Hi all!
We're back with the Lifeline Comics newsletter!
We've got some exciting things to talk about this week - including announcing one of our boldest projects yet, we give an honest opinion on the state of social media, our experience at the Back to the Future musical, and more!
Let's get into it!
Announcements
This week we're announcing: our new Chibi Anime Comedy Oneshot, Kat's SDCC Schedule, a contribution to Charlie McElvy's special, and the latest winner of our Haul Giveaway!
Slice of Life Gets An All-Out Action, Comedic Chibi One-Shot
You may remember Slice of Life: Chibi Anime Adventure from a few months ago.
Zestworld sponsored the 5-page short comic when we first joined their platform. We had a ton of fun creating the short, and now with Zestworld's blessing we are CONTINUING THE STORY to create a full-fledged comic book!
Chibi Anime Adventure is inspired by "Chibi" spin-offs of anime like Assassination Classroom, Attack on Titan, and Hunter X Hunter.
Chibi Spin-offs are usually comedic shows that allow action anime to play with their popular characters in a more light-hearted, slice of life scenario. So naturally, we wanted to do the complete opposite with Slice of Life!
Slice of Life is a story all about living life, so our Chibi story will allow Lucy, Dante, Ravyn, Yuriko, and their friends to let loose in an ALL OUT ACTION parody of Pokémon, Dragon Ball Z, Sailor Moon, and Power Rangers.
It's incredibly fun and a very rewarding read for fans of anime, Slice of Life, and new readers a like!
You can read the first five pages of Chibi Anime Adventure here FOR FREE!
And new pages will be available to our $5 Patreon Supporters (one page posted weekly) and $5 Zestworld Supporters (groups of 4-6 pages posted every few weeks)!
Become a $5/month Patron for a new page weekly!
Become a $5/month Zestworld Subscriber for batches of pages every few weeks!
Written By: Kat Calamia & Phil Falco
Art By: Yonson Carbonell
Lettered By: Taylor Esposito
Kat's SDCC Schedule
Thursday
11-12: Moderating a Spotlight on Mariko Tamaki Room 32AB
5-6: Telling Our Stories: Making LGBTQIA+ Comic Anthologies Room 9
Friday
1-2: Lessons from successful Kickstarter comics creators - Room: 32AB
Saturday
2-3: Signing At Kickstarter Booth on the Show Floor
(Will have copies of Slice of Life #1 and Bi Visibility: Still Bi)
Kat Has a Short in The Spider-Squirrel & Trash Panda Titan-sized Special!
Kat: I've been long time friends with Charlie McElvy. So, it was an honor to be asked to write a short for his Xion Universe with art by Dale Yaddow.
It's no secret that I'm a fan of superhero comics, but with our current slate (besides Like Father, Like Daughter) I don't have a real opportunity to write them. Joining this annual was a great excuse to get my hands dirty in another superhero world.
It's an 8-page short called "The Prodigal Mother". Emilie is a superhero who joined CORE (an X-Men like Canadian team) at a young age, sacrificing her relationship with her family for the greater good. Now, she must face her brothers at their father's funeral...and there might also be an unwelcome guest who joins the party.
Back The Project Here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/watchguard/the-spider-squirrel-and-trash-panda-titan-sized-special
#LifelineComicsHaul Winner!
We're excited to announce the winner of this round of the Lifeline Comics Giveaway: C B!
Every couple of months, we host a Giveaway to supporters who share their purchases of our comics or pins on social media using #LifelineComicsHaul.
For this round of the Giveaway, we're letting our winner select one Limited-Edition Foil Cover from our library! We love using these as a way to give away some exclusive items!
We select Giveaway winners every few months, so continue to use the hashtag #LifelineComicsHaul on social media whenever you share our merch! You just might get picked as the next winner!
Is Threads the New Twitter?
Kat: A peek behind the curtain, social media is a BIG part of our jobs as comic book creators - especially comic book creators that crowdfund. I really don't know where my career would be right now without Twitter. I've connected with so many mutuals ranging from creating relationships with fellow comic book creators to connecting with future collaborators (especially through our work on anthologies.)
It's honestly pretty scary to see where the state of social media is today. I still have hope that we can create something salvageable on this "new twitter", but in our line of work we need a plan B through Z. This brings me to "Threads" and "Blue Sky".
Since the new shift on Twitter...let's call him Elon... every week there seems to be a new social media that's claiming to be the "new Twitter", but many of these new platforms do not have the features that made "old Twitter" easily manageable (and even addicting). What's trending, can I tag people, does my feed show me more than 5 tweets an hour?
