Podcasts, radio shows, writing and more by Alex Fitch
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Panel Borders: Pride in Comics
July 1, 2020
Details from the UK and US covers of The Times I Knew I Was Gay and excerpt from The Ghosts In My House by Eleanor Crewes / Covers of Queer: A Graphic History and Gender: A Graphic Guide by Meg-John Barker and Jules Scheele plus interior art
Pride in Comics: In this month’s show, Alex Fitch talks to a pair of zine creators turned graphic novelists about their work on gender and sexuality. Eleanor Crewes discusses her forthcoming book The Times I Knew I Was Gay an autobiographical title which dramatised her experiences of coming out, and Dr. Meg-John Barker explores writing their non-fiction books Queer: A Graphic History and Gender: A Graphic Guide, which have revitalised Icon Books’ Introducing… series in a larger format, with a greater amount of sequential art. Recorded at Brighton Illustration Fair and Cartoon County, Hove.
Originally broadcast 1st July 2020 on Resonance 104.4 FM / DAB (London)
For more audio formats to download and stream, please visit archive.org (more…)
Architecture Culture: Female Flâneurs
June 17, 2020
Pages from Walking Distance by Lizzy Stewart / Excerpts from Wakefield Walkbooks and RCA installation by Peony Gent
Female Flâneurs: In the monthly show about culture and the built environment, Alex Fitch talks to a pair of artists whose work is influenced by their experience of exploring the urban landscape. Lizzy Stewart discusses her book Walking Distance, an illustrated essay on the experience of being a woman out walking, merging the personal and the political aspects of this activity, and Peony Gent explores her Wakefield Walkbooks – a couple of ‘maps’ of the town which mix her observational drawings and poetry, commissioned by Yorkshire Sculpture International’s Index Festival. Recorded at Cartoon County, Brighton, and Design Star Residential Event, Yorkshire Sculpture Park.
Partially broadcast Wednesday 20th May 2020 on Resonance 104.4 FM / DAB (London)
For more audio formats to download and stream, please visit archive.org (more…)
Panel Borders: Euro Noir – Igort and Jordi Bernet
June 4, 2020
Pages from Torpedo and Jonah Hex by Jordi Bernet / Stills from the film adaptation of 5 is the Perfect Number by Igort and page from the original graphic novel
Euro Noir: In this month’s show, Alex Fitch talks to a pair of veteren European artists who specialise in comics influenced by Film Noir. Alex chats to Igort about directing the film adaptation of of his classic graphic novel 5 is the Perfect Number, and how it differs from and homages the original comic. Also, in a Q and A translated by Miguel A. Domínguez, Jordi Bernet dicusses drawing the 1930s gangster saga Torpedo and American Western drama Jonah Hex. Recorded at the Institut Français, London and the Lakes International Comic Art Festival.
Originally broadcast 3rd June 2020 on Resonance 104.4 FM (more…)
Architecture Culture: Visions of the Past and Future
May 21, 2020
Images from BinToGather project by Erect Architecture / Drawing of Tradescant tomb / Painting of Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens / examples of Closer Than We Think by Arthur Radeburgh
Visions of the Past and Future: In the monthly show about culture and the built environment, architect Susanne Tutsch (Erect Architecture) discusses green and inclusive designs influenced by the work of John Tradescant and the Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens, and using the language of comics to communicate designs for a communal recycling project in a lecture recorded at the University of Brighton.
Also, Alex Fitch talks to documentary film-maker Brett Ryan Bonowicz about his film on the work of cartoonist Arthur Radebaugh who designed visions of the future in his 1950s newspaper strip Closer Than We Think, which influenced visual futurists such as Syd Mead, recorded at SCI-FI-LONDON 18. (more…)
Audio Dramatics: Companion Chronicles – Louise Jameson and Carole Ann Ford
May 8, 2020
Covers of ATA Girl + Doctor Who audio drams featuring Louise Jameson / Doctor Who and Susan’s War featuring Carole Ann Ford
An hour-long seasonal podcast series in which Alex Fitch talks to actors and creators of audio dramas broadcast on radio or released on CD/mp3.
