Archives
SOLRAD Presents: Kricket the Cat #013
In this week's KRICKET THE CAT, pals Kricket and Ghost take a walk with their cameras, and find something interesting to snap a picture of.
It’s Not The Destination, It’s The Journey: Ryan Carey Reviews Henry McCausland’s EIGHT-LANE RUNAWAYS
SOLRAD's lead critic Ryan Carey takes a look at the simultaneously immersive and alienating EIGHT-LANE RUNAWAYS, which comes out next week from Fantagraphics.
SOLRAD Presents: Star Valley #3
Today we have a new set of pages from Audra Stang's STAR VALLEY, ready for your reading pleasure. Enjoy!
SOLRAD Presents: The Lighthouse in The City, June 17 – 23
In this week's roundup of THE LIGHTHOUSE IN THE CITY, Karl visits a bar, tries to take up meditation, and celebrates 100 days in quarantine. Yay?
Knowing Is Half The Battle: Alabaster Pizzo and B Mure Give Advice on the Publishing Industry
Today we are continuing our feature at SOLRAD titled "Knowing Is Half The Battle," where published cartoonists give advice on the publishing industry.
It’s All Bullshit: Anna Sellheim Dissects the Mental Health Instagram Comic
Today, guest writer and cartoonist Anna Sellheim takes a crack at a popular genre of internet comic - the social media comic about mental health.
SOLRAD Presents: Standstill #5
Standstill is a collection of moments during an artist's COVID-19 quarantine experience. The print version will be available in June, 2020.
The Years Start Coming and They Don’t Stop Coming: Witnessing as Practice in Warren Craghead’s “Live Drawing” Oeuvre
Today we are very pleased to present a long-form evaluation of the "live drawing" comics of Warren Craghead from F. Stewart-Taylor.
SOLRAD Presents: Near Death Flying Turtle – Gesture
For this week's Near Death Flying Turtle, our floating reptilian friend makes the strange declaration, "I am a gesture!"
SOLRAD Presents: Kricket the Cat #012
In this week's KRICKET THE CAT, Kricket exchanges notes with a pal, and gets to create "The Ultimate." KRICKET THE CAT is created by Reilly Hadden.
SOLRAD Presents: The Lighthouse in the City – June 10 – 16
In our second set of comics from Karl C. Krumpholz's ongoing serial THE LIGHTHOUSE IN THE CITY this week, Karl and Kelly slowly venture out into the world... with mixed results.
SOLRAD Presents: Meeting Comics #7-05
We're back with another set of Andrew Neal's MEETING COMICS, brought to you through our SOLRAD Presents imprint. Enjoy!
SOLRAD Presents: Noah Van Sciver Chats with Bryan Christopher Moss
In today's Cartoonist Chats video, Noah sits down with Bryan Christopher Moss, a Columbus-based illustrator, painter, muralist, and cartoonist.
Is A Picture Really Worth A Thousand Words? Ryan Carey Reviews THE MARCHENOIR LIBRARY by Alex Degen
Ryan Carey takes some time today to explore the fragmented nature of THE MARCHENOIR LIBRARY by Alex Degen, published by Secret Acres earlier this year.
SOLRAD Presents: Star Valley #2
We're back this week with the next two pages of Audra Stang's STAR VALLEY.
SOLRAD Presents: The Lighthouse in the City – June 3 – 9
Since we took a week off last week, we'll have two installations of Karl C. Krumpholz's The Lighthouse in The City. This week, Karl encounters the antiracist, anti-police protests in Denver, and deals with the constant drone of helicopter blades.
SOLRAD Presents: Model Conversations #5
Today in Nick Francis Potter's MODEL CONVERSATIONS, Lem and Hannah have a conversation about a book that takes a wild turn.
Knowing Is Half The Battle: Kristyna Baczynski Gives Advice on the Publishing Industry
Today we are continuing our new feature at SOLRAD titled "Knowing Is Half The Battle," where published cartoonists give advice on the publishing industry.
SOLRAD Presents: Near Death Flying Turtle – A Single Glass of Water
In today's comic by Tom Lake, Near Death Flying Turtle contemplates immeasurable greatness and comes to a perfect understanding.
Essay: Toward Making Comics Against Fascism
One of the earliest responses to racist police violence from the comics community was a brief-lived campaign of "comics against fascism." Our guest writer today evaluates that response and lays a foundation for thought about militating against fascism in the comics arts.
SOLRAD Presents: Standstill #4
Standstill, a new comic by Olivia Fredricks, collects moments of a quarantine experience during COVID-19. A physical edition will be published in June 2020.
SOLRAD Presents: Noah Van Sciver Chats with Summer Pierre
SOLRAD has partnered with Noah Van Sciver to publish a selection of his Cartoonist Chats videos! Today we feature his discussion with Summer Pierre.
SOLRAD Presents: Star Valley #1
Today we introduce a new comic to SOLRAD Presents - Audra Stang's STAR VALLEY, which originally serialized on Instagram and is printed in her anthology The Audra Show.
No Holiday In Cambodia: Ryan Carey Reviews Tian Veasna’s YEAR OF THE RABBIT
Today's review from Ryan Carey explores the personal and political YEAR OF THE RABBIT, published earlier this year by Drawn and Quarterly.
