First, congrats on the Eisner! It is richly deserved. In a line of masterpieces, AWW still managed to stand out as smart and compelling and moving. It makes me cry on the regular.
I cannot choose between the Black Cloak prints. I would buy any and all of them. They are all great, and make me want to do a reread.
I do have a question that you may be the only person who can answer. If Rogue can absorb Jeff, is Jeff people?!
Congratulations to you and the team on the Eisner, and very well deserved on the Ringo nomination as well! Thank you for the link to the Comics Philosophy deep-dive - I'm not familiar with all the terms in the piece, but Eric wrote it very well for a newcomer. I learned a lot and captures so much about what I love about your AWW writing.
I'm very squeamish with horror, but hearing your thoughts and all the great things online & from friends about Weapons is making me excited to watch it (at home though haha). Also, all of Meredith's work is just amazing!
Thanks for all the updates, very much looking forward to all the new comics this week and upcoming months!
I am always struggling with the language - trying to avoid jargon, but still be accurate and clear. So, somewhat unavoidable to have to use the "big three" normative ethics naming conventions. But I do keep playing with the format to try and help facilitate people's understanding of the terms (my next overview with have headers with simplified descriptions). Any feedback as to how I can improve is always appreciated - I'm mindful that just like in comics, every issue/post could be someone's first introduction.
Sadly, "ethics" language can be off-putting - since many's experience of it has probably been in a negative way (i.e., being told what you can't do!). A persistent legacy of applied ethics, unfortunately.
I'm a much bigger fan of virtue ethics ... and virtuous writers, like Kelly. :)
The last time I read about ethics was in college, and I honestly could not bring myself to read more than a couple pages at a time. I think the way you tie these concepts and comics together makes it very compelling and easy-to-learn if someone is excited about comics and/or its characters.
I have definitely felt that way about ethics, but while reading your analysis, I found that flipping it from "being told what you can't do" to "providing some opinions on how to view the people and world around you (if you're willing to listen)" really helped me stay engaged. Bravo and thank you!
Wooo, new Jeff character! The little guy can’t be stopped. 🦈
It’s also kind of wild to hear you say you aren’t a (official at least) “fan of horror.” Especially since your story in Silver Coin was one of my favorites in the series.
I do think my work delves into horror quite a bit so it's not fair to say I don't like horror -- a lot of horror really appeals to me -- I just think I'm too squeamish and chicken-y to ever be a full blooded horror fan the way many are. And there are tons of genres within horror that I just fully ignore -- Giallo horror movies, anything torture porn-y, there are even certain decades of horror where I am just really turned off by a sort of.... I don't know, a pervasive despair/hopelessness I feel in them? -- anyway, all of those things are sorta just saying they're GOOD at what they're doing, y'know? It's HORROR. They want you feeling these things. It's just something I increasingly choose to ingest way less of than I used to and am more discerning about in my choicies.
FYI Damon -- this new character is not the one we spit-balled about -- but I've still got that pitch and intend to use it! ;)
I’ve oddly grown to enjoy horror of many kinds as of the past year or so. I used to hate it but that strangely changed at some point last year. Can’t quite figure out why … but possibly it’s ‘cause the real world is so messed up that this media feels like “horror I can control” in a way. I totally get that certain aspects of it are not for everyone.
And ah, still exciting regardless! Someday, the little guy/gal/fish(?) will see the light of page! Looking forward to this next project. Jeff getting a run in with Magik (who has quickly become one of my all-time favorite characters) and Wanda (a long time favorite) is certainly something I’m excited for at this end of this run. 🦈
It is always such a pleasure to read your work Kelly. You are one of the rare breed of writers who can bring thoughtful explorations of ethics and myth to characters with such great heart.
My daughter, who has adhd, 3 kids, a home to keep up & works full time, struggles to be on time to anything. Part of it is the adhd, cuz she literally has no sense of time, how long something takes, how long the drive is from her house to my apt, a route she's taken dozens of times. And, for the most part, people in her life get annoyed about it.
