Storycomic Weekly Newsletter: October 18th
ALWAYS POSTED A WEEK EARLIER ON PATREON
Thaddeus Robinson on Redemption, Love, and Southern Lore
This week on Storycomic Presents, we were joined by Vermont-based author and photographer Thaddeus Robinson, a storyteller whose work beautifully fuses the rhythm of Southern life with a passion for healing and resilience.
His latest book, Perfect—the first in his Tales from Paradise Saga—takes readers to the coastal world of the Grand Strand, exploring themes of second chances, heartbreak, and unexpected community. Thaddeus draws deeply from his South Carolina upbringing, using vivid characters and atmospheric settings to bring readers into a world that’s rich with emotion and grit.
We also discussed how his background in photography shaped his storytelling. For Thaddeus, both visual and literary arts are tools for healing. His ability to capture nuance—whether through a lens or a sentence—creates a compelling artistic voice that speaks to creatives of all kinds.
To hear Thaddeus talk about his path from quiet introspection to published author is to witness a deeply human journey of reflection and expression. You won’t want to miss this insightful conversation.
➡️ Find his work at thaddeusrobinson.com and thaddeus-robinson.com
➡️ Get the book: Perfect (Tales from Paradise Saga) on Amazon
How to Make a Mob War Comic with Monsters
In this episode of Storycomic Presents, I’m joined by Christian De Matteo, co-founder and editor-in-chief of Fugitive Poems, and Stephen Beccia, writer behind the gritty supernatural noir comic Dirty Living. Together, they take us into the underbelly of a city gone dark—where mob wars, disappearing bodies, forbidden deals, and the undead collide.
Christian shares how Fugitive Poems curates daring voices, balancing the raw and the weird, and how he supports projects that push the boundaries of genre. Stephen reveals how he constructed the world of Dirty Living—how he blends crime, horror, and noir with a poetic eye, and how Detective Doug Kelly’s struggles mirror the city itself.
We discuss the influences—both literary and visual—that shaped Dirty Living, the challenges of writing ongoing serials, and what it takes to build a comic of atmosphere and tension on an indie scale. If you like stories where the shadows breathe, the city whispers, and morality is twisted, this episode will pull you in.
For a taste of the world they’re building, check out Dirty Living on Fugitive Poems: fugitivepoems.com/dirty-living. Plus, explore Christian’s catalog & mission at fugitivepoems.com. This is a conversation for readers, creators, and fans of worldbuilding with teeth.
Project Update: A Creative Detour and Some Nostalgic Fun
I’m taking a little break from my usual projects to explore something new (and pretty fun). Lately, I’ve been working on creating expanded storylines inspired by a few 1980s cartoon intellectual properties. It’s been a blast tapping into that Saturday-morning energy—colorful characters, over-the-top villains, and big, imaginative worlds. There’s something really enjoyable about revisiting that era’s sense of adventure and giving it a fresh creative spin.
At the same time, I’ve also been putting a bit more work into my New England Proverbs That Don’t Exist (But Sound Like They Should) book. It’s been great balancing that humor-driven writing with some nostalgic storytelling—two very different creative spaces, but both a lot of fun to play in.
Sometimes stepping off the main path opens up the most enjoyable side projects, and this week has definitely reminded me of that.
Comic Review: Robin: A Hero Reborn – The Rise of Tim Drake and the Return of Hope to Gotham
This week I finally revisited Robin: A Hero Reborn, and wow—what a blast from the golden era of early ‘90s DC Comics. It’s one of those stories that perfectly captures the excitement of legacy heroes and the optimism that comes from seeing someone new step into a familiar role.
The book follows Tim Drake as he steps up to become the new Robin after Jason Todd’s tragic death—a tough act to follow, but one handled with care and heart. What makes Tim so compelling is that he doesn’t just want to be Robin for the thrill of it; he genuinely believes Batman needs a partner to stay grounded. That sense of responsibility, intelligence, and empathy makes him feel like a hero in his own right, not just a sidekick in red and green tights.
The story itself has all the hallmarks of a classic DC adventure—international training sequences, a few globe-trotting villains, and that perfectly pulpy mix of detective work and action. There’s even a brush with biological warfare and a touch of mystery that keeps the plot moving fast. And, of course, it’s packed with that unmistakable ‘90s comic book energy: bold lines, bright colors, and dialogue that feels straight out of a Saturday morning cartoon.
What I love most about A Hero Reborn is how it balances heart and heroism. It’s not just about punching bad guys—it’s about finding your place in a world that doesn’t slow down for you. Tim Drake embodies that perfectly, and by the end, you can’t help but root for him as he earns his cape and mask.
Revisiting this story reminded me why I fell in love with superhero comics in the first place—it’s hopeful, exciting, and just plain fun. For anyone who’s ever dreamed of stepping into the shoes of their heroes, Robin: A Hero Reborn is the kind of comic that makes you believe you could.
Personal Update: Fan Fests, Family, and Fresh Momentum
This past weekend was a fun one—I helped out at the Rail City Fan Fest in St. Albans, and the girls came along too! It was such a great time, full of that lively fan energy that only a good convention can bring. I got to catch up with a bunch of my comic book friends, swap stories, and just soak in all the creativity and enthusiasm that fills those kinds of events. It’s always refreshing to spend time around people who are just as passionate about art, stories, and fandom as I am.
On the work side, things are really starting to pick up. Basketball sponsorships have been rolling in, and it feels like we’re building some solid momentum as the season approaches. The paper is doing well too—it’s been great seeing that consistent progress week after week.
All in all, it was a full and satisfying week—plenty of work, plenty of fun, and the best kind of creative recharge.
The Girls loved playing video games at the Fan Fest
🎙️ Been Here. Still Awesome. Still Limited. 🎨📚🎲
For a while now, we’ve been offering a tried-and-true promotional opportunity through the Storycomic Patreon—and if you’re an independent creative, it’s still one of the best ways to sustainably share your work and grow your audience.
Here’s what our Patreon members have been benefiting from:
✅ Permanent Promotion
Your website or project link is featured in the show notes of all podcast episodes for as long as you're a patron. That’s long-term visibility across every platform where our show is streamed.
🏆 Founders Club Access
The Founders Club remains limited to just 15 spots. No expansions, no waiting list—once it’s full, that’s it. These early supporters have their names (and links) locked into the Storycomic platform.
📢 Monthly Promotion at the Super Club Level
At the Super Club tier, members receive a minimum of one promotional post per month—whether it's a new release, project update, or spotlight on their creative work.
Founders Club patrons include amazing creators like:
Michael Winn, Higgins802, Von Allan, Stephanie Nina Pitsirilos, Marek Bennett, Donna Carr Roberts, Andrew Gronosky, Simki Kuznick, and Matt & Therese.
Explore their work:
🎯 If you're a creator—author, game designer, comic artist—this is your signal. This system is working. Don't wait until the last spot is gone.
Let’s keep building the kind of community that lifts each other up.
—Barney Smith