Issue #19: The One I almost missed
That was a close call
I never thought this would happen, but I almost missed this issue.
Life can get busy. We had a long weekend (in Australia) and still didn’t manage to get a single day off work. But at the same time, I never felt more motivated for this newsletter.
If I could explain all the ways these past few months helped me grow, I would, but I am missing the necessary vocabulary to do that.
Hightlights
Fantastic Four’s Meta Debut
Marvel is releasing Fantastic Four: First Steps on July 2, a comic that exists both in the real world and within the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Presented as an in-universe publication by the Future Foundation, it ties directly into the upcoming MCU film premiering July 25.
The Writer Golden Ticket Giveaway
Actor Josh Gad, along with Ben and Max Berkowitz, has launched a "golden ticket" campaign to celebrate the release of their comic book series, The Writer. Fifteen golden tickets are hidden inside copies of the trade paperback across ten comic book shops in North America. Winners will receive exclusive, hand-printed T-shirts featuring artwork by Zach Merrill, inspired by covers from Mike Mignola and Jeremy Haun. This initiative aims to support and highlight the significance of local comic bookstores.
Notes from the Creator
I mostly stick to reading indie comics, but I’m really looking forward to the new Fantastic Four hitting the shelves. I recently read a post from
about the cover he’s working on, and as always, it looks absolutely majestic.
On a more personal note, this week has felt like a bit of a turning point. If you’ve read my reviews, you’ve probably seen the disclaimer I keep repeating: I’m not an artist. I’ve never seen myself as one, and to be honest, I don’t even know if I’m reviewing art the right way, if there even is a right way.
But life has a funny way of surprising you. As I inch closer to 40, I thought, what better way to pass the awkward silences between meetings (and sometimes during them) than by learning to draw?
So I picked up my old, dusty pencil (which means I went and bought a few) and started doodling. And you know what? I’m kind of into it. I am not going to do a course or anything, but will definitely keep on doodling till I am happy.
I am also going through Script Writing by Fred Van Lente, which I do more from an interest perspective rather than wanting to write my own comic, even though I do have some really cool ideas (/dreams that I’ve seen recently) that could be turned into at least a half a billion-dollar worth of series/movies.
All that comes during a crazy time during my full-time gig (which is a growth consultant for startups) and some health hiccups. 40 for comic geeks is like 60 for normal people, basically, everything hurts.
How do you manage to be so on top of it, you say?
Well well well…
Who needs balance when you can just juggle everything poorly?
Anyway,
Short one this week!
Hope you enjoyed it. More to follow!