Storycomic Weekly Newsletter: August 16th
ALWAYS POSTED A WEEK EARLIER ON PATREON
The Tarot - Inspired Art You Didn't Know You Needed
In this episode of Storycomic Presents, we welcome Michael Cribari, a Vermont-based artist and illustrator whose work fuses folklore, monsters, mythology, and tarot into a vibrant, surreal visual universe. Michael is known for The Basket—his eerie, dreamlike indie comic—and for his stunning enamel pin designs and fantasy illustrations that channel both whimsy and unease.
We discuss his journey into the art world, how he balances client commissions with personal projects, and the emotional power of designing strange creatures that still feel human. From creature design to tarot decks, his art captures both the familiar and the uncanny, often exploring themes of loss, transformation, and identity.
Michael shares his tools of the trade, favorite folklore sources, and how living in Vermont influences his creative process. If you’re an aspiring artist, comic creator, or just a lover of unique illustration styles, this conversation offers an honest look at the independent art world—and how to thrive in it.
Check out Michael’s portfolio, shop, and latest work at mcribariart.com
This Book Starts with a Portal—and Never Lets Up
In this episode of Storycomic Presents, I’m joined by Keller Marie, author of Cast Into Twilight, the first installment in The Mistwalker Chronicles. This dark urban fantasy begins with Sammy, a pizza delivery guy who finds himself transported to a forest full of monsters and mystery. Rescued by the enigmatic Rourke, he embarks on a journey toward the Last City—a bastion of light in a world veiled in darkness.
Keller shares the inspiration behind the story—a sudden portal, unwitting heroism, and the emotional bonds that form in crisis. We also explore the broader series: Black Dog, The Last City of Light, and other upcoming books in The Mistwalker Chronicles. Her approach blends atmospheric world‑building with heartfelt relationships and subtle themes of identity, resilience, and redemption.
Perfect for lovers of gritty fantasy, supernatural romance, and character‑driven tales, Keller’s world invites readers to confront darkness—and seek hope in unexpected places. Dive into the series and discover a hidden city waiting beyond the unknown.
Project Update: Summer Slowdown
Things on the project front have been moving a little slower lately, mostly because summer has been keeping me busy in all the best (and busiest) ways. Between radio work, the paper, and everything else going on, there hasn’t been as much time to dig into creative projects as I’d like.
That said, I’m still keeping ideas simmering in the background, and once things calm down a bit, I’m looking forward to diving back in with fresh focus.
Book Review: Flight 714 to Sydney – Hijacks, Hypnosis, and a Close Encounter of the Tintin Kind
Sliding Flight 714 to Sydney back off the shelf felt like catching up with an old friend—one who happens to attract trouble in every airport lounge he passes. This adventure starts innocently enough, with Tintin, Haddock, and Calculus catching a flight to Sydney. Naturally, within a few pages, they’re sidetracked into a plot involving a kidnapped millionaire, a sinister crew, and an uncharted island.
One of the joys of revisiting this book is seeing Hergé lean fully into his late-series flair for eccentricity. The stakes are high—hostage situations, volcanic islands, secret tunnels—and yet, between Allan’s thuggish antics and Haddock’s volcanic temper, it’s impossible not to chuckle. And then there’s Laszlo Carreidas, the ultra-rich tycoon whose paranoid, penny-pinching quirks make him an instant classic in the Tintin cast.
What makes Flight 714 so unique (and divisive among fans) is the left turn it takes into the world of UFOs and telepathy. By the time the climax rolls around, we’ve swapped gunfights for psychic powers and alien interventions. As a kid, this blew my mind—it was Tintin meets The X-Files, years before The X-Files. As an adult, it’s still a delightful curveball, proof that Hergé wasn’t afraid to let his imagination taxi way off the runway.
It might not be the most traditional Tintin tale, but Flight 714 to Sydney is pure, pulpy fun—an unpredictable mix of high-stakes adventure, comedic character work, and that late-era Hergé weirdness I can’t help but love.
Personal Update: Feedback, Finds, and a Few Furry Surprises
The paper has been getting some fantastic feedback lately, which is always great to hear. On the sales side, things have been a little slower when it comes to bringing in new clients, but I know my team is working hard and putting in the effort. It’s all part of the process, and I’m confident we’ll pick up momentum.
On the eBay front, the treasure-hunting side of things has been especially fun lately. I’ve managed to snag some great finds and hit a few personal goals, which keeps the whole hobby exciting.
Unfortunately, the haze from the Canadian wildfires has made outdoor activities a little less appealing—and a little less healthy—this past week. To top it off, a woodchuck decided to make itself at home underneath our front porch. Thankfully (or maybe not so thankfully for the woodchuck), our neighbor “took care of” the situation.
Busy as always, but with a few unexpected twists to keep life interesting.
That dirt is new. it’s groundhog signs.
Air quality has been less than stellar lately. Thanks, Canada!
Jordan is working on her graphic novel, ‘Randall The Strawberry’
I am growing my Patreon and offering an excellent way for my independent creative community to sustainably advertise their work!
The website of your choice will be featured in the show notes of all of our podcasts for as long as you are a member of the Storycomic Patreon. The Founders Club offer is only for the first 15 subscribers. This is at any Patreon Subscription level.
Also at the Super Club level, we will publish an advertisement for the patron at a minimum of once a month.
Thank you to our Founders Club Patrons, Michael Winn, Higgins802, Von Allan, Stephanie Nina Pitsirilos, Marek Bennett, Andrew Gronosky, Simki Kuznick, and Matt & Therese. Check out their fantastic work at:
https://www.stephanieninapitsirilos.com/
Also to Michael Winn who is a member of our Founders Club!