SOLRAD Presents: The Lighthouse in The City: May 27 – June 2
A lot is happening in this week's THE LIGHTHOUSE IN THE CITY, as Karl and Kelly do more Zoom calls and Karl starts to document the anti-police violence protests.
Knowing Is Half The Battle: Katriona Chapman Gives Advice on the Publishing Industry
Today we are starting a new feature at SOLRAD titled "Knowing Is Half The Battle," where published cartoonists give advice on the publishing industry.
SOLRAD Presents: Near Death Flying Turtle – Bagels
In today's comic, Near Death Flying Turtle considers one of the greatest breakfast foods of all time. Who wants a bagel?
Enemies of the State #009 – Alienation by Inés Estrada
ENEMIES OF THE STATE is a monthly book club podcast featuring a rotating cast of comics critics. This month we’re talking about Alienation by Inés Estrada, published in 2019 by Fantagraphics.
SOLRAD Presents: Standstill #03
Standstill, a new comic by Olivia Fredricks, collects moments of a quarantine experience during COVID-19. A physical edition will be published in June 2020.
SOLRAD Presents: Meeting Comics #07-04
Andrew Neal is back with another week's worth of MEETING COMICS via SOLRAD Presents.
Comics in China – Kristina Stipetic Interviews Zhao Chunlin
Today we get a rare glimpse into the Chinese comics world as Kristina Stipetic sits down to interview Chinese cartoonist Zhao Chunlin.
SOLRAD Presents: Kricket the Cat #011
In this week's KRICKET THE CAT, our hero Kricket knows that one cat's trash is another cat's treasure.
Subconscious Stew: Ryan Carey Reviews Chris Cajero Cilla’s THE SLEEP GAS
Today, Ryan Carey takes us through Chris Cajero Cilla's latest one-man anthology, THE SLEEP GAS, published by Fantagraphics Underground in 2019.
SOLRAD Presents: The Lighthouse in The City – May 20-26
In this week's collection of THE LIGHTHOUSE IN THE CITY, Kelly and Karl say goodbye to an old friend.
Good Ol’ Anna Haifisch: The Plastic Pleasures Of The Artist: The Circle Of Life
We finish up our coverage of Anna Haifisch's THE ARTIST: THE CIRCLE OF LIFE with Rob Clough's exploration of Haifisch's illustrative style.
SOLRAD Presents: Model Conversations #04
Today, in a new edition of MODEL CONVERSATIONS from SOLRAD Presents, someone spots a flock of mothers down by the lake.
SOLRAD Presents: Standstill #2
Standstill, a new comic by Olivia Fredricks, collects moments of a quarantine experience during COVID-19. A physical edition will be published in June 2020.
This Month @ SOLRAD: June 2020
Today, SOLRAD's publisher Alex Hoffman discusses the world at large and focuses on the economics of Desert Island's Kickstarter anthology Rescue Party.
SOLRAD Presents: Near Death Flying Turtle – Act
Today, we've got a special treat for Near Death Flying Turtle readers - a free coloring and activity zine by Tom in collaboration with Joe Bean Roasters!
SOLRAD Presents: Meeting Comics – #07-03
We've got another week's worth of action-filled MEETING COMICS from Andrew Neal for you today via SOLRAD Presents - check them out!
SOLRAD Presents: Kricket the Cat #010
In today's episode of KRICKET THE CAT, Kricket explores a dungeon and finds... something? KRICKET THE CAT is serialized as a part of SOLRAD Presents.
The Sadistic Anna Haifisch, And Her Artist, The Tramp
Today as part of SOLRAD's book club on THE ARTIST: THE CIRCLE OF LIFE, Alex Hoffman considers the character of The Artist and his connection to Charlie Chaplin's Tramp.
SOLRAD Presents: “Hamster” – Phone Book
Today, we're pleased to release "Hamster" the latest installment of Lyssa Park's Phone Book, a series of short comics exclusive to SOLRAD Presents.
Sara L. Jewell Reviews THE ARTIST: THE CIRCLE OF LIFE
Our guest critic this week is Sara L. Jewell, who brings us a razor sharp review of THE ARTIST: THE CIRCLE OF LIFE. Don't miss it!
SOLRAD Presents: The Lighthouse in The City – May 13 – 19
In this week's collection of The Lighthouse in The City, Karl gets a case of COVID-induced paranoia. PLUS! Thoughts on getting out and smelling the ozone, the blankness of existence in isolation, and creepy hugs.
The Artist: The Circle of Life, Music, Self-Loathing, Pretentiousness, Realization, and Sawdust McQueen
As a part of our book club on THE ARTIST: THE CIRCLE OF LIFE, Daniel Elkin examines the interplay ofAnna Haifisch's work and the song Sawdust McQueen.
SOLRAD Presents: Model Conversations #03
In this week's MODEL CONVERSATIONS, a guy sits down and eats a sandwich on God.
Exclusive Excerpt: “DJ Thinker” by Jooyoung Kim, published in š! #38 IMPERFECT SHAPES
Today we have an excerpt of Jooyoung Kim's short comic appearing in the latest kuš! anthology - #38 IMPERFECT SHAPES.
SOLRAD Presents: Near Death Flying Turtle – “Who Taught Me”
In this week's Near Death Flying Turtle, NDFT wonders how he came to learn something; who teaches, and who is taught?
