Podcasts, radio shows, writing and more by Alex Fitch
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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: TorsoBear, Cogs and Claws
May 26, 2015
— 1 Comment
Cover and interior art from Cogs and Claws by Brian Bennett and Jimmy Pearson / from Torsobear by Brett Uren, Saoirse Louise Towler and others
TorsoBear, Cogs and Claws: Continuing a month of shows about creators whose work sits in the middle ground between ‘mainstream’ and independent comics, Alex Fitch talks to a trio of creators whose comics take stuffed bears and other children’s toys and place them in genre adventures. Brett Uren explains the history of his noir themed anthology series TorsoBear, featuring a bear and a wooden policeman investigating crimes in Toyburg while, Brian Bennett and Jimmy Pearson discuss the webcomic Cogs and Claws, a monochrome, fast paced space opera serial published as a graphic novel by Markosia (Recorded at Cartoon County, Brighton / originally broadcast 21st May 2015 on Resonance 104.4 FM).
For more info and a variety of formats to stream or download this podcast, please visit archive.org
Links: TorsoBear website and Kickstarter page
Cogs and Claws website (more…)
Tomorrow’s show: TorsoBear, Cogs and Claws
May 20, 2015
Tomorrow at 11am on Resonance FM, Panel Borders: TorsoBear, Cogs and Claws
Cover and interior art from Cogs and Claws by Brian Bennett and Jimmy Pearson / from Torsobear by Brett Uren, Saoirse Louise Towler and others
Continuing a month of shows about creators whose work sits in the middle ground between ‘mainstream’ and independent comics, talks to a trio of creators whose comics take stuffed bears and other children’s toys and place them in genre adventures. Brett Uren explains the history of his noir themed anthology series TorsoBear, featuring a bear and a wooden policeman investigating crimes in Toyburg while, Brian Bennett and Jimmy Pearson discuss the webcomic Cogs and Claws, a monochrome, fast paced space opera serial published as a graphic novel by Markosia (recorded at Cartoon County, Brighton).
11am Thursday 21st May, repeated 7am Saturday 23rd May 2015, Resonance 104.4 FM (London) / streamed at www.resonancefm.com / podcast after broadcast at www.panelborders.wordpress.com
Links: TorsoBear website and Kickstarter page
Cogs and Claws website (more…)
Panel Borders: Taming the Elephantmen
August 26, 2012
— 2 Comments
Elephantmen promotional art by Ian Churchill
Taming the Elephantmen: In a companion podcast to last week’s episode, Alex Fitch continues his conversation with writer Richard Starkings and artist Ian Churchill about Elephantmen, a sci-fi anthropomorphic comic about animal / human hybrid soldiers coming to terms with life in the big city after being demobbed.
In a Q and A recorded at the Leeds Thought Bubble festival, Autumn 2011, Alex discusses Elephantmen issue #25 and beyond, including the comic’s use of guest artists such as Tim Sale and Marian Churchland and the programme of collecting the title into chunky graphic novels.