Threads feels like the closest alternative at the moment because it's powered by a big name in social media - Facebook. They already have the means to create a Twitter look-a-like by using the tools they've already created for Facebook and Instagram (mostly Instagram in this case). If you have a big Instagram following, you'll probably get the most out of this platform. The two are very intertwined.
As a non-frequent Gram-er, I'm not understanding the hype just yet. I'm not a big fan of the feed. It intertwines posts from people they think you'd like, but really I just want to see things from people I'm following, and I wish that tagging and interacting was as seamless as Twitter. But hey, it's week one of the platform, I'm interested to see how it grows, and even more interested to see where a majority of people want to use their time on social media.
Anyway, follow me on Bluesky, Threads (@Katcomicuno), and/or Twitter I'm posting the same content on all three platforms...but if you're reading this, you're already getting Lifeline Comics' news at the best place - OUR NEWSLETTER.
Phil: My experience on Threads has been a bit of a mixed bag. I actually really liked it the first few hours after I joined the platform. It had one HUGE thing going for it that all the other Twitter clones have lacked: a connection to an existing major platform.
From the minute I joined Threads, I was immediately connected to all of the awesome people I follow on Instagram. And likewise, it was a lot easier to pick up followers. And for those first few hours, my Feed was perfect - maybe even better than Twitter in its heyday.
I don't know if I just got lucky with my doomscrolling those first few hours or if something changed algorithmically, but I eventually ran into my biggest problem with Threads - the Feed. Most days, it's 20% folks I actually follow and/or am interested in, and 80% big celebrities or brands that I have no interest in.
I've also seen some privacy concerns surrounding Threads. As is often the case when Zucks is involved, it seems that Threads has no problem using our data in nefarious ways. Something to keep an eye on (not that Twitter is/was innocent in this department).
And finally, there are some usability issues when it comes to Threads. The platform is in desperate need of a Desktop version, as well as some basic features that are available on Twitter.
At the end of the day, the conclusion is that there is no winner. Twitter is a shadow of its former self, but still has MILLIONS of active users and tons of reach. Threads is in its infancy, but also has a rapidly growing userbase. And Bluesky may have less reach, but is a great place to interact with other creators.
The answer is to try to be on all of them. You never know where you're going to pull new fans. So follow me on Twitter, Instagram, and Threads (@PhilFalcoWrites)!
What we've been up to...
Let's talk about some of the things that have kept us busy these last few weeks!
Our Long Weekend In Florida
Phil: June had kept us so busy with Pride Fest events every week, that Kat and I actually felt a little out-of-practice walking into Florida Super Con in Miami two weeks ago.
Travel Cons are always stressful, but we had an extraordinarily difficult time getting to this Con. Everything that could go wrong did. From serious flight delays, to us being locked out of the Condo we were staying at until 2am, to car troubles the next morning, to lugging our HEAVY suitcases in the searing heat for twenty minutes...we were not in the best spirits walking into this convention.
Thankfully, the same thing happened that always does at Conventions: we met some amazing fans.
Like Kat said earlier, Conventions are vitally important in connecting with both existing and new fans - especially with the social media landscape the way it is right now. So there was no better mood-booster after a rocky start to our trip than talking to Con-goers and sharing our work (especially the new Slice of Life Box, which has already become a fan favorite)!
A lot of logistics go into traveling (read: flying) to a Convention, so we try to make the most of our Travel Cons. This time around, we stayed a few extra days to enjoy the Fourth of July in Fort Lauderdale, and to hang out with one of my childhood best friends who lives in Florida.
Doubling up Travel Cons as mini-vacations definitely helps to make them feel a little less stressful. And it's friendly to our calendars (which oftentimes are booked up every weekend between Cons, Prides, and Kickstarter fulfillment).
We even got to spend some time being degenerates in the Hard Rock Casino - where Kat finally got to put her Poker Skills to use!
Balancing Conventions and other events is tricky. But we definitely feel like we're figuring out the tricks to make the most of them!
Phil's Favorite Movie Becomes A Musical - Back to the Future
Phil: Kat surprised me for my birthday this year with tickets to see Back to the Future: The Musical - an amazing gift since Back to the Future is my favorite movie. The show opened on Broadway only two weeks ago and is still in previews, so it was amazing getting to see it so early in its run.