Dreams Die Hard – Why Not Laugh About It? Ryan Carey Reviews Anna Haifisch’s THE ARTIST: THE CIRCLE OF LIFE
Today we kick off another SOLRAD book club with a week of coverage of Anna Haifisch's THE ARTIST: THE CIRCLE OF LIFE. Ryan Carey takes point.
SOLRAD Presents: Standstill #01
Standstill, a new comic by Olivia Fredricks, collects moments of a quarantine experience during COVID-19. A physical edition will be published in June 2020.
SOLRAD Presents: Kricket the Cat #009
In this week's Kricket the Cat, Kricket and his cat friends go swimming! Kricket the Cat is self-published by Reilly Hadden.
White Man On The Verge Of A Nervous Breakdown: Ryan Carey Reviews Kevin Mutch’s THE ROUGH PEARL
To round out the week, Ryan Carey takes a look at Kevin Mutch's new book from Fantagraphics, The Rough Pearl.
SOLRAD Presents: Meeting Comics #07-02
And finally, we've got the latest set of Andrew Neal's MEETING COMICS for your viewing pleasure.
Minicomics & Autobiography: Intimacy, Vulnerability, and Identity
Today, SOLRAD's contributing editor Rob Clough reviews four separate works of autobio comics, including work by John Porcellino, Kevin Budnik, and M.R. Trower.
SOLRAD Presents: “Friend” – Phone Book
Today, we're pleased to release "Friend" the latest installment of Lyssa Park's Phone Book, a series of short comics exclusive to SOLRAD Presents.
Starting a Dialogue: Ken Eppstein Introduces the Comic Arts Stakeholder Survey
Today, as part of a longer conversation about the economics of comics arts and the function of nonprofit organizations in this space, we present preliminary results from Ken Eppstein's comics arts stakeholder survey.
SOLRAD Presents: The Lighthouse in The City – May 6 – 12
In this week's collection of The Lighthouse in The City, Karl examines his neighborhood's shuttered streets, deals with an Olive Garden knucklehead, revisits The Howling, and overhears a conference call.
Review: The Harrowing of Hell by Evan Dahm
Today, SOLRAD's publisher Alex Hoffman reviews THE HARROWING OF HELL by Evan Dahm, which will be published by Iron Circus Comics in July 2020.
SOLRAD Presents: Model Conversations #02
Today in Nick Francis Potter's Model Conversations, someone gets a little marriage on their feet.
Do Butterflies Really Prefer Purple? Daniel Elkin reviews I KNOW YOU RIDER by Leslie Stein
In today's review, SOLRAD's Editor-in-Chief Daniel Elkin considers the storytelling prowess of one of his favorite cartoonists, Leslie Stein, in her new book from D&Q.
Near Death Flying Turtle – “Wake Me When…”
Today, Near Death Flying Turtle wants to be woken up. NDFT is published every Monday through SOLRAD Presents.
You Need A Job Like You Need A Hole In Your Head: Ryan Carey Reviews Max Huffman’s BIG DRINK
SOLRAD's lead critic Ryan Carey takes a look at BIG DRINK, a 2019 self-published comic by Max Huffman.
SOLRAD Presents: Meeting Comics – #07-01
Today we're excited to bring you a brand new comic from SOLRAD Presents by Andrew Neal. Meeting Comics is a soap opera gag comic. The first 6 issues were collected and published by AdHouse Books.
SOLRAD Presents: Kricket the Cat #008
In this week's Kricket the Cat, Kricket makes friends with some birds. Kricket the Cat is self-published by Reilly Hadden.
Askew, the Looking Glass: Sara L. Jewell Reviews When I Arrived at the Castle by Emily Carroll
Sara L. Jewell revisits When I Arrived at the Castle by Emily Carroll, and considers the things that lie lurking beneath the skin.
SOLRAD Presents: “Milk” – Phonebook
Today from SOLRAD Presents we have another edition of Lyssa Park's PHONE BOOK - this one titled "Milk."
Repeated Frustrations: Philippe Leblanc Reviews RECIDIVIST IV by Zak Sally
Guest contributor Philippe Leblanc shares his experience with Zak Sally's RECIDIVIST IV - frustrating, distressing, and unforgettable.
SOLRAD Presents: The Lighthouse in The City – April 29 – May 5
In this week's installment of THE LIGHTHOUSE IN THE CITY, Karl hears the heartbeat of the city, recaps the current COVID-19 status, and considers time dilation.
Review: Goblin Girl by Moa Romanova
Today, SOLRAD's publisher Alex Hoffman has a review of GOBLIN GIRL by Moa Romanova, published by Fantagraphics in March 2020.
Exclusive Preview: THE GARDEN by Fumio Obata and Sean Michael Wilson
Today we are pleased to share with you a preview from The Garden, written by Sean Michael Wilson, illustrated by Fumio Obata, and published by Liminal 11 in May 2020.
SOLRAD Presents: Model Conversations #001
Today we are excited to introduce you to the latest comic from our SOLRAD Presents imprint, MODEL CONVERSATIONS, by Nick Francis Potter.
Review: Don’t Go Without Me by Rosemary Valero-O’Connell
Today, guest contributor Keith Silva considers Rosemary Valero-O'Connell's collection Don't Go Without Me, published by ShortBox in 2019.
