Podcasts, radio shows, writing and more by Alex Fitch
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Panel Borders: Fantastical Visions
May 5, 2021
Art from Coma by Zara Slattery / Captain America by Declan Shalvey / Avengers by Staz Johnson
Fantastical Visions: In an episode celebrating great comic book art, Alex Fitch talks to three artists who bring wonderous visions to the page. In a Q and A recorded at Cartoon County, Brighton, Zara Slattery discusses her graphic novel Coma which depicts her experiences of extreme medical intervention as a journey through a fantastical dreamscape. Plus, in a ‘live draw’ session recorded at the Lakes International Comic Art Festival, Declan Shalvey and Staz Johnson discuss their influences and inspirations for working on such titles as Injection and 2000AD.
Originally broadcast 5th May 2021 on Resonance 104.4 FM / DAB (London)
For more audio formats to download and stream, please visit archive.org
Links: More info about Coma published by Myriad Editions
Zara Slattery’s website
Wikipedia pages on Declan Shalvey and Staz Johnson
Staz Johnson’s blog
Declan Shalvey’s tumblr
Listen to Alex and Zara discuss classic video games in a show about the Vectrex games console
More info about support for survivors of Necrotising Fasciitis
Next week’s show: Fantastical Visions
April 29, 2021
On Wednesday May 5th at 5.30pm on Resonance 104.4 FM and DAB, Panel Borders: Fantastical Visions
Art from Coma by Zara Slattery / Captain America by Declan Shalvey / Avengers by Staz Johnson
In an episode celebrating great comic book art, Alex Fitch talks to three artists who bring wonderous visions to the page. In a Q and A recorded at Cartoon County, Brighton, Zara Slattery discusses her graphic novel Coma which depicts her experiences of extreme medical intervention as a journey through a fantastical dreamscape. Plus, in a ‘live draw’ session recorded at the Lakes International Comic Art Festival, Declan Shalvey and Staz Johnson discuss their influences and inspirations for working on such titles as Injection and 2000AD.
5.30pm, Wednesday 5th May 2021, repeat broadcast 2.30am, Friday 7th May, Resonance 104.4 FM and DAB (London) / broadcast streamed at www.resonancefm.com / Resonance Replay stream on mixcloud.com / podcast after broadcast at www.panelborders.wordpress.com
Links: More info about Coma published by Myriad Editions
Zara Slattery’s website
Wikipedia pages on Declan Shalvey and Staz Johnson
Staz Johnson’s blog
Declan Shalvey’s tumblr
Listen to Alex and Zara discuss classic video games in a show about the Vectrex games console
More info about support for survivors of Necrotising Fasciitis
Panel Borders: Defensive Animals
April 7, 2021
— 2 Comments
Images from Tummy Bugs by Leomi Sadler / Usagi Yojimbo by Stan Sakai
Defensive Animals: In the second of two programmes looking at anthropomorphic comics, Alex Fitch talks to a pair of comic creators about their titles featuring combative animal characters. Leomi Sadler discusses her strips about insects, gargoyles, bacteria and other creatures battling against adversity, featured in a new collection – Tummy Bugs – published by Breakdown Press.
Also, in an interview recorded at the Lakes International Comic Art Festival, veteran cartoonist Stan Sakai chats about his long running comic Usagi Yojimbo which chronicles the adventures of a samurai rabbit…
Originally broadcast 7th April 2021 on Resonance 104.4 FM / DAB (London)
For more audio formats to download and stream, please visit archive.org
Links: More info about Tummy Bugs on Breakdown Press’ website
Interview with Leomi Sadler on the Creative Review website
Stan Sakai’s website
Usagi Yojimbo website
More interviews with creators of anthropomorphic comics including Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles co-creator Kevin Eastman
Tomorrow’s show: Defensive Animals
April 6, 2021
On Wednesday April 7th at 5.30pm on Resonance 104.4 FM and DAB, Panel Borders: Defensive Animals
Images from Tummy Bugs by Leomi Sadler / Usagi Yojimbo by Stan Sakai
In the second of two programmes looking at anthropomorphic comics, Alex Fitch talks to a pair of comic creators about their titles featuring combative animal characters. Leomi Sadler discusses her strips about insects, gargoyles, bacteria and other creatures battling against adversity, featured in a new collection – Tummy Bugs – published by Breakdown Press.