Groundbreaking Podcasts: In this episode, a look at the return of classic Doctor Who companions in new audio dramas on radio and download, Alex Fitch chats to actresses Carole Ann Ford and Louise Jameson. Jameson talks about reprising the role of Tom Baker’s companion Leela, and appearing in audio dramas Survivors, The Omega Factor and WII saga ATA Girl, which she also writes for and co-created. Ford discusses playing the Doctor’s granddaughter in stories that range from monologues to full cast adventures, which revive the William Hartnell era of the programme, and also depict an adult version of the character taking part in The Time War alongside Paul McGann. Originally broadcast 8th May 2020 on Resonance 104.4 FM (more…)
Panel Borders: Epic Crowdfunding – Jim Starlin and Ahmed Alameen
May 8, 2020
Cover and interior art from The Epics of Enkidu and Dreadstar Returns
Epic Crowdfunding: In this month’s show, two international graphic novelists discuss their crowdfunding campaigns for sequels to epic narratives. Ahmed Alameen talks about his comic The Epics of Enkidu, a sequel to the Mesopotamian legend of Gilgamesh reimaged with an autistic hero and set in the modern day, and creating motion comic Team Genesis. Also, veteran creator Jim Starlin explores The Return of Dreadstar, a new graphic novel follow-up to his classic 1980s comic; Jim also discusses working on The Death of Captain Marvel and titles featuring his beioved character Thanos.
Originally broadcast 6th May 2020 on Resonance 104.4 FM (more…)
Architecture Culture: Charles Dickens and EcoCities
April 16, 2020
Poster of and image included in Childhood in Dickensian London exhibition / Cover and interior art from smartcities, resilient landscapes + ecowarriors by C.J. Lim and Ed Liu, C.J. Lim lecturing at University of Brighton
Charles Dickens and EcoCities: Alex Fitch talks to architects, curators and practitioners who promote architecture in wider culture. This month: exhibition designer Rebecca Simpson discusses the creation of ‘Childhood in Dickensian London’ at Senate House Library, the process of chosing images for display and collaborating with curators.
Also, architect C.J. Lim talks about his visual explorations of EcoCities and other futuristic concerns in a variety of illustrated books, which incorporate comic strips, diagrams and models, including such titles as smartcities, resilient landscapes + ecowarriors, and his Realms of Impossibility trilogy. (more…)
Panel Borders: Myriad Authors – Hannah Eaton and Sabba Khan
April 2, 2020
Hannah Eaton and Sabba Khan present their work at Cartoon County / LDComics
Myriad Authors: In this month’s show, two female artists discuss their forthcoming graphic novels about exclusion and inclusion, inspired by history and untold family traumas. In a Q and A hosted by Alex Fitch and recorded at Cartoon County, Hannah Eaton discusses the folk horror and factual influences on her forthcoming graphic novel Blackwood, and in a presentation recorded at an LDComics event at the Cartoon Museum, Sabba Khan relates how her culture, family history and background as an architect are combined in her forthcoming book Pluralism. Both creators were shortlisted for the First Graphic Novel Competition run by Myriad Editions, and will see their books published by the company over the next year.
Partially broadcast 1st April 2020 on Resonance 104.4 FM (more…)
Architecture Culture: Vivariums and Architecture on Film
March 20, 2020
Posters for Little Joe and Vivarium / Mark Kermode photo by Adam Prosser
Vivariums and Architecture on Film:
In this episode of Resonance’s monthly show on how Architecture and the built environment is represented in Culture, we explore examples of architecture on film. Alex Fitch talks to director Jessica Hausner about her psychological thriller Little Joe, which explores the effects of a genetically modified plant designed to alter people’s emotions, plus her movies about uncanny locations such as Hotel, Lourdes and Amour Fou. Alex also chats to Lorcan Finnegan about his film Vivarium that depicts the fortunes of a couple trapped in a maze of identical suburban houses, after a young couple get lured in by a creepy estate agent.
Plus, Mark Kermode discusses depictions of Architecture in such films as Blade Runner and The Shining in a lecture recorded at the University of Brighton. (more…)
Panel Borders: Broadcasting Comics
March 4, 2020
Comics and presentation by Jude Cowan Montague at LDComics / Posters advertising Dan Dare: The Audio Adventures / comic version of Hitch-Hiker’s Guide to the Galaxy drawn by Steve Leialoha
Broadcasting Comics: In this month’s show, Alex Fitch investigates the connections between radio and comics. Artist and broadcaster Jude Cowan Montague talks about her forthcoming comics and illustrated poetry shortly to be published, in a Q and A recorded at LDComics at The Cartoon Museum. Montague discusses her graphic novel ‘Love on the Isle of Dogs’ about her husband’s mental illness, and explores how her work on this project relates to her role as a radio presenter. Also, actor Geoff McGivern discusses taking on the role of Dan Dare‘s companion Digby in audio adaptations of the classic Eagle comic strips produced by B7 Media and Big Finish Productions, as well as his experiences playing Ford Prefect in The Hitch-Hiker’s Guide to the Galaxy on BBC Radio.
