Barney Smith Barney Smith

Storycomic Weekly Newsletter: June 7th

What makes Shape Master even more special is knowing that it was created with love and purpose. DeWayne's dedication to crafting a book that resonates with children is evident on every page. It's a testament to the power of independent publishing and the impact it can have on young minds.

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Barney Smith Barney Smith

Storycomic Weekly Newsletter: May 31st

Stevenson’s art style is expressive and full of personality, perfectly matching the tone of the story. The writing is sharp and witty—there were multiple laugh-out-loud moments—but it also manages to sneak up on you with real emotional weight. The relationship between Nimona and Blackheart is both hilarious and unexpectedly touching.

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Barney Smith Barney Smith

Storycomic Weekly Newsletter: May 24th

Aabø's artwork is vibrant and expressive, capturing the essence of the era while adding a unique, cartoonish flair. The characters are endearing, each bringing their quirks to the table, making the story both engaging and entertaining. The dialogue is snappy, filled with witty banter that keeps the pages turning.

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Barney Smith Barney Smith

Storycomic Weekly Newsletter: May 17th

Released as part of a safety awareness effort, this comic delivers a fun and fast-paced Supergirl story while promoting seat belt use—and somehow, it totally works. Supergirl tackles danger, delivers some great one-liners, and most importantly, reminds everyone (especially young readers) that buckling up is the real superpower. It’s classic ‘90s PSA energy with a cape and a dose of earnest charm.

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Barney Smith Barney Smith

Storycomic Weekly Newsletter: May 10th

Freezer Burn is a clever, compact cartoon collection that lives entirely in the realm of contradictions—visual and verbal. Every page delivers a witty interpretation of oxymorons and paradoxes we encounter in everyday language, brought to life through simple yet expressive illustrations. The humor is sharp but gentle, never mean-spirited, and it manages to be both thoughtful and hilarious.

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Barney Smith Barney Smith

Storycomic Weekly Newsletter: May 3rd

What CCS lays out is a vision of cartooning not just as an art form but as a tool—one that can be applied to education, healthcare, community organizing, and more. Comics, they argue, aren’t limited to entertainment or introspection. They can work in service of something greater, helping to clarify, connect, and catalyze.

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Barney Smith Barney Smith

Storycomic Weekly Newsletter: April 26th

What follows is a breathtaking and emotionally intense adventure through snowy peaks, treacherous mountain paths, and eventually an encounter with the elusive Yeti. The bond between Tintin and Chang is the emotional heart of this story, and it was incredibly moving to see Tintin never give up hope, even when everyone else had.

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Barney Smith Barney Smith

Storycomic Weekly Newsletter: April 19th

At the heart of the story is Bandette, a teenage thief with a love for the theatrical, a soft spot for sweets, and an unflappable sense of confidence. Whether she's dodging the clumsy-yet-determined Inspector Belgique or going toe-to-toe with rival thief Monsieur, Bandette is always two steps ahead—and loving every minute of it.

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Barney Smith Barney Smith

Storycomic Weekly Newsletter: April 12th

This week I read The Red Sea Sharks, the 19th book in Hergé’s Tintin series, and I have to say—it’s easily one of the most exciting and tightly plotted adventures so far. As someone rereading these books with adult eyes (and a healthy dose of nostalgia from those elementary school library days), this one really hits all the marks.

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Barney Smith Barney Smith

Storycomic Weekly Newsletter: April 5th

From the rustle of its pages to the distinct smell of ink and paper that's seen decades, each page of this book offers not just a craft project but a portal to the past. As you flip through, you’re greeted with a charming array of crafts—macramé plant hangers, hand-sewn puppets, and woodwork wonders—all illustrated with quaint, hand-drawn diagrams that evoke a sense of nostalgia.

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Barney Smith Barney Smith

Storycomic Weekly Newsletter: March 29th

The story is light and funny but also delivers a beautiful message about gratitude and kindness in a way that kids completely understand and appreciate. And let’s be honest—watching Piggie bounce around full of joy and thankfulness while Gerald frets in the background is just classic Elephant and Piggie fun.

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Barney Smith Barney Smith

Storycomic Weekly Newsletter: March 22nd

From the moment I cracked open the first page, I knew I was in for an adventure. The table of contents alone is a masterpiece of suspense, teasing chapters like "Programming System Features" and "Operator Functions"—who could resist? The writing is crisp and to the point, offering gems like, "To enter program mode, press the PROGRAM button," which is both enlightening and oddly philosophical.

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Barney Smith Barney Smith

Storycomic Weekly Newsletter: March 15th

The vivid storytelling and playful illustrations captivate the imagination, making each reading session a joyous exploration of friendship and wonder in the natural world. As someone who cherishes books that blend humor with tender moments, I found Silk Wood to be a delightful addition to our evening routine, sparking laughter and discussions about the antics of Fluffytuft and his friends.

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Barney Smith Barney Smith

Storycomic Weekly Newsletter: March 8th

One thing I really appreciated about this book was how well Hergé handled suspense. There’s a sense of urgency throughout, with chase scenes, clever disguises, and unexpected twists. Captain Haddock is in top form here—his grumpy, whiskey-fueled reactions are always hilarious, especially when dealing with all the chaos around him. And of course, the Thompsons provide their usual slapstick moments.

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Barney Smith Barney Smith

Storycomic Weekly Newsletter: March 1st

The rules themselves? Simple, yet dripping with thematic flavor. Whether you’re swinging a broadsword, casting a fireball, or nervously stepping onto a suspicious-looking floor tile, the booklet makes sure you know what to do (or at least how to roll for it). And let’s not forget the best part—Zargon, the evil Game Master, gets their own section detailing how to make life miserable for the heroes. Classic.

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Barney Smith Barney Smith

Storycomic Weekly Newsletter: February 22nd

This book is a direct follow-up to Destination Moon, picking up right where the last adventure left off. Hergé’s attention to detail is incredible—his depiction of space travel was way ahead of its time, considering this was written before the real-life moon landing. The art is stunning, with beautifully drawn moon landscapes and an exciting mix of realism and adventure that makes you feel like you’re right there with Tintin and the crew.

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Barney Smith Barney Smith

Storycomic Weekly Newsletter: February 15th

The book is beautifully illustrated, with vibrant colors that bring the characters and their magical mishaps to life. The dialogue is witty and the scenarios are relatable, making it easy for children to connect with the characters. What stands out most is the seamless integration of STEM elements, which encourages problem-solving and scientific inquiry among its readers.

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Barney Smith Barney Smith

Storycomic Weekly Newsletter: February 8th

The book doesn’t just focus on the big milestones; it emphasizes the little things that truly make a difference in a father-daughter relationship. From teaching respect and resilience to simply enjoying the magic of childhood, it covers all the moments that shape our bond with our daughters.

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Barney Smith Barney Smith

Storycomic Weekly Newsletter: February 1st

The book is full of quirky observations and relatable moments, all delivered with a witty sense of humor that feels fresh yet grounded. Bauman’s minimalist art style works perfectly here, letting the humor and heart of the stories shine through. Whether he’s tackling the absurdities of daily life or offering a moment of introspection, each strip feels like a little gem.

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Barney Smith Barney Smith

Storycomic Weekly Newsletter: January 25th

From the detailed illustrations of the rocket's construction to the clever depiction of espionage attempts, every panel brims with meticulous research and Hergé’s signature humor. It’s a gripping blend of intrigue and innovation as the team faces sabotage, mistrust, and plenty of Haddock's grumbling—thankfully punctuated by his colorful vocabulary!

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