SOLRAD Presents: “Oh Great Nothing” – Near Death Flying Turtle
Near Death Flying Turtle, written and illustrated by Tom Lake, is a weekly exclusive comic published as a part of SOLRAD Presents.
Life Is But A Dream — Or A Nightmare: Ryan Carey Reviews Blutch’s “Mitchum”
To wrap up the week, lead critic Ryan Carey has a review of Blutch's MITCHUM, recently translated into English and published by New York Review Comics.
SOLRAD Presents: Kricket the Cat #007
In this week's Kricket the Cat, Ghost worries about a newly discovered spot. Kricket the Cat is self published by Reilly Hadden.
Seven Indigenous Comic Artists Changing The Industry
Today, guest contributor Elijah Forbes profiles seven Indigenous artists working in comics and other mediums to tell Indigenous stories.
SOLRAD Presents: “Cigarette” – Phone Book
Today, we're pleased to release "Cigarette" the latest installment of Lyssa Park's Phone Book, a series of short comics exclusive to SOLRAD Presents.
Interview: Lucky Pocket Press & K. Theo Stultz
SOLRAD's publisher Alex Hoffman sits down with Lucky Pocket Press and K. Theo Stultz to discuss the press and their Kickstarter for CANVAS.
Exclusive Preview: CANVAS by K. Theo Stultz
Today we have a 6 page excerpt of CANVAS to accompany our interview with Lucky Pocket Press and K. Theo Stultz, who are running a Kickstarter to print it.
SOLRAD Presents: The Lighthouse in The City – April 22-28
In this week's The Lighthouse in The City, Karl considers the nature of communication, the foolishness of people, and celebrates the Golden Age of No Awkward Personal Contact.
Method In The Madness: Ryan Carey Reviews Connor Willumsen’s “Bradley Of Him”
Ryan Carey kicks off our critical writing this week with thoughts on Connor WIllumsen's BRADLEY OF HIM, published in 2019 by Koyama Press.
This Month @ SOLRAD: May 2020
SOLRAD's publisher Alex Hoffman discusses the recent Twitter/Nobrow situation and details our steps to address it.
SOLRAD Presents: “Blushing” – Near Death Flying Turtle
In this week's Near Death Flying Turtle, our existential turtle considers beauty and being beautiful.
SOLRAD Presents: Kricket the Cat #006
In today's Kricket the Cat from SOLRAD Presents, Ghost finds something beautiful. Kricket the Cat is self-published by Reilly Hadden.
SOLRAD Presents: “Playground” – Phone Book
Today we are pleased to present the start of Lyssa Park's new series Phone Book as a part of SOLRAD Presents. Phone Book is a collection of comics based on phone conversations. Like a phone directory filled with numerous contacts, we hope you can find the right comic to connect with.
SOLRAD Presents: The Lighthouse in The City – April 15 – April 21
In the third week of THE LIGHTHOUSE IN THE CITY, Karl muses on the growing fatigue of isolation, of the strength we find in our loved ones, and the slow dilation of time under quarantine.
Review: Ley Lines – Cabra Cabra by Victor Martins
Daniel Elkin reviews Victor Martins' CABRA CABRA which interrogates Martins' history and frustration with a story by Virgina Woolf.
SOLRAD Presents: “Let it Go” – Near Death Flying Turtle
Near Death Flying Turtle presents the inner adventures and outer musings of a single turtle hurtling through the upper atmosphere. He cannot fall, he cannot land, he has no control over his trajectory. Are we relating yet?You can read new comics here, weekly, and read past comics at neardeathflyingturtle.com. If you like the work we’re doing...
And The Geek Shall Inherit The Earth: Ryan Carey Reviews Colin Lidston’s “The Age Of Elves”
To start the week, SOLRAD's lead critic Ryan Carey takes a look at Colin Lidston's ongoing serial THE AGE OF ELVES from Paper Rocket Minicomics.
SOLRAD Presents: Kricket the Cat #005
In today's Kricket the Cat, Kricket goes fishing and makes an unexpected catch. Kricket the Cat is self-published by Reilly Hadden.
Esoterica For The Masses: Ryan Carey Reviews OUTDOORS By Yuichi Yokoyama
To wrap up manga week, Ryan Carey reviews OUTDOORS by Yuichi Yokoyama, translated and published by Breakdown Press in 2019.
SOLRAD Presents: The Lighthouse in The City – April 8 – April 14
In this second week of THE LIGHTHOUSE IN THE CITY, Karl muses on the strangeness of Denver, life in the gilded cage, and the effect of face masks on himself and others. This is another stellar week of comics you won't want to miss!
Take My Revolution: Kayleigh Hearn Reviews The Rose of Versailles vol. 1
Guest contributor Kayleigh Hearn reviews the long-awaited first volume of THE ROSE OF VERSAILLES, published in 2020 by Udon Entertainment.
Review: Dead Dead Demon’s Dededede Destruction Vol. 1
Daniel Elkin considers the implications of Dead Dead Demon’s Dededede Destruction, a comic Inio Asano started writing in 2014, but seems tailor-made for this moment in the COVID-19 pandemic.
SOLRAD Presents: “Tea” – Near Death Flying Turtle
In this week's Near Death Flying Turtle, NDFT muses on desire, longing, and consumption.
Review: A Tropical Fish Yearns for Snow, vols. 1-2
When the world is a buzzing hornet's nest of anxiety, where do you find respite? Alex Hoffman answers that question in his review of A Tropical Fish Yearns for Snow.