Partially broadcast 4th March 2020 on Resonance 104.4 FM (more…)
Architecture Culture: Double Vision
February 20, 2020
Sill and poster from Impossible Monsters / double page spread from Square Eyes
Double Vision: In this episode of Resonance’s monthly show on how Architecture and the built environment is represented in Culture, Alex Fitch talks to the creators of two works of fiction involving double vision. Graphic Novelists Anna Mill and Luke Jones discuss their book Square Eyes which depicts a dystopian future where the inhabitants of a city wear augmented reality glasses to see a more idealised version of their environment. Also, director Nathan Catucci explores the uncanny New York landscape of his thriller Impossible Monsters as a psychology professor’s research into sleep disorders leads to deadly results. Interviews recorded at Cartoon County, Brighton and Cine Excess 13, Birmingham City University.
Square Eyes is available now from Jonathan Cape; Impossible Monsters is currently sceeening in US cinemas, with its UK Vimeo / VOD release on March 3rd. (more…)
Panel Borders: For the Love of Comics
February 8, 2020
Covers of Justice Society, All Star Squadron, Conan comics written by Roy Thomas / excerpt from Robin Ince’s Bad Book Club, covers of Murmurs of Doubt and Billionaires graphic novels
For the Love of Comics: In this month’s show, Alex Fitch talks to veteran comics writer and editor Roy Thomas, and to stand-up comedian Robin Ince about their love of the comic book medium. Thomas discusses his time as a comics historian, editor and writer on such titles as All Star Squadron and Conan the Barbarian, and working in the Marvel Bullpen with Stan Lee in an interview recorded at Portsmouth Comic Con. Ince talks about his formative experiences reading such titles as House of Hammer and 2000AD, contributing to such anthologies as Dodgem Logic and Save Our Souls, and his ongoing support for Resonance FM.
Plus: info about comics and genre entertainment items in the Resonance fundraising auction, which started on 7th February…
Partially broadcast 5th February 2020 on Resonance 104.4 FM (more…)
Panel Borders: Researching Comics’ Histories
January 21, 2020
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David Huxley being interviewed by Roger Sabin at Comics Forum (photo by Ian Hague) / stills from The Marvel Superheroes, Mighty Mouse, Batman (1966) and Spider-Man (1967)
Researching Comics’ Histories: In the second of a pair of podcasts looking at academics’ research into comics, this show looks at different approaches to exploring the history of comics. As part of a panel discussion recorded at Graphic Brighton 2018 hosted by Elle Whitcroft, M. J. Hibbett and Rob Fleay talk about and perform music from animated superhero adventures from the 1960s, including tracks from the Batman TV show and Spider-Man cartoon. Plus, in a Q and A, recorded at Comics Forum (Leeds), Prof. Roger Sabin chats to the first researcher to pursue a doctorate in comics in the 1980s – David Huxley – about the changes in comics research over the last three decades, as well as Huxey’s experiences as a cartoonist on such titles as Oink!… (Edited and recorded by Alex Fitch)
Partially broadcast 1st January 2020 on Resonance 104.4 FM (more…)
Architecture Culture: Utopias / Dystopias
January 18, 2020
Favela Tower print by Toby Melville-Brown and interior of The Book Club, displaying The Future Was Big / Cover of the novel Animals by Emma Jane Unsworth and film poster
Utopias / Dystopias: In this episode of Resonance’s monthly show on how Architecture and the built environment is represented in Culture, Alex Fitch talks to artist Toby Melville-Brown and author Emma Jane Unsworth about their depictions of the city. Toby discusses his Tower series of prints which envision fantastical skyscrapers that absorb existing elements of urban architecture, and his exhibition at The Book Club, Hoxton – ‘The Future was Big’ – which contains sci-fi book cover illustrations of retro futures.
Animals is available now on Blu Ray / DVD / VOD and ‘The Future Was Big’ continues at The Book Club, London until February 16th 2020.
Originally broadcast Wednesday 15th January 2020 on Resonance 104.4 FM / DAB (London)
For more audio formats to download and stream, please visit archive.org (more…)
Architecture Culture: Adapting John Soane
December 20, 2019
Charles Holland Architects screens in front of Hogarth collage / Collage of Project Architects proposed pavilion for Dulwich Picture Gallery
Adapting John Soane: In this episode of Resonance’s monthly show on how Architecture is represented in Culture, Alex Fitch talks to architect Charles Holland about how his practice designed exhibition walls and screens to display prints and paintings in the Sir John Soane’s Museum in London for their current Hogarth: Place and Progress exhibition, and in a talk recorded at the University of Brighton, James Christian and Bethan Kay from architects firm Projects Office discuss their proposed pavilion for Soane’s Dulwich Picture Gallery, entered into the London Festival of Architecture’s 2019 competition. (more…)
Panel Borders: Formative Experiences
December 4, 2019
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Cover of How Comics Work by Gibbons and Pilcher / Posy Simmonds in conversation with Julia Round / cover of Back, Sack & Crack (& Brain) by Robert Wells
Formative Experiences: In a pair of Q and As recorded at The Cartoon Museum as part of a day raising awareness of the need to preserve comic book archives, from the collections of Peter Hansen and others for the nation, Posy Simmonds and Dave Gibbons talk to academics Julia Round and Philip Vaughan about the first titles they remember reading and enjoying.