I also have adhd, as well as other mental illnesses that are a bit more severe, & because I often want people to give me a little extra grace sometimes, I try to treat others that way, especially my own kids & grandkids.
A bit of extra context, I was an active addict until I was 32, & have been sober since, but the failures of myself & her mother contributed to her own addiction, but my sobriety inspired hers, & she's been sober for more than a decade now.
So, as I worked to prove my dedication to being a good dad, I started telling her that she didn't need to apologize for being late, because I know that's a big struggle for her, & I factor that in to our plans. If we really need to get somewhere by a certain time, I tell her an earlier time, & even tho she knows I do that, it helps reduce her anxiety & mine, about being on time.
So, for me personally, I wouldn't need an apology for when these posts arrive, especially because when you're not putting these together, you're helping to create some of my favorite stories right now. My grandson also loves Jeff, & life can be tough for him cuz he's autistic.
I'm not saying this to encourage or discourage any changes, I just wanted to say that for me, I'm never upset, or frustrated, or let down, or whatever other people feel about how creators schedule more time for us. You're doing great!
I am absolutely a fan of giving grace when you can.
I've talked about it before, but the thing that takes me to my knees emotionally these days more than anything else is just simple kindness. And Grace is if not twin sister to kindness, then at least a cousin. It's the right thing and I'm sure your daughter is grateful to receive it from you.
And while we're here, thanks for all the kindness and grace in THIS comment.
That is a lot of good stuff. Have ordered the trade for AWW, as I haven't checked out that series yet (which increasingly feels like an oversight on my part....!).
First, congrats on the Eisner! It is richly deserved. In a line of masterpieces, AWW still managed to stand out as smart and compelling and moving. It makes me cry on the regular.
I cannot choose between the Black Cloak prints. I would buy any and all of them. They are all great, and make me want to do a reread.
I do have a question that you may be the only person who can answer. If Rogue can absorb Jeff, is Jeff people?!
Thank you!
#Jeffispeopletoo
;)
Congratulations to you and the team on the Eisner, and very well deserved on the Ringo nomination as well! Thank you for the link to the Comics Philosophy deep-dive - I'm not familiar with all the terms in the piece, but Eric wrote it very well for a newcomer. I learned a lot and captures so much about what I love about your AWW writing.
I'm very squeamish with horror, but hearing your thoughts and all the great things online & from friends about Weapons is making me excited to watch it (at home though haha). Also, all of Meredith's work is just amazing!
Thanks for all the updates, very much looking forward to all the new comics this week and upcoming months!
Thanks so much, Charles.
And thanks for reading the Comics Philosophy piece. More deep dive comic analysis I say!
What a kind way to describe my site, thank you.
I am always struggling with the language - trying to avoid jargon, but still be accurate and clear. So, somewhat unavoidable to have to use the "big three" normative ethics naming conventions. But I do keep playing with the format to try and help facilitate people's understanding of the terms (my next overview with have headers with simplified descriptions). Any feedback as to how I can improve is always appreciated - I'm mindful that just like in comics, every issue/post could be someone's first introduction.
Sadly, "ethics" language can be off-putting - since many's experience of it has probably been in a negative way (i.e., being told what you can't do!). A persistent legacy of applied ethics, unfortunately.
I'm a much bigger fan of virtue ethics ... and virtuous writers, like Kelly. :)
The last time I read about ethics was in college, and I honestly could not bring myself to read more than a couple pages at a time. I think the way you tie these concepts and comics together makes it very compelling and easy-to-learn if someone is excited about comics and/or its characters.
I have definitely felt that way about ethics, but while reading your analysis, I found that flipping it from "being told what you can't do" to "providing some opinions on how to view the people and world around you (if you're willing to listen)" really helped me stay engaged. Bravo and thank you!
Wooo, new Jeff character! The little guy can’t be stopped. 🦈
It’s also kind of wild to hear you say you aren’t a (official at least) “fan of horror.” Especially since your story in Silver Coin was one of my favorites in the series.