(This is the last in the current series of Panel Borders, which will return on September 16th, 2012) (more…)
Panel Borders: Unleashing the Elephantmen
August 19, 2012
— 3 Comments
Panel from Elephantmen
Unleashing the Elephantmen: Alex Fitch talks to writer, editor and letterer Richard Starkings, and Ian Churchill, one of a rotating team of artists on Elephantmen, an American monthly comic (primarily created by Brits) about retired super-soldiers that are half animal, half human hybrids. Mixing the sci-fi / noir ambience of Blade Runner with the anthropomorphic horrors of The Island of Doctor Moreau, the comic has been serialised since 2003 and in this episode, recorded in front of an audience at last year’s Bristol Small Press Expo, Alex talks to Richard and Ian about the origins of the title, Richard’s move to America as a creator and Ian’s own creator owned title, Marineman, which first appeared as a back-up strip in Elephantmen #25. Originally broadcast 19/08/12 on Resonance 104.4 FM (more…)
Today’s show: Unleashing the Elephantmen
August 19, 2012
Tonight at 8pm on Resonance 104.4 FM… Panel Borders: Unleashing the Elephantmen
Panel from Elephantmen
In the last of the current broadcast series of Panel Borders, which this month has been looking at anthropomorphic or ‘funny animal’ comics, Alex Fitch talks to writer, editor and letterer Richard Starkings, and Ian Churchill, one of a rotating team of artists on Elephantmen, an American monthly comic (primarily created by Brits) about retired super-soldiers that are half animal, half human hybrids. Mixing the sci-fi / noir ambience of Blade Runner with the anthropomorphic horrors of The Island of Doctor Moreau, the comic has been serialised since 2003 and in this episode, recorded in front of an audience at last year’s Bristol Small Press Expo, Alex talks to Richard and Ian about the origins of the title, Richard’s move to America as a creator and Ian’s own creator owned title, Marineman, which first appeared as a back-up strip in Elephantmen #25. (The next podcast episode of Panel Borders will be online 26/08/12 and next broadcast on Resonance on 16/09/12)
8pm, Sunday 19th August 2012, Resonance 104.4FM / streamed at www.resonancefm.com / extended podcast after broadcast at www.panelborders.wordpress.com (more…)
Book List: Anthropomorphic Literature
August 13, 2012
Bryan Talbot talks about Kamandi (photo by Matthew Rees) / cover of Grandville vol. 3 / covers of Varmints by Helen Ward + Marc Craste / Cover and interior spread from Aesops Fables adapted by Ward
Anthropomorphic Literature: To complement this month’s series of Panel Borders on anthropomorphic comic books, the latest episode of Book List explores the use of animal characters with human characteristics in literature. In the first half of the show, we’re proud to present an extract from one of Bryan Talbot’s lectures on anthropomorphism in children’s books, cartoons and comics, and their relevance to his own graphic novels series Grandville. Alex Fitch also talks to Bryan about his interest in the subject, and to children’s writer and illustrator Helen Ward about her adaptations of Aesop’s Fables for modern audiences. (Originally broadcast 13/08/12 on Resonance FM) (more…)
Today’s show: Anthropomorphic literature
August 13, 2012
Tonight at 8pm on Resonance 104.4 FM… Clear Spot: Anthropomorphic literature
Bryan Talbot talks about Kamandi (photo by Matthew Rees) / cover of Grandville vol. 3 / covers of Varmints by Helen Ward + Marc Craste / Cover and interior spread from Aesops Fables adapted by Ward
To complement this month’s series of Panel Borders on anthropomorphic comic books, tonight’s Clear Spot explores the use of animal characters with human characteristics in literature. In the first half of the show, we’re proud to present an extract from one of Bryan Talbot’s lectures on anthropomorphism in children’s books, cartoons and comics, and their relevance to his own graphic novels series Grandville. Alex Fitch also talks to Bryan about his interest in the subject, and to children’s writer and illustrator Helen Ward about her adaptations of Aesop’s Fables for modern audiences.
8pm, Monday 13th August 2012, Resonance 104.4FM / streamed at www.resonancefm.com / podcast after broadcast at www.panelborders.wordpress.com (more…)
Panel Borders: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
August 12, 2012
— 5 Comments
Covers of IDW TMNT comics / Covers of Russian TMNT comics / Still from new Nickelodeon animated series
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Continuing Panel Borders’ month of shows about anthropomorphic comics, Alex Fitch talks to Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles co-creator Kevin Eastman, Rich Magallanes (Senior Vice President, Nickelodeon animation) and British comic book writer David Baillie about the ever popular franchise. Alex discusses the history of the comics and cartoons with Kevin and Rich as well as the latest versions of the characters appearing in IDW’s comic books and Nickolodeon’s new series which starts on October 1st. Alex and David talk about his experience in writing TMNT strips for the Eastern European market, short comics that look at the point of view of both Turtles and villains from the series. Originally broadcast 12/08/12 on Resonance 104.4 FM (more…)
Today’s show: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
August 12, 2012
Tonight at 8pm on Resonance 104.4 FM… Panel Borders: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Covers of IDW TMNT comics / Covers of Russian TMNT comics / Still from new Nickelodeon animated series
Continuing Panel Borders’ month of shows about anthropomorphic comics, Alex Fitch talks to Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles co-creator Kevin Eastman, Rich Magallanes (Senior Vice President, Nickelodeon animation) and British comic book writer David Baillie about the ever popular franchise. Alex discusses the history of the comics and cartoons with Kevin and Rich as well as the latest versions of the characters appearing in IDW’s comic books and Nickolodeon’s new series which starts on October 1st. Alex and David talk about his experience in writing TMNT strips for the Eastern European market, short comics that look at the point of view of both the Turtles and the villains from the series.
