QL80_TTD_.jpg Find the podcast at http://www.multiversitycomics.com/tag/comics-syllabus/ Subscribe and follow the Comics Syllabus podcast on App

On this episode (at 0:00 ), Paul explains a(nother!) shift in the podcast format for the near future. Then (at 7:52 ), Multiversity's Michelle White ( http://www.multiversitycomics.com/author/mwhite/ ) returns to talk about three graphic novels by single creators: (at 10:42 ) "The Interview" by Manuele Fiore (Fantagraphics), (at 29:24 ) "Science Comics Bats: Learning to Fly" by Falynn Koch (First Second), (at 41:30 ) and "One! Hundred! Demons!" by Lynda Barry (Drawn + Quarterly). Subscribe and follow the Comics Syllabus podcast on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, or Soundcloud, or copy this RSS feed to your podcatcher: http://feeds.soundcloud.com/users/soundcloud:users:235183739/sounds.rss or you can find archives for this podcast (previously named "Study Comics with Paul") here: http://studycomics.club/ Join the discussion on the Comics Syllabus Facebook page: http://facebook.com/ComicsSyllabus or with Paul on Twitter: https://twitter.com/TwoPlai or leave your comments here on

On this episode (at 0:00 ), Paul serves up next week's Syllabus (see below), inviting you to a discussion of "Critical Dystopia" and readings for next episode of the pod! Then (at 13:32 ), we welcome back Ram V ( http://www.ram-v.com/ ), writer of Image Comics series "Paradiso" whose first arc is collected in trade and out May 16, 2018. Ram talks to us about the experience of writing "Paradiso" issues 1-4 and beyond, and we dig deep in a spoiler section into the characters and world of this fascinating series, drawn by Dev Pramanik, colored by Dearbhla Kelly, and lettered by Aditya Bidikar from Image Comics. At ( 1:16:45 ), Paul tackles a few books from last episode's "Syllabus" and starts to discuss "Critical Dystopias," with the surprising and NOT dystopic books "Dragon Slayer" by Jaime Hernandez (TOON Books) and the children's book Islandborn by Junot Diaz (Dial), and then delving into a mini-comic from ShortBox ( http://shortbox.bigcartel.com/ ) by Matthe

On this episode (at 0:00 ), Paul starts with some shout outs and mentions. Then (at 12:40 ), the next two weeks’ Syllabus. Join us to read: "The Syllabus" for 3/26/2018: Critical Dystopias Manga Monday: “Vinland Saga” by Makoto Yukimura (Kodansha) and "Planetes" by Yukimura (Dark Horse) Alt/Trade Tuesday: "Monstress" by Marjorie Liu and Sana Takeda (Image) World/Web Wednesday: Titan Graphic Novels: "Death of Stalin," "Beautiful Death," "Doctor Radar," "Lone Sloane," "Normandy Gold," "Dan Dare," "Fighting American." Throwback Thursday: “The Fourth World Omnibus” by Jack Kirby (DC) Family Friday: “Islandborn" by Junot Diaz (Dial) “The Dragon Slayer: Folktales from Latin America” by Jaime Hernandez (TOON) Superhero Saturday: Marvel Catch Up. Your recommendations? Sequential & Small Press Sunday: "Glow" by Ray Chou and Vincenzo Ferriero with art by Anny Maulina and Dia Jia: http://www.kickstarter.com/project

Images that go with this episode are at http://wp.me/p42KN3-KXo On this episode (at 0:00 ), Paul articulates a mission statement for the Comics Syllabus podcast, to “read widely and dig deep” in the process of studying how comics work towards and reflect social and cultural change. First (at 15:00 ), the next two weeks’ Syllabus. Join us to read: "The Syllabus" for 3/13/2018 Family Friday: “Atlas & Axis” #1-3 by Pau (Titan Comics) “The Dragon Slayer: Folktales from Latin America” by Jaime Hernandez (TOON) Superhero Saturday: DC: “Eternity Girl” #1 by Visaggio & Liew, “Michael Cray” #6 by Hill, Ellis, Vines, & Harris, “Justice League” #41 by Priest & Woods, “Super Sons” #14 by Tomasi, Thibert, & Barberi. Lion Forge: “Astonisher” v1 by De Campi & Mhan. Marvel: “Astonishing X-Men” #9 by Soule & Buffagni, “Mighty Thor” #705 by Aaron & Dauterman. Valiant: “Secret Weapons: Owen’s Story” #0 by Heisserer, Allen, & Martin. Sequential & Small Press Sunday:

"The Syllabus"-- Paul's reading list ( 0:00 ) Political biographies with Edward Haynes ( 48:31 ) "The Wait List" with Sonny ( 1:43:12 ) First, (at 0:00) Paul tries a new approach to “the Syllabus,” his reading list of comics to read widely with him these next two weeks (see list below). He touches on various titles from his last two weeks’ reading list as an explainer about the idea of “Prolepsis and Futures,” and how it applies in comics. Those titles include “The Incal” by Jodorowsky and Moebius (Humanoids), “Speak” by Laurie Halse Anderson and Emily Carroll (FSG), “Battle Angel Alita” by (Kodansha/Comixology), “Birthright” by Joshua Williamson and Andrei Bresson (Image), “Universe” by Albert Monteys (Panel Syndicate), and Black Panther, the comics and the movie! Then we welcome Multiversity’s Edward Haynes (at 48:31 ), who visits to talk about Political Biographies he has read recently. Ed’s on Twitter at twitter.com/teddyhaynes , his Multiversity work can be found at www.multiversityco

Images are at http://wp.me/p42KN3-K4L First, (at 0:00) a walk through the Syllabus, a reading list of comics Paul invites you to read along with him in the weeks to come. See the Syllabus full list below. This episode's Close Read (at 28:42 ) is with comics scholar and #BlackComicsChat's Grace Gipson ( http://twitter.com/GBreezy20 ) examining “Concrete Park” by Erika Alexander (W) and Alex Puryear (W/A) (Dark Horse), set in Scare City, a dystopic future place on a prison planet where the criminalized are sent to make their way, trying to carve loyalty and love in a scifi world packed with real world resonance. IMAGES TO GO WITH OUR DISCUSSION OF "CONCRETE PARK” are at http://wp.me/p42KN3-K4L Finally, we wrap up by checking in with Paul’s brother Sonny for a late February installment of the Wait List (at 1:48:00 ), anticipating upcoming trades and collections they’re looking too, and brotherly banter. "The Syllabus" for 2/13/2018. (Read along wherever you'd like, and we welcome you to share yo

Images at Multiversitycomics.com at http://wp.me/p42KN3-JIR Welcome to the Comics Syllabus podcast, where we read widely and we dig deep. Your host Paul, a literacy researcher and English teacher, introduces curious readers to a range of current and classic comics, and then engages in closer discussion and analysis of particular comics works. First, (at 0:00) a walk through the Syllabus, a reading list of comics Paul invites you to read along with him in the weeks to come. See the Syllabus full list below. This episode’s Close Read (at 32:20 ) is with Rachelle Cruz, as we dive into two graphic novels from Filipina/o creators, “Duran Duran, Imelda Marcos, and Me” by Lorina Mapa (Conundrum, 2017) and “Elmer” by Gerry Alanguilan (SLG, 2010). We start by catching up with Rachelle about her forthcoming comics textbook, “Experiencing Comics,” and then examine Alanguilan’s moving and vexing fable of chickens who acquire consciousness and Mapa’s moving autobiography about growing up in the Philippines and Canada,

Images are at the site page: http://wp.me/p42KN3-Jim First, (at 0:00) the renewed schedule, format, and mission of the Comics Syllabus podcast… and an apology for the weeks we’ve been gone. Then, in the General Ed segment (at 8:20 ), a look ahead at comics we’re anticipating in 2018 with Matt Lune. Matt’s the host of the “That’s the Issue!” podcast, the Comics Syllabus’s new partner podcast on alternating weeks. You can check out the rest of the conversation between Matt and Paul about the year ahead on next Tuesday’s “That’s the Issue!” This week’s Close Read (at 56:00 ) is “Golden Kamuy” by Satoru Noda (Viz), a seinen manga series set at the turn of the 20th Century about the Immortal Sugimoto, a veteran of the Russo-Japanese war, and Asirpa, a girl whose Ainu (a Japanese indigenous culture) expertise with the wild forest setting helps the two protagonists in a hidden-treasure chase against dangerous criminals. Images to go with Paul’s discussion are at the link at the top of these shownotes. On the Syl

Images to go with this episode are at http://wp.me/p42KN3-IJt on Tuesday 12/19/2017. On the “Pull Call” ( 8:22 ), Paul talks about several recent reads, including “Doomsday Clock” #1 (DC, Geoff Johns and Gary Frank), “Extremity” #9 (Image, Daniel Warren Johnson), “Dr. Stone” (Viz’s Weekly Shonen Jump, Riichiro Inigaki and Boichi), and “Duran Duran, Imelda Marcos, and Me” (Conundrum, Lorina Mapa). Then, ( 40:15 ) a deep dive into “Black Bolt” by Saladin Ahmed and Christian Ward from Marvel Comics. Welcome to the Comics Syllabus podcast, where we read widely and we dig deep. Your host Paul, a literacy researcher and English teacher, introduces curious readers to a range of current and classic comics, and then engages in closer discussion and analysis of particular comics works. First, ( at 0:00 ) an Announcement about some changes upcoming for the Comics Syllabus podcast. Then, on the “Pull Call” ( 8:22 ), Paul briefly discusses some recent reads. Links to preview images discussed are below: Doomsday Cloc