SOLRAD Presents: Kricket the Cat #004
In today's Kricket the Cat, Kricket meets some friends and has lunch. Kricket the Cat is self-published by Reilly Hadden.
Change Really IS The Only Constant: Ryan Carey Reviews Michael DeForge’s “Familiar Face”
SOLRAD's lead critic Ryan Carey takes a look at Michael DeForge's latest graphic novel, FAMILIAR FACE, published in 2020 by Drawn and Quarterly.
Interview: Ted Intorcio on Tinto Press, Kickstarter, and COVID-19
Following up on our extract from Julian Brier's THE CATS OF OSTIA ANTICA, we have an interview with Ted Intorcio, the publisher of Tinto Press. Tinto is Kickstarting the publication of Brier's comic now.
SOLRAD Presents: The Lighthouse in The City – April 1 – April 7
Today we're excited to add another comic to our SOLRAD Presents imprint - Karl C. Krumpholz's THE LIGHTHOUSE IN THE CITY, which chronicles his life in social isolation with his wife during the COVID-19 pandemic. This post contains daily comics from April 1st - April 7th.
Excerpt: The Cats of Ostia Antica by Julian Brier
Today we have an excerpt of Julian Brier's THE CATS OF OSTIA ANTICA, a new comic being Kickstarted by Tinto Press as a part of their 2020 season.
SOLRAD Presents: “Know Me” – Near Death Flying Turtle
Today we are proud to introduce a new comic to SOLRAD Presents - Near Death Flying Turtle by Tom Lake. Near Death Flying Turtle presents the inner adventures and outer musings of a single turtle hurtling through the upper atmosphere.
The Family Labyrinth: Rob Clough Reviews Frank Santoro’s Pittsburgh
SOLRAD's contributing editor Rob Clough reviews Frank Santoro's latest graphic novel, PITTSBURGH, published in 2019 by New York Review Comics.
SOLRAD Presents: Kricket the Cat #003
In today's Kricket the Cat, Kricket meets a ghost. Kricket the Cat is self-published by Reilly Hadden.
Charmed Into Thinking: Ryan Carey Reviews House Of The Black Spot By Ben Sears
For our kid-lit week, SOLRAD's lead critic Ryan Carey takes a look at the Ben Sears' latest Double+ Adventure comic, House Of The Black Spot, published in 2019 by Koyama Press.
From Kazoo to Noisemakers: Alyssa Wejebe Interviews Erin Bried
Our special feature for kid-lit week is an interview between SOLRAD contributor Alyssa Wejebe and Erin Bried, the founder of Kazoo Magazine and editor of Noisemakers.Today at SOLRAD as part of our kid-lit week, we feature an interview between SOLRAD contributor Alyssa Wejebe and Erin Bried, the founder of Kazoo Magazine and editor of Noisemakers.
Crisis Points – MariNaomi’s Life On Earth Book 3: Distant Stars
As part of our kid-lit week, Rob Clough reviews MariNaomi's Distant Stars, the third book in her Life on Earth series from Lerner Books.
This Month @ SOLRAD: April 2020
SOLRAD's Publisher Alex Hoffman considers the economics of comics in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, and lays out SOLRAD's publishing plan for April.
SOLRAD Presents: Kricket the Cat #002
In today's Kricket the Cat, Kricket finds a periwinkle, and sings a little song. Kricket the Cat is self-published by Reilly Hadden.
Review: The Sea by Rikke Villadsen
Today at SOLRAD, Alex Hoffman reviews Rikke Villadsen's THE SEA, published in 2019 by Fantagraphics, which just published Villadsen's COWBOY in March 2020.
History By Way Of Righteousness And Heart: Ryan Carey Reviews “Big Black: Stand At Attica”
SOLRAD's lead critic Ryan Carey examines the story of Frank "Big Black" Smith and the Attica prison rebellion of 1971, as told in the new comic Big Black: Stand At Attica.
The Gordian Knot Of Darkness: Nina Bunjevac’s Bezimena
Contributing editor Rob Clough reviews Nina Bunjevac's BEZIMENA, which draws on Bunjevac's traumatic memories of sexual assault through a noirish lens.
SOLRAD Presents: Kricket the Cat #001
Today we launch SOLRAD PRESENTS with the first page of Reilly Hadden's Kricket the Cat.
Announcing: SOLRAD Presents
Today, SOLRAD's publisher Alex Hoffman announces the launch of our new imprint, SOLRAD PRESENTS.
Capturing Life’s Minutiae: a conversation with James Nash and Paul Ashley Brown
Nick Burman sits down with James Nash and Paul Ashley Brown, two cartoonists in the UK's indie comics scene to talk about life, history, and making art.
Wading Through “The Pits Of Hell”
Ryan Carey takes a crack at the surreal, bizarre, and outrageous The Pits of Hell, by Ebisu yoshikazu, published in English in 2019 by Breakdown Press.
Bucking the Danger of a Single Story with the Power of a Multitude – A Review of Tales from La Vida: a Latinx Comics Anthology
Guest contributor Angela M. Sánchez reviews Tales from La Vida and examines how it breaks down preconceptions of the "singular" Latinx experience.
