The Beat is a proud sponsor of Comix Experience’s Graphic Novel of the Month Clubs, which bring comics fans a curated mix of the best of new release graphic novels and conversations with the creators who make them. Each month, the staff of Comix Experience votes on two sets of upcoming books they are most excited—one gets presented to adults and another to middle readers. Each club provides schwag like original signed custom bookplates for adults or buttons and magnets for the kids.
Most excitingly, the Graphic Novel Clubs bring in the creators of selected books to talk exclusively to GNC members in interviews conducted by Comix Experience owner Brian Hibbs, who brings thirty years of experience in comics to the table. These talks are livestreamed to members all over the country and are a fun and informative mix of conversation on craft and form, as well as on the business of making comics. The Graphic Novel Clubs make a point of being inclusive, inviting creators from a wide variety of age, race, sex, and cultural perspectives to speak to members.
Membership is what propels these conversations, so if you like what you see, please support these discussions of comics, and the creators who make them, by joining the club.
This Week: In a career-defining interview, Brian Hibbs sits down with legendary artist Matt Wagner and his son, Brennan, to discuss Mage an epic “allegorical autobiography” Matt began near the beginning of his career. With one volume produced in the 1980s and a second in the late 90s, Mage has followed Matt throughout his path as an artist. Recently, Matt made an epic final return to his world, joined this time by his son on colors, in Mage: the Hero Denied. Watch as Matt discusses his growth as an artist and as the Wagners discuss the end of a family saga.