Also, in an interview recorded at the Lakes International Comic Art Festival, veteran cartoonist Stan Sakai chats about his long running comic Usagi Yojimbo which chronicles the adventures of a samurai rabbit…
5.30pm, Wednesday 7th April 2021, repeat broadcast 2.30am, Friday 9th April, Resonance 104.4 FM and DAB (London) / broadcast streamed at www.resonancefm.com / Resonance Replay stream on mixcloud.com / podcast after broadcast at www.panelborders.wordpress.com
Links: More info about Tummy Bugs on Breakdown Press’ website
Interview with Leomi Sadler on the Creative Review website
Stan Sakai’s website
Usagi Yojimbo website
More interviews with creators of anthropomorphic comics
Panel Borders: Melancholic Animals
March 4, 2021
Art from I Killed Adolf Hitler and Werewolves of Montpellier by Jason / Haway Man, Klaus by Richard Short
Melancholic Animals: Alex Fitch talks to a pair of creators of anthropomorphic comics whose work features stories of animals in melancholic situations. Richard Short discusses the various publications featuring his popular feline character, including the latest graphic novel Haway Man, Klaus, published by Breakdown Press. Also, in an interview recorded at the Lakes International Comic Art Festival, Alex chats to Norwegian cartoonist Jason about his work, including such genre titles as such as I Killed Adolf Hitler and Werewolves of Montpellier.
Originally broadcast 3rd March 2021 on Resonance 104.4 FM / DAB (London)
For more audio formats to download and stream, please visit archive.org
Links: More info about Haway Man, Klaus on Breakdown Press’ website
Interview with Richard Short on The Comics Journal website
Info about books by Jason on Fantagraphics’ website
Jason’s biography on Sundero Gallery site
More interviews with creators of anthropomorphic comics
This Week’s show: Melancholic Animals
February 28, 2021
On Wednesday March 3rd at 5.30pm on Resonance 104.4 FM and DAB, Panel Borders: Melancholic Animals
Art from I Killed Adolf Hitler and Werewolves of Montpellier by Jason / Haway Man, Klaus by Richard Short
Alex Fitch talks to a pair of creators of anthropomorphic comics whose work features stories of animals in melancholic situations. Richard Short discusses the various publications featuring his popular feline character, including the latest graphic novel Haway Man, Klaus, published by Breakdown Press. Also, in an interview recorded at the Lakes International Comic Art Festival, Alex chats to Norwegian cartoonist Jason about his work, including such genre titles as such as I Killed Adolf Hitler and Werewolves of Montpellier.
5.30pm, Wednesday 3rd March 2021, repeat broadcast 2.30am, Friday 5th March, Resonance 104.4 FM and DAB (London) / broadcast streamed at www.resonancefm.com / Resonance Replay stream on mixcloud.com / podcast after broadcast at www.panelborders.wordpress.com
Links: More info about Haway Man, Klaus on Breakdown Press’ website
Interview with Richard Short on The Comics Journal website
Info about books by Jason on Fantagraphics’ website
Jason’s biography on Sundero Gallery site
More interviews with creators of anthropomorphic comics
Panel Borders: Retro Anthologies
February 4, 2021
— 1 Comment
Covers of Blazer and The Mighty One written by Steve MacManus / Interior art by Julie Hollings from Beryl the Bitch and Dire Streets / Covers of Hot Jazz by Hunt Emerson and Outrageous Tales from the Old Testament by Emerson, Hollings and friends
Retro Anthologies: In a pair of interviews, Alex Fitch talks to comic book editor Steve MacManus about his new retro comic book anthology Blazer, plus his tenure on 2000AD and other classic titles, and to Julie Hollings and Hunt Emerson about their work on music themed comics such as Revolver and Hot Jazz, plus anthology Outrageous Tales from the Old Testament including work by both, in a Q and A recorded at the 2018 Graphic Brighton conference at the University of Sussex.