When Reinforcing The Status Quo Becomes Dangerous: Ryan Carey Reviews Holy Hannah by Will Dinski
SOLRAD's lead critic Ryan Carey takes issue with Will Dinski's “reality-based” fiction comic Holy Hannah, published by Uncivilized Books in 2019.
No Wrest(ling) for the Wicked: Sara L. Jewell Reviews Cannonball
Cartoonist, critic, and ENEMIES OF THE STATE contributor Sara L. Jewell takes a step further into the Sisyphean world of Kelsey Wroten's 2019 graphic novel Cannonball.
Hard-Boiled Trondheim: Rob Clough Reviews Maggy Garrisson
SOLRAD contributing editor Rob Clough takes a hard look at Lewis Trondheim and Stephane Ory's collected Maggy Garrisson, published in 2019 by SelfMadeHero.
COVID-19 County Blues
Publisher Alex Hoffman talks COVID-19 -- again. Things are getting hairy out there - stay safe, practice smart disease transmission prevention maneuvers, and enjoy some of our backlog.
Golden Age Aesthetic, Contemporary Sensibility: Ryan Carey Reviews Eric Haven’s Cryptoid
SOLRAD's lead critic Ryan Carey evaluates the singularity and insularity of Eric Haven's Cryptoid, published in February by Fantagraphics.
Treating Myself to Gatorade and Gum: An Interview with Emma Hunsinger
Today, cartoonist Emil Wilson interviews fellow CCS classmate Emma Hunsinger about being in The New Yorker, her work, and goals as a cartoonist.
SOLRAD Presents: Presence, by Ibrahim Ineke
Today at SOLRAD we are proud to feature an essay about horror comics, in comics form, by Ibrahim Ineke.
Review: Becoming Horses by Disa Wallander
SOLRAD publisher Alex Hoffman reviews Disa Wallander's Becoming Horses, her new book from Drawn and Quarterly.
Poetry Comics: Communication, Collaboration, and Connection
Guest writer and cartoonist Peony Gent considers the nature of poetry comics and their vulnerable, emotional storytelling.
Enemies of the State #008 – The Tenderness of Stones by Marion Fayolle
Episode #8 of Enemies of the State features commentary on Marion Fayolle’s The Tenderness of Stones, published by New York Review Comics in 2019. As the wrap up to our comics poetry week, we discuss a poetic, almost storybook-like comic about the slow death of Fayolle's father.
The Treachery Of Images: John Hankiewicz’s Education
Rob Clough finishes our written coverage of comics poetry this week with a review of John Hankiewicz's Education, published in 2017 by Fantagraphics.
The Poetry of Apology – Daniel Elkin Reviews Sorry! by Xia Gordon
SOLRAD EIC Daniel Elkin reviews Sorry! by Xia Gordon, a meditation on experiences of fervor, empowerment, and fixation.
What is Comics Poetry? An Essay By Alexander Rothman, Editor-In-Chief of INK BRICK
Today we're pleased to reprint a 2016 essay from Alexander Rothman, a cartoonist and poet whose anthology INK BRICK ends its 7+ year run with its 10th issue.
Growing, Blooming, Thriving: Alex Hoffman Reviews Four Years by Kevin Czap
For comics poetry week, SOLRAD publisher Alex Hoffman examines the first collection of Kevin Czap's latest comic, Four Years, and compares it to Czap's previous comic Fütchi Perf.
This Month @ SOLRAD: March 2020
Publisher Alex Hoffman details SOLRAD's publishing plan for March 2020, and has some thoughts about COVID-19 and upcoming comics festivals.
Ending An Era On A High Note: Ryan Carey Reviews Ink Brick #10
Critic Ryan Carey reviews the final installment of INK BRICK, an anthology of comics poetry published by Alexander Rothman since 2013.
Reflections from the Past: Anna Sellheim Interviews Ariel Bordeaux
Anna Sellheim sits down with Ariel Bordeaux, a predominant autobio cartoonist from the 1990s whose career in comics was sidelined by sexism.
The 100-Yards War Is The Culture War: Ryan Carey Reviews Ben Passmore’s Sports is Hell
Today at SOLRAD, Ryan Carey examines Ben Passmore's latest book SPORTS IS HELL in the context of the current political climate.
How Zines Survive: A View of the ABC no Rio in Exile Zine Library
Kori Michele Handwerker explores the history of the community newspapers and zines of the ABC No Rio in Exile collection, and their impact on zinemaking today.
Exclusive Preview: Glass Town by Isabel Greenberg
A preview of Isabel Greenberg's latest book, Glass Town. The book blends fact with fiction in a graphic novel that isn't quite a biography, a story of the Brontës and their childhood writings.
“All the work I do is art therapy” – Whit Taylor Interviews Lawrence Lindell
Today at SOLRAD, Whit Taylor sits down with fellow cartoonist Lawrence Lindell to talk about his creative process, and his new book From Truth With Truth.
Powerless: Krish Raghav Reviews Games by Woshibai
Guest contributor Krish Raghav digs deep into Games, the first collection of work by breakout Chinese cartoonist Woshibai.
Sein Und Zeit: Memory, Empathy, And Identity In Chris Ware’s Rusty Brown
Rob Clough wraps up our RUSTY BROWN week with thoughts on the way Chris Ware handles memory, identity, and empathy throughout the book.
