FCB NEWSLETTER #12
Ai-Kon, Huge Restock, New Books, Summer + more
Hello FCB members,
Hope your summer is going as planned and you’ve been getting lots of reading in a park done! - Here are some thoughts I had.
With DC’s first comic book hero “Superman” in theaters and Marvel’s first family “The Fantastic Four” on the way, it feels like a big come-back for comics media. Even though I know everyone has their doubts about both, I couldn’t be more excited for both movies. As a long time comic reader I’ve been waiting patiently for more fun and fantastical adaptations, that really embrace the pages of the wonderful world of comics. For the last decade or so, the genre has been bogged down with grounded and Militaristic versions (like The Dark Knight) that at one point were great. However, I don’t believe all movies should have the same dark tone in each title. Much of what I’m thinking of are Zack Synders Films and over half of the Marvel movies. Maybe its the obscure line between adult and “for kids” comic movies that get made, that as a society we cant balance well.
I am a easy target for marketing gimmicks from big companies, I’ll gladly try the Superman Blizzard or the “Fantastic Four N’ One” pizza. Seeing so much promotion and collaborations for all of these movies makes me feel like I’m at Burger King in 2007 when Spider-Man 3 came out. It makes me happy knowing there might be some kids excited for the movies and they might want to buy comics or deep-dive into an obscure character such as “Metamorpho”, like I once did when I was a wee-little nerd.
We will always have comics to re-read and old cartoons to watch, but for how long will these characters connect with the future generation is a troubling thought. After seeing the new Superman movie and really enjoying it; I could safely say there is hope in this age of “superhero fatigue”, TikTok attention spans and a speeding decline of comic readers. Hope for these stories to continue to brighten up our less than super lives or to inspire you to be creative and connect with our inner-child.
I would have liked to do a full review of Superman, but I’m not qualified for that, I’m not even qualified to be writing a newsletter for you folks!
So…thanks for following along and keeping up with me, it really means a lot to me. See the new Superman, its a lot of fun - Or don’t, do whatever you want! (haha)
-Austin
EVENTS:
Ai-Kon Winnipeg (past)
A Brief Review
I had the opportunity to table for Prairie Comics at Ai-kon this year, so I’m reviewing it for you all !
They had a huge venue, enough to fit hundreds of attendees and exhibitors, many of them dressed to the nines in cosplays. A few of my favourites included Lan Wanji and Wen Ning (The Untamed), two young siblings being Steve (Minecraft) and Sailor Moon (Sailor Moon) respectively, big inflatable Garfield (Garfield), and Dr House (House).
For my fellow introverts, I know any sort of con is incredibly daunting because of all the people. I was there on the last day near the end of the whole convention, so it was a little less crowded (still many people !). Every table I went up to was so, so sweet, not pushing to talk with you unless you initiated conversation. Not only that, but people were so respectful, always apologizing if they bumped into you and when squeezing past you in the alleys. It didn’t feel so scary after a little bit of adjusting.
If you ever feel like you’ll never ever find any merch of your favourite character from an obscure show or webcomic, please search in the tables here. I saw so many stickers and keychains and prints of characters that had people rushing over going “I never thought I’d find them!!”; and this is the perfect place to go to find an artist who can make a commission for you ! Don’t be afraid to reach out !
Not only did they have all these wonderful, talented artists and vendors, but they had a whole lot of local restaurants and cafes in to feed the masses. Shameless plugs, I got food from Tring5 (on 3305 Portage Ave AND 100 Osborne) after roughly 6 hours of doing nothing and then walking around, and it was such a delicious meal. I urge you to go out and try some hole in the wall near your home, because it might become your new favourite place.
Moral of the long review - please, please go to things you want to go to. Try to volunteer for local festivals, make connections in spaces you love, find things to be passionate about ! There are so many fantastic opportunities in Winnipeg, I hope you find them !
-Apollo
Drawing Party!
Join us for our Drawing Party’s happening all summer long on Wednesday’s!
Riley Grae’s Mini Market Is Happening Again!
Be sure to check out the schedule and see some of the vendors and music performances. Yes, there’s food as well!
NEW IN-STOCK:
mOrE CoMiNg sOon…
Comic Reviews:
"Tallest Star in the Sky" by Natalie Mark
Reviewed by Nazar and Apollo
(Trigger warnings for this comic include mentions of violence and SA.)
Tallest Star in the Sky by Natalie Mark is a beautifully put together little anthology with stories that consistently revolve around the theme of isolation, showing how the feeling of being alone can affect different people in unique ways. Each story plays with the format of a comic book and delivers beautiful artwork (especially in the last two stories!). The first story in particular really connected with me and delivered powerful messaging about the corrupt systems that surround us. It’s incredible! And short, so you could probably get through it in one sitting even if your attention span is as bad as mine. Read it!
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You lucky ducks are getting a double review this month because of how much I love this book.
Natalie 麥月明 uses incredibly soft edged art to show harrowing tales. The stories they tell us are rimmed with guilt and sadness, but also so much love. They leave you with a deep feeling of wanting to care for others, to help them and protect them.
I think this feeling they impart on us is something we need to remember as community. You should always stay wanting to help and improve, even if it takes time. This reminder is delivered to you as nicely as it gets, through art made out of love.
I recommend this book to those with big hearts that feel lost in these times, know that you’re not alone.
“W.W.R.E.C.” by Max Burlingame and Angela Fanche
Reviewed by Apollo
W.W.R.E.C. (Working Wonders Real-Time Energy Center) is a short and surreal comic of the future. The story progresses quickly, creatively criticizing capitalism, and leaves you with a cliffhanger.
This comic was a collaboration between Burlingame and Fanche, where each artist drew the scenes at the same time. It’s wonderfully imaginative and so full of spirit !!
Each page is so jam packed with details and characters; it reminds me of Worn Truffelbow! (which I have also reviewed go find it treasure hunt) in such a wonderful way.
I recommend this to people who appreciate wild ideas and team bonding exercises. I also recommend this to those who love drawing really scarily detailed eyes everywhere.
“Pleasure Beach” by Josh Pettinger
Reviewed by Apollo
This has such an incredible cover I had to take a few moments to fully take it all in. It also comes with a little sash, how fun !
Pleasure beach is weird, and I say that lovingly. Throughout each page, the story has you rising your one eyebrow comically high and shaking your head in endearing disbelief. I can’t allow myself to tell you any details, because it would spoil the weirdness.. come pick it up and see for yourself !
I would recommend this to anyone who has really weird dreams that have you waking up going “what the hell”.
“Grand Electric Thought Power Mother” by Lale Westvind
Reviewed by Apollo
Holding this gave me the same sensation I had as a kid with those big dragon books with the gem embedded on the cover. For some reason, both books felt like I was holding tomes of secret knowledge.
This is a collection of Lale Westvind’s past risograph comics, as well as new works. Westvind’s illustrations are some sort of magic, a beautiful symphony of thoughts and wishes and talent. At the back is a list of the collected works and where they’re originally from, just in case you want to collect ‘em all.
At times her art made you squint and fight to see what was really there. That’s something I’ve grown to love, especially with this type of writing, where struggle and hope and resilience is intertwined in every story.
I recommend this to those who love big muscled women, those with human rights majors or minors, and those who want to make a difference.
Thanks for helping fight the war against physical media!
We are still looking for volunteers who would like to join building the Fantasy Club Books Newsletter. If anyone is interested in sharing their comics, writing about comics or their experiences with the media, please E-Mail me at “fantasyclubbooks@gmail.com”.
Cheers!