If you enjoy Panel Borders, please consider donating some money towards the running costs of Resonance FM, during February – more info at https://www.resonancefm.com/donate
Originally broadcast 3rd February 2021 on Resonance 104.4 FM / DAB (London)
For more audio formats to download and stream, please visit archive.org (more…)
Next week’s show: Retro Anthologies
January 27, 2021
On Wednesday February 3rd at 5.30pm on Resonance 104.4 FM and DAB, Panel Borders: Retro Anthologies
Covers of Blazer and The Mighty One written by Steve MacManus / Interior art by Julie Hollings from Beryl the Bitch and Dire Streets / Covers of Hot Jazz by Hunt Emerson and Outrageous Tales from the Old Testament by Emerson, Hollings and friends
In a pair of interviews, Alex Fitch talks to comic book editor Steve MacManus about his new retro comic book anthology Blazer, plus his tenure on 2000AD and other classic titles, and to Julie Hollings and Hunt Emerson about their work on music themed comics such as Revolver and Hot Jazz, plus anthology Outrageous Tales from the Old Testament including work by both, in a Q and A recorded at the 2018 Graphic Brighton conference at the University of Sussex.
If you enjoy Panel Borders, please consider donating some money towards the running costs of Resonance FM, during February – more info at https://www.resonancefm.com/donate
5.30pm, Wednesday 3rd February 2021, repeat broadcast 2.30am, Friday 5th February, Resonance 104.4 FM and DAB (London) / broadcast streamed at www.resonancefm.com / Resonance Replay stream on mixcloud.com / podcast after broadcast at www.panelborders.wordpress.com
Links: Blazer Kickstarter campaign
Steve MacManus’ twitter page
Julie Hollings’ page on British Comics database and Lambiek
Hunt Emerson’s website and page on Lambiek (more…)
Panel Borders: Educating Comics
January 9, 2021
Hannah Berry, Elle Whitcroft, Nick Cannan, Catherine Moran, Charlotte Semlyen, Tania Suryabandara, Judith Biddlestone and Ottilie Hansworth at Graphic Brighton / interior and exterior art from The Curious Case of Leonardo’s Bicycle by Brick
Educating Comics: In a 2 hour Panel Borders Winter Special, comics creators discuss using the medium as an educational resource. Comics academic Elle Whitcroft introduces Ottilie Hansworth and her students Charlotte Semlyen, Catherine Moran, Tania Suryabandara, Judith Biddlestone and Nick Cannan regarding their creation of a strip anthology about The Theatre Royal, Brighton featuring untold tales of orphans, psychic cleaners and Marlene Dietrich! Also, Alex Fitch talks to graphic novelist Brick about his book The Curious Case of Leonardo’s Bicycle, which looks at unreliable Da Vinci research in the 20th Century, and to Comics Laureate Hannah Berry about her activities in the role. Recorded at Graphic Brighton 2019, and University of Brighton Central Media Services.
Originally broadcast 6th January 2021 on Resonance 104.4 FM / DAB (London)
For more audio formats to download and stream, please visit archive.org (more…)
Next Month’s show: Educating Comics
December 17, 2020
On Wednesday January 6th at 5.30pm on Resonance 104.4 FM and DAB, Panel Borders: Educating Comics
Hannah Berry, Elle Whitcroft, Nick Cannan, Catherine Moran, Charlotte Semlyen, Tania Suryabandara, Judith Biddlestone and Ottilie Hansworth at Graphic Brighton / interior and exterior art from The Curious Case of Leonardo’s Bicycle by Brick
In a 2 hour Panel Borders Winter Special, comics creators discuss using the medium as an educational resource. Comics academic Elle Whitcroft introduces Ottilie Hansworth and her students Charlotte Semlyen, Catherine Moran, Tania Suryabandara, Judith Biddlestone and Nick Cannan regarding their creation of a strip anthology about The Theatre Royal, Brighton featuring untold tales of orphans, psychic cleaners and Marlene Dietrich! Also, Alex Fitch talks to graphic novelist Brick about his book The Curious Case of Leonardo’s Bicycle, which looks at unreliable Da Vinci research in the 20th Century, and to Comics Laureate Hannah Berry about her activities in the role. Recorded at Graphic Brighton 2019, and University of Brighton Central Media Services.