Nature Vs. Nurture In Chris Ware’s Rusty Brown
Continuing our RUSTY BROWN book club week, critic Ryan Carey examines the book through a question - how do people end up in the fixes they're in?
The Hermetic and Brutal Chris Ware: Charles Hatfield Reviews Rusty Brown
Continuing our RUSTY BROWN book club, our second guest critic Charles Hatfield offers a powerful and comprehensive vision of Ware's cartooning.
Chris Ware Meticulously Explores an Ideological Void in “The Seeing-Eye Dogs of Mars”
As part of our RUSTY BROWN book club, guest writer and cartoonist Casey Nowak examines the story within a story of "The Seeing-Eye Dogs of Mars."
A Tale of Two (and a Quarter) Artists: Joanne Cole, W.K. Brown, and “Chris Ware” in Rusty Brown
Kicking off our RUSTY BROWN book club, SOLRAD publisher Alex Hoffman examines the book through the lens of its artists, and examines Chris Ware's perspective on art-making through the cast of RUSTY BRO
You, Too, Will Be “Drawn To Berlin”
Ryan Carey reviews Drawn to Berlin, an autobiography and documentation of the migrant crisis in Europe, published in 2018 by Fantagraphics.
Extract: Storm Clouds Collected by Ben Mitchell
Cartoonist Ben Mitchell and UK-based comics publisher Good Comics are putting out a special edition of his book, Storm Clouds, to support relief efforts for the Australian Bushfires. Today, we feature an extract from the book.
Feature: Tim Hayes Considers The Adventures of Adèle Blanc-Sec by Jacques Tardi
This week's featured author, Tim Hayes, considers The Adventures of Adèle Blanc-Sec by Jacques Tardi and the turbulence of pre-WWII Europe.
What is “Home”? Daniel Elkin Reviews The House by Paco Roca
Today as part of our Euro-comics week, SOLRAD Editor-in-Chief reviews The House by Paco Roca, published by Fantagraphics in 2019.
Choosing What Is Seen: Aimee de Jongh’s Taxi! and Jon McNaught’s Kingdom
To kick off our Euro Comics week, Rob Clough examines the way that cartoonists use drawing and page design, featuring Taxi! by Aimée de Jongh and Kingdom by Jon McNaught.
Enemies of the State #007 – Cannonball by Kelsey Wroten
Episode #7 of Enemies of the State features commentary on Kelsey Wroten’s Cannonball, published by Uncivilized Books in 2019.
“MacDoodle St.” Exists At The Intersection Of The Everyday And The Absurd
To wrap up the week, Ryan Carey reviews MacDoodle St. by Mark Alan Stamaty from New York Review Comics.
Desire For Self-Destruction: Alex Hoffman Reviews STUNT by Michael DeForge
Today at SOLRAD, Alex Hoffman reviews Michael DeForge's latest comic STUNT from Koyama Press. TW: suicide, self-harm
Exploring The Concept of Intentionality in Art Comics – Kimball Anderson
Today's guest author is Kimball Anderson. Anderson makes comics about the experience of illness and disability, and in this feature, explores the concept of "intentionality" in art comics.
Finding Balance: Daniel Elkin Reviews Wild by Debbie Fong
Daniel Elkin reviews Wild, self-published in 2019 by Debbie Fong under her Pomo Press line. The comic explores the need for peace and balance - but at what cost?
Exclusive Preview: Ley Lines #22: Cabra Cabra by Victor Martins
Today we have an exclusive preview of Ley Lines #22: Cabra Cabra by Victor Martins. In it, Martins explores the work of famed writer Virginia Woolf.
The Sustained Importance of Trans Narratives in Jaime Cortez’s Sexile/Sexilio
Cartoonist Natalie Dupille reviews Jaime Cortez's Sexile/Sexilio, a biography of Adela Vasquez, a prominent Hispanic transgender activist who immigrated from Cuba to the United States in 1980.
This Month @ SOLRAD: February 2020
SOLRAD publisher Alex Hoffman lays out the plan for February 2020, and asks for your support.
Alex Hoffman Reviews Persephone’s Garden by Glynnis Fawkes
To wrap up our memoir week and our last theme week for a little while, Alex Hoffman wrestles with the contradictions of Glynnis Fawkes' Persephone's Garden, published in 2019 by Secret Acres.
Exclusive Preview: Fizzle #3 by Whit Taylor
Today we have an exclusive preview of Whit Taylor's Fizzle #3, an ongoing series published by Radiator Comics. The first two issues of Fizzle were released in 2019, and the series is planned for at least another 2 issues.
Why Make Comics About Your Life? November Garcia Muses on Autobio Comics and Their Makers
Our guest writer this week is November Garcia, a cartoonist whose autobiographical work has been celebrated for its wit and tenderness. Today November reflects on memoir and some of her favorite cartoonists that make it.
Part Prosecution, Part Defense, All Real: Ryan Carey Reviews How I Tried To Be A Good Person by Ulli Lust
As part of memoir week, Ryan Carey takes a hard look at Ulli Lust's "How I Tried to Be a Good Person," published in 2019 by Fantagraphics.
The Examined Life: Hazel Newlevant’s No Ivy League
Rob Clough kicks off our last theme week of January, Memoir week, with a thoughts on Hazel Newlevant's No Ivy League.
