Posted in: Comics, san diego comic con | Tagged: Comics, comixology, entertainment, fiona staples, mark waid, sdcc

SDCC '15: The Comixologist Traveling Podcast Party

Published Sat, 11 Jul 2015 23:00:33 -0500

by Mike Sangregorio

Thursday midday saw the first live installment of comiXology's podcast, "The comiXologist." Held at SDCC, though off-site at the San Diego Central Library, co-hosts Kara Szamborski and Matt Kolowski were joined by creator Jen Vaughn (@thejenya).

Self described "jane-of-all-trades," with a career in the comic industry in a variety of roles, including a tenure at Fantagraphics, Vaughn is currently the colorist for Archie Comics' Archie, the much-anticipated relaunch by Mark Waid and Fiona Staples, whose first issue arrived this past Wednesday (July 8).

The comiXologist is the weekly podcast produced by comiXology and it covers a wide range of topics including reviews, general comic discussions, and recommendations of current and classic comic offerings. Available via a variety of venues, including iTunes and SoundCloud, this installment was the inaugural of what may prove to be a regular event in the future, the live-from-the-con "traveling podcast."

During this show the "comiXologists" discussed the hassles of getting cross-country and the history of Vaughn's career. Highlights include the reveal that Vaughn's introduction to comics came from an issue of the Marvel Barbie series, with art by Amanda Conner, and a continuing fascination with Renaissance Faires, the subject of her creator owned title, Avery Fatbottom: Renaissance Fair Detective.

Available now through comiXology's Submit venue, the first issue delves into the culture surrounding Ren Fairs and the mysteries one may encounter there. Initially mentioned as an all-ages book, this may prove to be more of a PG setting as there is one scene that prompted the panelists to hope that there would one day be True Detective: Back of a Nude Man as a season of the, similarly detective-themed, show.

Kara and Matt also reveled in the recent release of the library of Dark Horse properties through comiXology (available now). Asked which was her favorite she unabashedly answered Hellboy and urged anyone who had not checked it out to do themselves a favor and do so now. Matt called the release the "best day of my life."

After a lively reminiscing of the late, and apparently much lamented, WildStorm titles such as Gen 13 and Danger Girl (anyone remember WildSIderz? still waiting for a finale on that, Mr. Campbell) the question and answer portion showcased one of the prevailing strengths of the podcast.

When asked for recommendations for comics for a younger boy the panelists were quick to not only suggest some of their favorite all-ages titles but inquire as to what the child in question was interested in and how best to meet those needs from across all comic offerings.

There was a sense that making sure that there was a comic available for everyone was priority number one. This type of commitment to knowledge-sharing helps make Comic Con, and the fandom community in general, continually appealing and welcoming to all involved.

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