5.30pm, Wednesday 6th Janury 2021, repeat broadcast 6am, Friday 4th December, Resonance 104.4 FM and DAB (London) / broadcast streamed at www.resonancefm.com / Resonance Replay stream on mixcloud.com / podcast after broadcast at www.panelborders.wordpress.com
Links:Brick’s website and online store
Hannah Berry’s website, including page on the UK Comic Creators’ Survey
Ottilie Hainsworth’s Instagram site
Grimy Heights website (more…)
Panel Borders: Dramatising the Real
December 6, 2020
Excerpts from Scene and Heard by David Ziggy Greene, and The Red Virgin / Sally Heathcote by Mary and Bryan Talbot
Dramatising the Real: In a pair of interviews looking at comic creators who dramatise real life events, Alex Fitch talks to Bryan and Mary Talbot about their graphic novels Sally Heathcote: Suffragette and The Red Virgin and the Vision of Utopia on French revolutionary Louise Michel in a Q and A recorded at Graphic Brighton, and to David Ziggy Greene about his fortnightly strip in Private Eye – Scene and Heard – and editing collections of graphic reportage in Save Our Souls, recorded at Cartoon County.
Originally broadcast 2nd December 2020 on Resonance 104.4 FM / DAB (London)
For more audio formats to download and stream, please visit archive.org (more…)
This week’s show: Dramatising the Real
November 30, 2020
On Wednesday December 2nd at 5.30pm on Resonance 104.4 FM and DAB, Panel Borders: Dramatising the Real
Excerpts from Scene and Heard by David Ziggy Greene, and The Red Virgin / Sally Heathcote by Mary and Bryan Talbot
In a pair of interviews looking at comic creators who dramatise real life events, Alex Fitch talks to Bryan and Mary Talbot about their graphic novels Sally Heathcote: Suffragette and The Red Virgin and the Vision of Utopia on French revolutionary Louise Michel in a Q and A recorded at Graphic Brighton, and to David Ziggy Greene about his fortnightly strip in Private Eye – Scene and Heard – and editing collections of graphic reportage in Save Our Souls, recorded at Cartoon County.
5.30pm, Wednesday 2nd December 2020, repeat broadcast 2.30am, Friday 4th December, Resonance 104.4 FM and DAB (London) / broadcast streamed at www.resonancefm.com / Resonance Replay stream on mixcloud.com / podcast after broadcast at www.panelborders.wordpress.com
Links: Review of the first Scene and Heard collection on Broken Frontier
David Ziggy Green’s online shop
Graphic novels page on Mary Talbot’s website
Bryan Talbot’s website
Panel Borders: Eclectic Horrors
November 4, 2020
— 1 Comment
Art from Urotsokidoji by Toshio Maeda / Project Immortality by Coco Kirkland / Sticky Monsters by John Kenn Mortensen
Eclectic Horrors: In a belated Halloween special, Alex Fitch talks to three creators of very different horror themed comics. In a pair of interviews recorded at Copenhagen Comics Festival 2019, legendary creator Toshio Maeda explores his grotesque erotic manga Urotsokidoji: Legend of the Overfiend, and John Kenn Mortensen discusses his Edward Gorey inspired sketches of nightmares on post-it notes: Sticky Monsters. Also in a Q and A recorded at Cartoon County, Coco Kirkland chats about his cartoon inspired zombie / ghost graphic novel Project: Immortality.
Originally broadcast 4th November 2020 on Resonance 104.4 FM / DAB (London)
For more audio formats to download and stream, please visit archive.org (more…)
This Week’s Show: Eclectic Horrors
November 2, 2020
On Wednesday November 4th at 5.30pm on Resonance 104.4 FM and DAB, Panel Borders: Eclectic Horrors
Art from Urotsokidoji by Toshio Maeda / Project Immortality by Coco Kirkland / Sticky Monsters by John Kenn Mortensen
In a belated Halloween special, Alex Fitch talks to three creators of very different horror themed comics. In a pair of interviews recorded at Copenhagen Comics Festival 2019, legendary creator Toshio Maeda explores his grotesque erotic manga Urotsokidoji: Legend of the Overfiend, and John Kenn Mortensen discusses his Edward Gorey inspired sketches of nightmares on post-it notes: Sticky Monsters. Also in a Q and A recorded at Cartoon County, Coco Kirkland chats about his cartoon inspired zombie / ghost graphic novel Project: Immortality.