8pm, Sunday 12th August 2012, Resonance 104.4FM / streamed at www.resonancefm.com / extended podcast after broadcast at www.panelborders.wordpress.com (more…)
Panel Borders: Big Questions
August 5, 2012
Excerpts from Big Questions by Anders Nilsen
Big Questions: Starting a month of shows about anthropomorphic comics on Panel Borders – comics about animals with human attributes – Alex Fitch talks to American cartoonist Anders Nilsen about his epic 658 page graphic novel Big Questions. The book, originally serialised as 15 comics, first self-published by Nilsen and then continued by Drawn and Quarterly, tells the tale of the pilot of a crashed bomber and his relationship with a colony of birds and local wildlife in the countryside where his plane went down. The artist also discusses his award winning graphic novella Dogs and water and why he is often drawn to animals as the subject matter of his comics books.
Originally broadcast 05/08/12 on Resonance 104.4 FM (more…)
Today’s show: Big Questions
August 5, 2012
Tonight at 8pm on Resonance 104.4 FM… Panel Borders: Big Questions
Excerpts from Big Questions by Anders Nilsen
Starting a month of shows about anthropomorphic comics on Panel Borders – comics about animals with human attributes – Alex Fitch talks to American cartoonist Anders Nilsen about his epic 658 page graphic novel Big Questions. The book, originally serialised as 15 comics, first self-published by Nilsen and then continued by Drawn and Quarterly, tells the tale of the pilot of a crashed bomber and his relationship with a colony of birds and local wildlife in the countryside where his plane went down. The artist also discusses his award winning graphic novella Dogs and water and why he is often drawn to animals as the subject matter of his comics books.
8pm, Sunday 5th August 2012, Resonance 104.4FM / streamed at www.resonancefm.com / extended podcast after broadcast at www.panelborders.wordpress.com (more…)
Panel Borders: Discussing Derek the Sheep
December 31, 2010
— 4 Comments
Panel Borders:
Discussing Derek the Sheep
Partially broadcast 16th December 2010 on Resonance 104.4 FM
Extract from Derek the Sheep by Gary Northfield
Concluding our month long look at anthropomorphic / funny animal comics Alex Fitch leads a discussion recorded at the Streatham library graphic novel readers group about Derek the Sheep and other funny animal comics with creator Gary Northfield and colourist Ellen Lindner.
(Please note Panel Borders will be back on air 13/01/11 on Resonance 104.4 FM)
For more info about this podcast and a variety of formats you can stream or download, please visit the home of this episode at www.archive.org
Links: For more info about Gary’s comics please visit his website www.garynorthfield.co.uk
Ellen Lindner’s comics website: www.littlewhitebird.com
Pedro Galvao’s blog: http://sequentialscripts.blogspot.com
For more about the Streatham Library graphic novels reading group, please go to http://community.livejournal.com/lambeth_comics
To hear more discussions of comics, manga and graphic novels recorded at Streatham Library, click here…
Call for Mechanical Elephant strips
As part of their ‘First Fridays’ events, Marine Studios in Margate are putting together an exhibition that looks at comics, graphic novels and sequential art.
Featuring work from a range of local and international artists and writers, live talk from guest speaker Paul Gravett, more comics than you can stand, and the chance to discuss your work and ideas.
To kick start proceedings prior to the show they are inviting submissions for a two page comic under the title: ‘Mechanical Elephant’. All ideas are welcome to inspire, amuse, terrify and entertain. There are no limits other than sticking to the two page rule (206 x 280 mm each, in either portrait or landscape), and of course, don’t forget the Mechanical Elephant!