Looking forward to all the good stuff this week!
Thank you so much.
I do think my work delves into horror quite a bit so it's not fair to say I don't like horror -- a lot of horror really appeals to me -- I just think I'm too squeamish and chicken-y to ever be a full blooded horror fan the way many are. And there are tons of genres within horror that I just fully ignore -- Giallo horror movies, anything torture porn-y, there are even certain decades of horror where I am just really turned off by a sort of.... I don't know, a pervasive despair/hopelessness I feel in them? -- anyway, all of those things are sorta just saying they're GOOD at what they're doing, y'know? It's HORROR. They want you feeling these things. It's just something I increasingly choose to ingest way less of than I used to and am more discerning about in my choicies.
FYI Damon -- this new character is not the one we spit-balled about -- but I've still got that pitch and intend to use it! ;)
I’ve oddly grown to enjoy horror of many kinds as of the past year or so. I used to hate it but that strangely changed at some point last year. Can’t quite figure out why … but possibly it’s ‘cause the real world is so messed up that this media feels like “horror I can control” in a way. I totally get that certain aspects of it are not for everyone.
And ah, still exciting regardless! Someday, the little guy/gal/fish(?) will see the light of page! Looking forward to this next project. Jeff getting a run in with Magik (who has quickly become one of my all-time favorite characters) and Wanda (a long time favorite) is certainly something I’m excited for at this end of this run. 🦈
Congrats on another Eisner! Absolutely awesome. Love to see that Replay. My name in the newsletter, a dream come true. 😄
Thanks, Chuck. And thanks for the tip!
Thanks for the Comic Philosophy link Kelly - I really appreciate it. AWW is such a great series, and so worth all the kudos it is getting.
And of course, Jeff is without compare!
Thank YOU, Eric. I'm honored when anyone puts in that much time analyzing something I've working on. And thanks for letting me share the link.
It is always such a pleasure to read your work Kelly. You are one of the rare breed of writers who can bring thoughtful explorations of ethics and myth to characters with such great heart.
YAS! All the good things in this post! And BARDA 😍
BARDA! BARDA! BARDA!
My daughter, who has adhd, 3 kids, a home to keep up & works full time, struggles to be on time to anything. Part of it is the adhd, cuz she literally has no sense of time, how long something takes, how long the drive is from her house to my apt, a route she's taken dozens of times. And, for the most part, people in her life get annoyed about it.
I also have adhd, as well as other mental illnesses that are a bit more severe, & because I often want people to give me a little extra grace sometimes, I try to treat others that way, especially my own kids & grandkids.
A bit of extra context, I was an active addict until I was 32, & have been sober since, but the failures of myself & her mother contributed to her own addiction, but my sobriety inspired hers, & she's been sober for more than a decade now.
So, as I worked to prove my dedication to being a good dad, I started telling her that she didn't need to apologize for being late, because I know that's a big struggle for her, & I factor that in to our plans. If we really need to get somewhere by a certain time, I tell her an earlier time, & even tho she knows I do that, it helps reduce her anxiety & mine, about being on time.
So, for me personally, I wouldn't need an apology for when these posts arrive, especially because when you're not putting these together, you're helping to create some of my favorite stories right now. My grandson also loves Jeff, & life can be tough for him cuz he's autistic.
I'm not saying this to encourage or discourage any changes, I just wanted to say that for me, I'm never upset, or frustrated, or let down, or whatever other people feel about how creators schedule more time for us. You're doing great!
I am absolutely a fan of giving grace when you can.
I've talked about it before, but the thing that takes me to my knees emotionally these days more than anything else is just simple kindness. And Grace is if not twin sister to kindness, then at least a cousin. It's the right thing and I'm sure your daughter is grateful to receive it from you.
And while we're here, thanks for all the kindness and grace in THIS comment.
Eisner. So. Deserved.
You rock!
CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
That is a lot of good stuff. Have ordered the trade for AWW, as I haven't checked out that series yet (which increasingly feels like an oversight on my part....!).