Also, Robert Wells discusses his book Back, Sack & Crack (& Brain): A Rather Graphic Novel About Living With Embarrassing Health Problems, and history of self-publishing small press comics, in discussion with Alex Fitch at Cartoon County, Brighton.
Originally broadcast Wednesday 4th December 2019 on Resonance 104.4 FM / DAB (London) (more…)
Architecture Culture: (Im)possible Worlds
November 21, 2019
Maria Smith and Phin Harper juggle ideas at the University of Brighton / Paul Franklin talks Inception at The Architects Underground (RIBA)
(Im)possible Worlds: In a new monthly show looking at how Architecture is represented in Culture, Alex Fitch presents talks by artists, curators, film-makers and writers about unique representations of architecture in different media. This month, Maria Smith (Interrobang) and Phin Harper (Architecture Foundation) discuss buildings and architectural forms that have less of an impact on the environment and how these ideas have been expressed at the Oslo Architecture Trienniale. Also, Oscar-winning Creative Director and VFX Supervisor Paul Franklin talks about his work helping to visualise and design impossible architecture on screen in Christopher Nolan’s film Inception. Recorded at the University of Brighton School of Architecture, and ‘The Architects Underground’ (RIBA, London), October 2019. (more…)
Panel Borders: Genre and Inspiration
November 14, 2019
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Esther McManus, Danny Noble, Jess Taylor, Zara Slattery talking at The Cartoon Museum / Garth Ennis interviewed by Alex Fitch at LICAF, and examples of their work
Genre and Inspiration: In a pair of recordings looking at how comic creators are inspired by genre and inspiration, guest presenter and comics laureate Hannah Berry talks to Arts Foundation comics prize finalists Esther McManus, Danny Noble, Jess Taylor, and Zara Slattery in a panel discussion at The Cartoon Museum, London, plus Alex Fitch talks to Garth Ennis about writing Preacher, The Boys and more recent work in an interview recorded at the Lakes International Comic Art Festival.
Originally broadcast Wednesday 6th November 2019 on Resonance 104.4 FM / DAB (London) (more…)
Architecture Culture: Locating Design in Fantasy Films
October 28, 2019
Architecture by Frank Lloyd Wright in THX 1138 and Gattaca / Mackintosh Chair in Blade Runner / Unicorn Tapestry in Harry Potter
Locating Design in Fantasy Films: In a new monthly show looking at how Architecture is represented in Culture, Alex Fitch presents talks by artists, curators, film-makers and writers about unique representations of architecture in different media. This month, in a panel discussion chaired by National Trust Head Curator Sally-Anne Huxtable, Robyne Calvert (Glasgow School of Art), Ersi Ioannidou (Kingston University) and Xavier Dectot (Keeper of Art and Design, National Museums Scotland) discuss how architecture and interior design by the likes of Frank Lloyd Wright and Charles Rennie Mackintosh help suggest science-fiction and fantasy worlds in genre films including Blade Runner, THX 1138, Gattaca and the Harry Potter film saga. Recorded at the Art History Association conference, University of Brighton, April 2019. (more…)
Panel Borders: European Comics
October 4, 2019
FOI diary comic by Myf Tristram / cover and interior art from Last Words by Siiri Viljakka and Lauri Tuomi-Nikula / web comic by Boulet / sketchbook page by Mattias Adolfsson
European Comics: In the first of a new series of Panel Borders, we have British, Finnish, French and Swedish comic creators talking about their work. Alex Fitch talks to artists Boulet and Mattias Adolfsson about their drawing techniques and styles in an interview recorded at the Lakes International Comic Art Festival, and guest presenter and cartoonist Myfanwy Tristram discusses the Freedom of Information graphic novel – Last Words – with its creators Siiri Viljakka and Lauri Tuomi-Nikula in a Q and A recorded at Cartoon County, Brighton.
Originally broadcast Wednesday 2nd October 2019 on Resonance 104.4 FM / DAB (London) (more…)