Let me start off by saying that the set design and special effects were BREATHTAKING. Broadway, in general, has really raised the bar in terms of set design in the last decade. Almost every show I see has an incredibly intricate, mechanized set that allows the production to take full advantage of their space. But BTTF:TM stands out even in that landscape. Everything from the way they transform the set with each scene, the effects they use for time travel, and especially the design and mobility of the Delorian are just jaw-dropping. Definitely the coolest set and effects I've seen on Broadway to date.
The lead actors, Casey Likes as Marty McFly and Roger Bart as Doc Emmett Brown, both turn in strong performances and solid approximations of Michael J. Fox and Christopher Lloyd. And the love for the movie is clear throughout the play...in some ways maybe to the musical's detriment.
My favorite musicals-based-on-movies (Beetlejuice, Heathers, Waitress) manage to pay loving homage to the films that they're based on while putting their own spin on the characters and material. Back to the Future doesn't really try to do this. At all.
It's almost a complete retelling of the movie, oftentimes with the exact same dialogue that was written back in 1985 - and sometimes even the same musical stings from the movie. A stray new joke is tossed in, or a very minor plot point changed. But BTTF:TM isn't interested in surprising its audience (other than with amazing effects) or putting its own spin on things. That isn't necessarily a bad thing for all viewers, but as someone who knows the movie forwards-and-backwards, I would have much rather seen a few more creative liberties taken to make this a different experience.
And finally, I would be remiss not to mention the music...which I believe is unfortunately the weakest part of the show. While the cast is comprised of talented singers and dancers and the songs themselves are fun in the moment, there isn't a single "ear worm" in the entire play. Just a whole lot of ballads and ensemble numbers that blend into each other and rarely actually reveal anything about the characters or advance the plot. I honestly found myself wishing that this was not a musical by the second act because it felt like the music was obstructing the story rather than enhancing it - except when music that played in the original movie was performed, which is pretty damning evidence that the problem all along was in the original songs rather than the solid performances.
All of this serves to say that I think Back to the Future: The Musical is a good play, but not a great musical. I would recommend it to anyone looking for an amazing visual experience. And to folks who are less familiar with Back to the Future, or fans of the movie who are interested in an unaltered retelling...just don't go in expecting to find your new favorite musical song.
Media Consumed
Let's talk about some media!
My Adventures With Superman
Kat: Superhero cartoons are SO IMPORTANT for the comic book industry. It's a great gateway for new fans to pick up their first comic book. I know SO MANY people who got into comic books because of Batman: The Animated Series or the X-Men cartoons. Heck, I'm a big Kitty Pryde fan because of X-Men: Evolution, and I love the Bat Family because of their roles in the animated series.
My Adventures with Superman is a Superman cartoon for a new era of fans. I just wish it was sold as a kids show. Putting it on Adult Swim was an...interesting choice. I was expecting more Young Justice-styled storytelling, but received a DC version of Disney XD's Ultimate Spider-Man.
And that's not a bad thing! I like that they use an anime art style because that could really catch the attention of manga fans or kids already into anime that just haven't given comics a chance. My Adventures with Superman isn't a bad show. I'm happy to see a Superman show that focuses more on his day-to-day at the Daily Planet. I just don't know if it's my type of Superman show.
Phil: Kat really hit the nail on the head. I'm glad the My Adventures with Superman exists. I like the style a lot. I like the characters. And I'm happy to see a "wholesome" take on Superman again in mediums outside of comics.
I just hope that the show works a little harder to engage with and surprise its audience in upcoming episodes. I don't have any specific complaints about the first two episodes other than nothing really happened that "wowed" me as a viewer. Nothing I hadn't seen before, and not enough of an interesting twist on the existing Superman formula.
When I think about my favorite animated superhero shows (Batman: The Animated Series or Young Justice in its heyday), I think of series that elevate the source material. I don't think MAwS has elevated its source material yet so much as it has simply recreated it. That will hopefully change soon, and I'll definitely be finishing out the season to see exactly where they take these characters.
Nimona
Kat: Surprisingly, I never read the Nimona comic book. I went into this movie with no expectations or prior knowledge about the series, and I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised by the sheer production of this film. I'm usually not a fan of fantasy stories, but the movie does a wonderful job at blending fantasy elements, while still keeping the story grounded with its character journeys. There are plenty of twists and turns that will keep kids and adults alike engaged.
You can hear more of my in-depth thoughts on my weekly media podcast, Legendary Ladies, where we discuss the movie's queerness and it's Disney roots.
