Show Notes
I have been doing a lot of research into the history of Canadian comics, focusing on work from the late 1960’s to the early 1990’s. My research took me on a trip to Winnipeg, where I got a chance to visit different cartoonists and chat about their work. Winnipeg is an interesting town since the cost of housing is still quite minimal, especially compared to where I live in Vancouver. This means that artists have been able to focus on flourish. Nicholas was the first cartoonist I saw during my visit, giving me a good run down of the city and comics community. I had been in touch with Nicholas for a while, getting back ground info on some of the work I am researching. He’s a really passionate creator with a love for his community and the people he has gotten know. It had been a while since I had sat down for a wide ranging conversation like this, so I appreciate him taking the time to chat with me.
Nicholas Burns’ work is most recognized for Super Shamou, a character crated by Inuk tv producers, Barney Pattunguyak and Peter Tapati. Burns’ wrote and drew the singular issue which also had translations in Inuktitut. He also created on Arctic Comics which was published for Expo 86 here in Vancouver and can be found pretty widely in regular comic stores. There is also a more recent Arctic Comics anthology of work by different creators.
More from Inkstuds
Chicago based cartoonist, Ash HG joined me to discuss his graphic novel, East District. I’ve known Ash for a number of years and it’s great to see this book come together. Published by 2dcloud, East District shows a lot of promise and work that has gone into comic. Ash’s work is steeped in a dark ink that bleeds through and into a dark work that leaves you thinking.
It had been quite some time since I had interviewed Josh Bayer. I have really been enjoying his instagram feed. I find his passion for creating to be quite infectious. Josh’s latest book is Utzy and Dusty: Swan, Swan, Hummingbird, freshly out from Church Ghost. This is a follow up to a previous volume, Utzy and Dusty: Crystal Pool, published by Domino. You don’t need to read one to enjoy the other. It’s a pretty wide ranging conversation that goes in a bunch of different directions.
Dash Shaw joins me to chat about his latest book from New York Review Comics, Like Swimmers. It’s a colourful work that looks at a difficult moment through different perspectives. His previous work Blurry was one of my favourites when it was released and rereading it for the interview was a delight and still just as engaging and pulling me in.
This week, we have Blind Alley cartoonist, Adam de Souza in the hosting chair to talk to a cartoonist that really excites him. I think he made a great choice. Both Adam and Caroline are in top form and it’s great to hear them exchanging ideas.
Raquelle Jac’s debut graphic novel from Fantagraphics is a bit of a force of nature. Bimbo Agitprop is one of the most personally revealing books I have read in quite some time. It’s over 300 pages catharsis that just keeps you moving and pulling you in. I was really struck by this book and Jac’s ability to be so forthcoming about an intense and difficult upbringing. Her comics have an incredibly immediate feeling to them where she is able to bring across so much emotion and heart. One of my favorite books I have read in quite a long while. I think it’s an important work applaud her ability to be so open and just put this all out there.