Emma Lawson
Sweet Gigs: Best Band Posters by Comic Artists Ever [Music Week]
Gig posters have a long and beautiful history. Moving from simple block lettering in the '50s and psychedelic text in the '60s, modern gig posters are often gorgeous pieces of illustration and places to experiment with the weird and wonderful.
In this gallery, we've pulled together a collection of gig posters by a variety of comic artists, from small indie artists such as Inés Estrada and Maré Odomo to some big names like DeForge and Adrian Tomine. Feast your eyes!
Bad Girls Do It Well: The ‘Bitch Planet’ Mixtape [Music Week]
We at ComicsAlliance love comics, and we love music, so this week we’ve decided to combine those two loves and create playlist tributes to some of our favorite titles. Think of these as something to listen to while you read the comic, or an introduction to the vibe of a comic if you're not yet a fan.
Kelly Sue DeConnick, Valentine De Landro and Cris Peter's Bitch Planet is one of the most important comics being published today. In addition to being an amazing sci-fi story with glorious butt-kicking women, it’s rife with feminist critique of patriarchy, while still maintaining an inspirational tone. Putting together this playlist, I thought I’d be choosing angry, riot grrrl songs, but what I ended up with feels more like a modern celebration of women. I think Bitch Planet itself is kind of the same thing.
Introducing Manga to the West: Celebrating the Debut of Akira
On this day in 1982, the first issue of Akira was published. Written and illustrated by Katsuhiro Otomo, this post-apocalyptic tale was crucial in the popularization of manga outside of Japan.
Comics Alliance Gift Guide: The Best Enamel Pins To Buy Your Pin Pals
Enamel pins have taken over the world this year. They're cute, fun, and affordable! You can show off your favorite pop culture obsessions, or your attitude towards the world, all with a simple pin on your lapel. But let's be real; you're probably wearing more than one. They're mini works of art that you can wear; what's not to love?
Independent artists are especially benefiting from the enamel pin trend, as they can make these extremely popular items at a pretty low cost. Our gift guide includes many of these independent designers selling their pins on Etsy, as well as some of the larger, more prominent enamel pin pioneers. We have no doubt you'll find the perfect pin for everyone on your holiday gift list!
Comics Alliance Gift Guide: What to Buy For Your Magical Girl Squad
Magical girls are special. They defend love and justice with a squad of their best friends, and they look cute while they're doing it. Their transformation sequences into their alter-egos are filled with sparkles. They remind us that the girly aesthetic is not a bad thing, and can actually be very powerful.
You've probably got a few magical girls in your life, so we've put together this gift guide to inspire you to find the perfect presents for them.
The Unstoppable Hero: Celebrating The Million Dollar Debut Of Barbara Gordon
On this day in 1966, one of the greatest characters in the Batman Family appeared for the first time: Barbara Gordon. While many aspects of her identity are tied to the men in her life, including Commissioner Gordon, Batman, and the Joker, she’s at her best when she’s the star of her own stories, or saving the world with other women.
ComicsAlliance Gift Guide: What to Buy A Casual Cosplayer
Cosplay is fun and exciting, but sometimes you want to wear something that shows your nerdy pride and doesn't take weeks to make --- and maybe has some pockets. Casual cosplay is the perfect way to embody your favorite character while still wearing something work appropriate.
This gift guide has a ton of recommendations for the casual cosplayer in your life, from cozy sweaters to screen-accurate jewelry.
Ghoul Next Door: Should You Be Reading ‘Patrik the Vampire’?
What would you do if you found out your neighbor was a vampire? Would you shriek in terror, or invite him over for tea and conversation? If your neighbor were Patrik, you might do both --- especially once you find out what a good chef he is!
Comics Alliance Gift Guide: What To Buy Your Favorite Shipper Friends
When people get intensely into a fandom, they often develop strong feelings about characters. That emotional involvement can turn into shipping: "supporting or wishing for a particular romantic relationship" between characters, according to the ultimate fandom wiki Fanlore.
This gift guide provides ideas for gifts for the shipper in your life across various fandoms. Of course, you may want to casually check who they ship before you buy anything!
Telling Her Story: A Celebration Of Marjane Satrapi
Born November 22, 1969, Marjane Satrapi is a multitalented artist --- a writer, graphic novelist, and filmmaker --- but she is best known for her renowned autobiographical graphic novels exploring life after the Iranian Revolution. Her work is centered on her family, but explores greater themes in the relationship between the East and the West.