Joyride
Kat: I miss comedy movies. I miss shared laughter in the theater. Thank God for Joyride! This is a genuinely funny movie that keeps theme and character at its heart. It's a film that's literally about "finding yourself", while learning that the people around you (your friends, your loved ones) are going to be the people who truly shape you as a person.
Phil: Joy Ride was so much fun. A comedy like this really lives-or-dies on its ensemble cast. And thankfully, Joy Ride has an amazing ensemble. Everybody brings their A-Game -- especially Stephanie Hsu and Sherry Cola. I already loved both of them from previous work, and now I'm even more excited to see what they bring their talents to in the future.
The movie was masterfully well-paced for its first two-thirds. But I did find the last act to be a little more unfocused and slow than the near-perfect beginning of the comedy. That said, I still left the theater very happy (and a little sore from laughter). A strong recommend for anyone looking for a good raunchy comedy.
Comic Recommendations
Let's recommend some comics! As always, we'll share a Direct Market Indie book, a Marvel or DC book, a Kickstarter book, and a Webcomic!
Indie Comic: Saga
Kat: Saga is probably the most recommended indie comic book...and there's a reason, but I don't want to talk about why you should read Volume 1 of this book, I want to discuss why you should be reading Saga on a monthly basis.
Brian K. Vaughan is my favorite comic book writer because he knows how to keep you on your toes, all while telling a poignant character story. The comic lives up to its name by telling a true "saga" that continues to reinvent itself and stay fresh following "that big moment".
I love a comic that is written for both the trade and single issues. Saga does this in spades. There are plenty of twists and character moments in each issue, while still telling an overall arc for fans who want to trade wait.
Marvel: Silk
Kat: Many of Marvel's female characters have been getting mini-series rather than ongoing titles, but just like Black Cat and Hellcat, Silk has been taking it in stride. Emily Kim and Ig Guara have done a wonderful job at picking up the pieces from previous mini-series and even Silk's prior ongoing title to tell a tight narrative that feels like its expanding Cindy's character, all while telling a concise story arc.
Webcomic: stare down.
"The story of Nil, who misconstrued someone's enamored stare. & the story of Pas, who plays along in hopes for something more."
Phil: I'm glad to finally have the chance to talk about stare down. in the newsletter! I've been a fan of this comic for a while. And it was one of the comics featured in our Rainbow Canvas Anthology - one of the first series we invited to participate!
The premise is simple: two boys lock eyes and begin an epic staring contest that starts anew every time they lock eyes at school.
Through their little game, Pas and Nil become more intertwined in each others' lives - eventually leading to a romance between the two.
One of my favorite things about stare down. is the pacing. Creator, Soyciscoy, spends the perfect amount of time on each juncture of Pas and Nil's relationship before evolving it to the next step.
I love a queer romance comic where the lead couple getting together is only half (if not even less) of the story. And thankfully, stare down. gets perfect marks on building the romance up perfectly, and then continues to keep the story interesting long after Nil and Pas begin their relationship.
Read stare down. on Webtoon: https://www.webtoons.com/en/challenge/stare-down/list?title_no=587139
Kickstarter: THE HOUSE OF LOWTHER: Vol. 1
Phil: "Sawyer Ellis takes a job at the mysterious gothic mansion, the House of Lowther, believing it's an ordinary janitorial job. But she soon realizes the place is not only stuck in the past, but saturated in the world of cryptids."
We love literally everything that K. Lynn Smith puts out and are HUGE fans of her art (we've even worked with her on a variant cover for The Dancer). So we consider it a big deal that this is one of her coolest books to date.
Smith is a master of the gothic aesthetic (if you've never seen her Convention set-up, we recommend tracking her down next time you're at a Con she's attending) and so talented with both human and animal expressions. So naturally this gothic cryptic comic is an instant buy for us!
Filled with instantly-iconic characters, I can't wait to see how this supernatural cryptid comic plays out!
Check it out here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/fgs-omnibus/the-house-of-lowther-vol-1
In Closing
Thanks so much for reading this week's newsletter!
Current Kickstarter: Slice of Life: The Kiss (Ending July 20th)
Next Convention: Terrificon (Uncastle, CT - July 29-30th)
Phil’s Socials: Twitter | Instagram
Kat’s Socials: Twitter | YouTube
Read “Slice of Life” on Zestworld: https://www.zestworld.com/LifelineComics/slice-of-life-gl