Too Much Horror For The Page To Contain: Ryan Carey Reviews Junji Ito’s Frankenstein
Ryan Carey wraps up our horror theme week with a review of Junji Ito's Frankenstein, published by Viz Media as part of their Junji Ito hardcover line.
Daniel Elkin Reviews Vision #2 by Julia Gfrörer
In today's horror feature, Daniel Elkin reviews Julia Gfrörer's latest minicomic, Vision #2.
SOLRAD Comics: “Hellmouth” by Julia Gfrörer
Today, SOLRAD is pleased to present our first original comic, Hellmouth by Julia Gfrörer. Julia Gfrörer is a cartoonist, illustrator, and author based in New York whose transgressive horror comics have been published by Fantagraphics, and have appeared in Best American Comics, Kramer’s Ergot, Cicada Magazin, Black Eye, and Study Group Magazine. Her latest graphic...
Review: Little Visitor by Adam Szym
Alex Hoffman kicks off our horror week with a review of Adam Szym's Little Visitor, a self published mini comic released in 2019.
Exclusive Preview: “Between the Sun and Tides” by Jonathan Djob Nkondo, from Ex.Mag 01: FULL METAL DREAMLAND
As the second part of a two-part feature of Ex.Mag, a new anthology from Peow Studio, we have an exclusive preview of "Between the Sun and Tides," a brand-new 32-page comic from Jonathan Djob Nkondo.
Alex Hoffman Interviews Patrick Crotty and Wren McDonald about Ex.Mag
Alex Hoffman sits down with Peow publisher Patrick Crotty and editor Wren McDonald to talk about Ex.Mag, a new anthology series currently being funded on Kickstarter.
A Glimpse At Where We’re Going – Where We Are Now – Or Both? Thoughts on The Hard Tomorrow
Ryan Carey caps our week-long book club featuring The Hard Tomorrow by Eleanor Davis with the question: is this a work more felt than it is explicitly understood?
The Judaism of Eleanor Davis’ The Hard Tomorrow
As part of our week-long book club on Eleanor Davis' The Hard Tomorrow, Editor in Chief Daniel Elkin evaluates the comic through the lens of his own Judaism and heritage.
Why Make Art in Times Like These? Anya Davidson Reviews The Hard Tomorrow
Cartoonist and critic Anya Davidson contemplates making art in times like these in her review of The Hard Tomorrow by Eleanor Davis.
Finding Beauty During the Apocalypse: Alex Hoffman on The Hard Tomorrow
Continuing our series, Alex Hoffman contemplates The Hard Tomorrow and asks the question - where can we find beauty in the apocalypse?
The Politics Of Hope And The Hard Tomorrow
Today, Rob Clough kicks off our 5-critic book club reviewing Eleanor Davis' acclaimed graphic novel The Hard Tomorrow, published in 2019 by Drawn and Quarterly.
Exclusive Excerpt “Me and My Friends” by Bailey Sharp, published in š! #37 DOWN DOWN UNDER, co-editor Michael Fikaris
Today we have a second exclusive excerpt from the latest kuš! anthology featuring Australian cartoonists.
Ryan Carey’s Top 20 Comics of the 2010’s
Last but not least, critic Ryan Carey shares his top 20 comics of the 2010's as part of our Best of the Decade feature - who took the elusive #1 slot?
Daniel Elkin’s “Books I Liked” of the 2010’s
The next installment in our "Best of the Decade" series, SOLRAD Editor Daniel Elkin shares 20 books that he liked in the 2010's.
Exclusive Excerpt “Pursued by Soldiers” by Eleri Harris, published in š! #37 DOWN DOWN UNDER, co-editor Michael Fikaris
Today we have an exclusive excerpt from the latest kuš! anthology featuring Australian cartoonists - "Pursued by Soldiers" by Eleri Harris.
Kim Jooha’s Best Comics of the Decade
This week's guest critic Kim Jooha presents a list of her Best Comics of the Decade, unlike any other "Best of" comics list on the web. What made her list?
Alex Hoffman’s Top 20 Comics of the 2010’s
The 2010s were a decade of change for me. I started my professional career. I got married. I had a daughter. All of that stuff changes you, in some ways grander than others. But the way in which I’ve interfaced with art over the last decade has had a profound and positive impact on my...
Rob Clough’s Top 20 Comics of the 2010’s
Critic Rob Clough kicks off our "Best Comics of the Decade" feature with a list of his favorite books - what made the cut?
Exclusive Excerpt: ‘Morning Dew’ from SEASONAL SHIFT by Lala Albert
Today we have a excerpt titled 'Morning Dew' from Lala Albert's new collection, SEASONAL SHIFT, published in late 2019 by Breakdown Press.
Enemies of the State #006 – When I Arrived at the Castle by Emily Carroll
Enemies of the State is a monthly virtual book club discussion on a recently published comic, featuring a rotating cast of comics critics. Episode #6 of Enemies of the State features commentary on Emily Carroll’s When I Arrived at the Castle, published by Koyama Press in 2019. Carroll is well known for her horror webcomics which use...
This Month @ SOLRAD: January 2020
SOLRAD's publisher, Alex Hoffman, introduces the site and the publishing schedule for January. Find out what is coming to SOLRAD this month!
Welcome to SOLRAD!
Editor in Chief Daniel Elkin lays out a vision for SOLRAD. Welcome to the future.
SOLRAD is a nonprofit online literary magazine dedicated to the comics arts.