(more…)
Panel Borders: Comical Animal
December 23, 2010
— 5 Comments
Panel Borders:
Comical Animal
Partially broadcast 16th December 2010 on Resonance 104.4 FM
Comical Animal workout by Jim Medway
Continuing a series of shows about anthropomorphic comics, Alex Fitch talks to Jim Medway about his new online web comic magazine Comical Animal. Alex and Jim talk about the latter’s influences from Richard Scarry to kitchen sink drama, creating the popular strip Crab Lane Crew in The DFC and curating a bimonthly magazine that features the likes of Woodrow Phoenix, Gary Northfield and Sarah McIntyre…
For more info about this podcast and a variety of formats you can stream or download, please visit the home of this episode at www.archive.org
Links: www.comicalanimal.com
Wikipedia pages on anthropomorphic comics
Jim Medway’s website and blog
Recommended events:
Erika Moen – Signing and Exhibition
Erika Moen (Dar Comics) will be in London for the opening of her show at Orbital Comics! Come see her paintings in real life and maybe get a book signed or something!
Orbital Comics, 8 Gt Newport Street, London WC2H 7JA, United Kingdom
Thursday, 30 December 2010 17:00
Christmas screenings at The Alibi
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989) 27th December
Free screenings of some classic movies at a friendly bar – The Alibi, 91 Kingsland High Street, Dalston – at 8pm every Monday!
More info: www.thealibilondon.co.uk/filmclub
Panel Borders: Joining the Mouse Guard
December 16, 2010
— 3 Comments
Panel Borders:
Joining the Mouse Guard
Partially broadcast 16th December 2010 on Resonance 104.4 FM
Panel from Mouse Guard by David Petersen
Continuing a series of shows about anthropomorphic comics, Alex Fitch talks to David Petersen about his popular Mouse Guard serial, published as bimonthly comics by Archaia in the USA and collected in hardback by Titan Books in the UK. Alex and David talk about the latter’s influences, his experiences growing up in Flint, Michigan, exchanging drawings with Stan Sakai and the process of creating each issue (with thanks to Audyssey Technology for use of their South of Market iPhone speaker dock)…
For more info about this podcast and a variety of formats you can stream or download, please visit the home of this episode at www.archive.org
Links: Wikipedia pages on anthropomorphic comics and Mouse Guard
Official Mouse Guard website
David Petersen’s blog
Info about the British editions of Mouse Guard, published by Titan
Recommended events:
Erika Moen – Signing and Exhibition
Erika Moen (Dar Comics) will be in London for the opening of her show at Orbital Comics! Come see her paintings in real life and maybe get a book signed or something!
Orbital Comics, 8 Gt Newport Street, London WC2H 7JA, United Kingdom
Thursday, 30 December 2010 17:00
Christmas screenings at The Alibi
Die Hard (1988) on 20th December
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989) 27th December
Free screenings of some classic movies at a friendly bar – The Alibi, 91 Kingsland High Street, Dalston – at 8pm every Monday!
More info: www.thealibilondon.co.uk/filmclub
Today’s show: Derek the sheep, the Mouse Guard and other Comical Animals
December 16, 2010
Today on Resonance FM…
Panel Borders: Derek the sheep, the Mouse Guard and other Comical Animals
Extracts from Comical animals by Jim Medway, Mouse Guard by David Petersen and Derek the Sheep, or rather Norbert le Mouton, by Gary Northfield
In a packed final show for 2010, Alex Fitch concludes his look at anthropomorphic comics, with a survey of recent titles for all ages – Gary Northfield’s ‘Derek the sheep’ who appears in The Beano and Beano Max comics; Mouse Guard, a series of adventure comics and graphic novels by David Petersen; and ‘Comical Animal’, a new website devoted to funny animal strips, curated by Jim Medway. The show features interviews with all three creators, recorded variously in Streatham Library, near Euston Station and via transatlantic phone line… (with thanks to Audyssey Technology for use of the South of Market iPhone speaker dock)
Each of the three interviews will be available here as extended half hour podcasts between now and the end of the year…
5pm, 16/12/10, Resonance 104.4 FM (London) / streamed at www.resonancefm.com
Links: Wikipedia pages on Derek the Sheep and Mouse Guard
Comical Animal website
Jim Medway’s website and blog
Official Mouse Guard website
David Petersen’s blog
Info about the British editions of Mouse Guard, published by Titan
Derek the Sheep‘s blog
Gary Northfield’s website
Info about the French edition: Norbert le Mouton
Recommended events:
Comica, London week six
Girls Comics: Pat Mills and Jenny McDade
Writers Pat Mills and Jenny McDade will be discussing the world of girls’ comics.
