Storycomic Weekly Newsletter: December 6th
ALWAYS POSTED A WEEK EARLIER ON PATREON
Comics That Whisper, Then Hit You Right in the Heart
This week on Storycomic Presents, I’m joined by Isabella Hall (she/they), a Vermont-based cartoonist and the creator behind Bella Pink Pen. Isabella is a graduate of the Center for Cartoon Studies and a storyteller who dives headfirst into the fantastical—then comes back with something honest, funny, and human.
We talk about her love of comics as a language anyone can understand, and how she builds stories that connect across ages. We also dig into some of her standout work, including The Ghost of the Stella Cadente, a moody mystery set aboard a cruise liner, and Pajama Rants: Life with Diabetes, a completed comic that blends lived experience with craft and clarity.
This conversation is for anyone who loves indie comics, heartfelt storytelling, and artists who aren’t afraid to make something personal. If you’re curious how a cartoonist turns sketches into whole worlds—and quiet moments into something that sticks—this is an episode you’ll want to catch.
Bret M. Herholz: Making Comics Where Humor Meets Mystery (and a Little Horror)
On this episode of Storycomic Presents, I’m joined by illustrator, scriptwriter, and graphic novelist Bret M. Herholz, the creator behind bretmherholz.com. Bret’s work blends a classic mystery sensibility with sharp humor and eerie atmosphere—built with tools like pen-and-ink, watercolor, and digital painting.
We talk about Bret’s road into comics, including his sequential art background and how teaching art influences the way he breaks down visual storytelling for readers. Pincushion We also dig into his growing catalog—projects like The Black Dandy Strikes! and Polly and Handgraves—and what it takes to keep creating and releasing work consistently as an indie creator.
If you enjoy comics that can make you laugh on one page and lean in closer on the next, you’ll get a lot out of this conversation. Bret also shares insights on building a sustainable creative practice through conventions, commissions, and community—plus what he’s excited to make next.
Project Update: Back to World-Building with Appliance
This week I found myself diving back into Appliance with a fresh bit of excitement. It’s been fun getting back into the world-building side of things—tinkering with the setting, exploring new ideas, and shaping the little details that give the whole game its personality.
It feels good to return to it with a clearer head and a sense of play. World building is always one of my favorite parts of any project, and spending time sketching out new pieces of the Appliance universe has been a real creative recharge.
Not a massive leap forward, but a meaningful and enjoyable one.
Book Review: The Poky Little Puppy – A Slow but Sweet Classic
This week I pulled out The Poky Little Puppy for a bedtime story with my son, and it was every bit as warm and charming as I remembered. There’s a reason this book has stuck around for generations—it’s simple, sweet, and full of that classic Golden Book magic.
The story follows a curious little puppy who can’t help but wander off while his siblings stick to the path. Whether he’s chasing smells in the air, wandering over the hill, or poking around for something new, he’s always lagging behind but discovering something delightful. His pokiness gets him into trouble now and then, but that’s part of the fun—and part of the lesson.
Gustaf Tenggren’s illustrations bring everything to life with that unmistakable vintage style: soft lines, warm colors, and a cozy feel that makes every page inviting. My son loved pointing out all the little details, especially the moments where the poky puppy notices things the others miss.
Reading it again reminded me why it’s such a timeless favorite. It captures the joy of seeing the world with curiosity, even if it means moving at your own pace. And sharing that story at bedtime this week felt like passing down a small piece of childhood—simple, gentle, and full of heart.
Personal Update: Thanksgiving, Community, and a Cold but Joyful Saturday
This was a very busy week—Thanksgiving week tends to be that way, but in a good, full-hearted sort of way. Our Thanksgiving greetings have been running on the radio, and the paper was packed with greetings as well. It felt like a true community effort, and seeing it all come together made the push leading up to the holiday worth it.
We had a really nice Thanksgiving dinner at my parents’ house, with the whole family gathered around. Good food, good stories, and that familiar warmth of being together—exactly what the holiday is all about.
Then on Saturday, we were out in Bradford for a live remote broadcast for Small Business Saturday. It was cold—very cold—but also really fun. I had my two daughters with me, and having them along always makes the day feel richer. There’s something special about sharing the work with them, watching them take in the community energy, and just getting that extra time together.
All in all, a full week, but one filled with the kind of moments that remind me why I love what I do and the community we serve.
Elizabeth made blueberry pie for thanksgiving
My remote broadcast helpers for the Small Business Saturday
🎙️ 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