5.30pm, Wednesday 4th November 2020, repeat broadcast 2.30am, Friday 6th November, Resonance 104.4 FM and DAB (London) / broadcast streamed at www.resonancefm.com / Resonance Replay stream on mixcloud.com / podcast after broadcast at www.panelborders.wordpress.com
Links: John Kenn Mortensen’s blog and Instagram site
Pages on Project Immortality on publisher Markosia’s website and Drivethru Comics
Toshio Maeda’s website and profile on Anime News Network
Clear Spot: Vectrexians
October 29, 2020
— 4 Comments
Onscreen Vectrex graphics for “Galaxy Wars / Space Launcher” and “Every Day is Halloween” and Glowing Pumpcart Cassette by Binary Star Software + Box cover for “Vextrexians” and graphics with overlay for “Vector Patrol” by Tutsoft, Zara plays Vectrex
Vectrexians: In a Clear Spot looking at the continuing good fortunes of the Vectrex games console, an arcade style machine distributed in the UK by Milton Bradley in 1983, Alex Fitch talks to programmers Chris Malcolm and Kristof Tuts about their new games for the console, and to graphic novelist Zara Slattery about her experiences of playing the Vectrex and teenage years in arcades.
Partially broadcast 29th October 2020 on Resonance 104.4 FM / DAB (London)
For more audio formats to download and stream, please visit archive.org
Links: Kristof Tuts’ website
Chris Malcolm’s website and ebay page
Zara Slattery’s website
Vectrex fandom website including page on International Play Your Vectrex Day
Vectrex ProGaming Boards pages on International Play Your Vectrex Day and the week long competition – ‘Vector War X’ (31st Oct – Nov 7th) (more…)
This Week’s show: Vectrexians
October 24, 2020
On Thursday October 29th at 8.00pm on Resonance 104.4 FM and DAB, Clear Spot: Vectrexians
Onscreen Vectrex graphics for “Galaxy Wars / Space Launcher” and “Every Day is Halloween” and Glowing Pumpcart Cassette by Binary Star Software + Box cover for “Vextrexians” and graphics with overlay for “Vector Patrol” by Tutsoft, Zara plays Vectrex
In a Clear Spot looking at the continuing good fortunes of the Vectrex games console, an arcade style machine distributed in the UK by Milton Bradley in 1983, Alex Fitch talks to programmers Chris Malcolm and Kristof Tuts about their new games for the console, and to graphic novelist Zara Slattery about her experiences of playing the Vectrex and teenage years in arcades.
8pm, Thursday 29th October 2020, repeat broadcast 10am, Friday 30th October, Resonance 104.4 FM and DAB (London) / broadcast streamed at www.resonancefm.com / Resonance Replay stream on mixcloud.com / podcast after broadcast at www.panelborders.wordpress.com
Links: Kristof Tuts’ website
Chris Malcolm’s website and ebay page
Zara Slattery’s website
Vectrex fandom website including page on International Play Your Vectrex Day
Vectrex ProGaming Boards pages on International Play Your Vectrex Day and the week long competition – ‘Vector War X’ (31st Oct – Nov 7th) (more…)
Panel Borders: Ladies of the Lakes
October 11, 2020
— 2 Comments
Interior and cover of Sonic the Comic, and interior art from Care Bears, edited by Deborah Tate / covers of This One Summer, Skim and She-Hulk vol. 2, written by Mariko Tamaki
Ladies of the Lakes: In the first episode of a new series of the monthly radio show about graphic novels and sequential art, Alex Fitch talks to two female creators working in the comic book industry, in Q and As recorded at the Lakes International Comic Art Festival. Deborah Tate discusses her role as editor on the much loved Marvel UK titles for children – Sonic the Comic and Care Bears – working with artist Mick McMahon and writer Mark Miller, and her inititatives to bring eco-friendly messages to both content of the titles, and their physical production. Writer Mariko Tamaki talks about working on independent graphic novels with her cousin Jillian, including Skim and This One Summer, and writing superhero titles such as She-Hulk and Wonder Woman.