London Print Studios, 425 Harrow Road, W10
Thursday, 16 December – 6:30pm to 8:30pm
More info / book tickets at www.comicafestival.com
Erika Moen – Signing and Exhibition
Erika Moen (Dar Comics) will be in London for the opening of her show at Orbital Comics! Come see her paintings in real life and maybe get a book signed or something!
Orbital Comics, 8 Gt Newport Street, London WC2H 7JA, United Kingdom
Thursday, 30 December 2010 17:00
Panel Borders: Mature animal comics
December 9, 2010
Panel Borders:
Mature animal comics
Originally broadcast 9th December 2010 on Resonance 104.4 FM
Panels from The Lengths by Howard Hardiman and Grandville Mon Amour by Bryan Talbot
Continuing this month’s series of shows about anthropomorphic or ‘funny animal’ comics Alex Fitch talks to a pair of writer / artists whose latest projects deal with animal / human hybrids in adult situations: Howard Hardiman whose new project is The Lengths, a black and white comic about male sex workers, based on interviews he conducted in London and funded via IndieGoGo and an Arts Council Grant, while in an interview recorded at The Cartoon Museum, Bryan Talbot discusses Grandville Mon Amour, the second volume of his steampunk graphic album series set in a violent turn of the century Paris.
For more info about this podcast and a variety of formats you can stream or download, please visit the home of this episode at www.archive.org
Links: Howard’s website www.cutebutsad.co.uk
Grandville page on Bryan’s website www.bryan-talbot.com
Wikipedia pages on Grandville and funny animal comics
Buy Grandville
Listen to Alex’s previous interviews with Howard Hardiman and Bryan Talbot
Recommended events:
Comica, London week six
The final two events of Comica 2010 include:
Film screening: Grant Morrison – Talking With Gods
A fascinating documentary detailing the vision of one of the most popular and controversial writers. Followed by a signing with Steve Cook, Rian Hughes and Frazer Irving.
ICA, The Mall, London
Sunday, 12 December – 4pm
Girls Comics: Pat Mills & Jenny McDade
Writers Pat Mills and Jenny McDade will be discussing the world of girls’ comics.
London Print Studios, 425 Harrow Road, W10
Thursday, 16 December – 6:30pm to 8:30pm
More info / book tickets at www.comicafestival.com
Posy Simmonds at Laydeez do Comics
Guest Speaker: Posy Simmonds MBE
British illustrator and writer. Creator of graphic novels, Gemma Bovery (2000) and Tamara Drewe (2005–2006) recently made into a film.
ALSO please bring along one thing you have worked on this year for everyone to look at during the break. If you are not an artist please bring something else!
We will be serving home made mince pies and mulled wine.
Recommended Reads: Gemma Bovery / Tamara Drewe by Posy Simmonds
Guest Blogger: Ellen Lindner
Monday 13 December 2010, 6.30-9.30pm, The Rag Factory, 16-18 Heneage Street, London E1 5LJ
Erika Moen – Signing and Exhibition
Erika Moen (Dar Comics) will be in London for the opening of her show at Orbital Comics! Come see her paintings in real life and maybe get a book signed or something!
Orbital Comics, 8 Gt Newport Street, London WC2H 7JA, United Kingdom
Thursday, 30 December 2010 17:00
Panel Borders and other podcasts 
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