Storycomic Weekly Newsletter: May 31st
ALWAYS POSTED A WEEK EARLIER ON PATREON
The Evolution of The Ronin Saga: A Conversation with Matthew Wolf
In the latest episode of Storycomic Presents, I had the pleasure of interviewing Matthew Wolf, the award-winning independent fantasy author behind The Ronin Saga. Matthew joined me to discuss his latest project, Heart of Flesh, the highly anticipated fifth book in the series, currently live on Kickstarter.
During our conversation, Matthew shared the inspiration behind The Ronin Saga, his experiences with self-publishing, and the challenges and rewards of building an expansive fantasy world. We delved into the themes of Heart of Flesh, exploring how it continues the saga's epic narrative and deepens the lore of the universe he's created.
Matthew also provided insights into his creative process, the importance of engaging with his readership, and the role of crowdfunding in bringing his stories to life. His passion for storytelling and dedication to his craft are evident, making this episode a must-listen for fans of fantasy literature and aspiring authors alike.
To learn more about Matthew Wolf and support Heart of Flesh, visit his Kickstarter campaign and his official website.
Project Update: Daddest Jokes Has Landed!
It’s here! The proof copy of Daddest Jokes arrived in the mail this week, and it’s been amazing (and a little surreal) to hold the book in my hands. There’s something deeply satisfying about seeing all those jokes—over 500 of them!—printed and bound in one place.
I’m giving it one final look-over and doing a last round of edits to catch any sneaky little typos or layout tweaks. Once that’s done, it’s go time: the official launch is just around the corner. I can’t wait to share it with everyone—get ready for some premium-grade dad humor!
Book Review: Nimona – Sharp, Sassy, and Seriously Heartfelt
This week I finally (re)read Nimona by ND Stevenson, and wow—this book is still an absolute gem. Originally a webcomic before becoming a graphic novel, Nimona is one of those rare stories that blends humor, heart, and unexpected depth without missing a beat.
At its core, Nimona follows the chaotic sidekick of villain-extraordinaire Ballister Blackheart. Nimona is a shapeshifter with a mysterious past, a mischievous streak a mile wide, and enough energy to blow up every lab in the kingdom—and then some. What starts off as a quirky, villain-vs-hero adventure quickly morphs into something richer, exploring themes of identity, loyalty, and the blurry lines between good and evil.
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.
What I love most about Nimona is how it refuses to be boxed in. It’s a fantasy, it’s a sci-fi, it’s a buddy comedy, it’s a tragedy—and somehow it all works. It’s inventive, bold, and has that spark of originality that sticks with you long after the last page.
Whether you’re into comics, fantasy, or just want a story that delivers both laughs and feels, Nimona is a must-read. And if you’ve already read it? Honestly, it’s even better the second time around.
Personal Update: Papers, Planning, and a Washed-Out Weekend
This was our second week of having the paper mailed out, and it’s been a bit of a mixed bag. The folks who are receiving the paper are happy to see it land in their mailboxes again—lots of great feedback there! But of course, the towns that aren’t getting it… not so thrilled. It’s clear we’ll need to find a good middle ground—maybe a strategic drop location or two—to make sure more readers can get their hands on it.
Meanwhile, racing season is still doing its best impression of a soggy April. We were all set to broadcast a race this weekend, and I spent most of the week getting ready. I even made the drive out to Woodstock, New Hampshire to test equipment at White Mountain Motorsports Park—everything was ready to go. I had Saturday fully dedicated to the broadcast… and then came the rain. Again. Race canceled.
Still, even though the skies didn’t cooperate, it feels good to be prepared. Every test run and bit of setup makes the next broadcast smoother (whenever the weather decides to play nice).
Iggy’s new book!
My Breakfast buddy