This year’s online version of the Lakes International Comic Art Festival – LICAF LIVE – takes place from 9th-11th October at www.comicartfestival.com
Originally broadcast 7th October 2020 on Resonance 104.4 FM / DAB (London)
For more audio formats to download and stream, please visit archive.org (more…)
Next week’s show: Ladies of the Lakes
October 2, 2020
On Wednesday October 7th at 5.30pm on Resonance 104.4 FM and DAB, Panel Borders: Ladies of the Lakes
Interior and cover of Sonic the Comic, and interior art from Care Bears, edited by Deborah Tate / covers of This One Summer, Skim and She-Hulk vol. 2, written by Mariko Tamaki
In the first episode of a new series of the monthly radio show about graphic novels and sequential art, Alex Fitch talks to two female creators working in the comic book industry, in Q and As recorded at the Lakes International Comic Art Festival. Deborah Tate discusses her role as editor on the much loved Marvel UK titles for children – Sonic the Comic and Care Bears – working with artist Mick McMahon and writer Mark Miller, and her inititatives to bring eco-friendly messages to both content of the titles, and their physical production. Writer Mariko Tamaki talks about working on independent graphic novels with her cousin Jillian, including Skim and This One Summer, and writing superhero titles such as She-Hulk and Wonder Woman.
This year’s online version of the Lakes International Comic Art Festival – LICAF LIVE – takes place from 9th-11th October at www.comicartfestival.com
5.30pm, Wednesday 7th October 2020, repeat broadcast 2.30am, Friday 9th October, Resonance 104.4 FM and DAB (London) / broadcast streamed at www.resonancefm.com (more…)
Panel Borders: Uncanny Landscapes
September 3, 2020
Excerpt from Mauretania by Chris Reynolds / Vicious Creatures by Sarah Gordon / Unflattening by Nick Sousanis
Uncanny Landscapes: In the 2 hour Panel Borders Autumn Special, Alex Fitch talks to three comic creators whose work explores uncanny locations. In a pair of Q and As recorded at Cartoon County, Brighton, Chris Reynolds discusses the retro-futuristic aesthetic of his Mauretania Comics, set in post-industrial landscapes, and Sarah Gordon chats about the evocative folk horror and folktales inhabiting her collection Vicious Creatures.
Also, Alex interviews lecturer and graphic novelist Nick Sousanis about his book Unflattening which uses Edwin Abbott Abbott’s Flatland as a jumping off point for an examination of human communication.
Originally broadcast 2nd September 2020 on Resonance 104.4 FM / DAB (London)
For more audio formats to download and stream, please visit archive.org (more…)
This week’s show: Uncanny Landscapes
August 31, 2020
On Wednesday September 2nd at 5.00pm on Resonance 104.4 FM and DAB, Panel Borders: Uncanny Landscapes
Excerpt from Mauretania by Chris Reynolds / Vicious Creatures by Sarah Gordon / Unflattening by Nick Sousanis
In the 90 min Panel Borders Autumn Special, Alex Fitch talks to three comic creators whose work explores uncanny locations. In a pair of Q and As recorded at Cartoon County, Brighton, Chris Reynolds discusses the retro-futuristic aesthetic of his Mauretania Comics, set in post-industrial landscapes, and Sarah Gordon chats about the evocative folk horror and folktales inhabiting her collection Vicious Creatures.
Also, Alex interviews lecturer and graphic novelist Nick Sousanis about his book Unflattening which uses Edwin Abbott Abbott’s Flatland as a jumping off point for an examination of human communication.
5pm, Wednesday 2nd September 2020, repeat broadcast 3am, Friday 5th August, Resonance 104.4 FM and DAB (London) / broadcast streamed at www.resonancefm.com / Resonance Replay stream on mixcloud.com / podcast after broadcast at www.panelborders.wordpress.com (more…)
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