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 swag like original signed custom bookplates for adults or buttons and magnets for the kids (in this case, the latter, to support the featured book, Mega-Dogs of New Kansas).
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 30 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.
Today: Brian Hibbs talks to author Dan Jolley and illustrator Jacques Khouri about their recently released kids graphic novel, Mega-Dogs of New Kansas, which follows the story of a girl, her ride-able dog, and their adventures in space. In this chat, Jolley and Khouri discuss their eventual union – and Khouri’s initial surprise at how good a fit the book was for him. Then, they address the similarities between the logistics of comics, and learning how to drive on a semi-truck, and the team examines how audiences control time in comics – and what it means when a reader flips back through the pages.
Make sure to check out the full interview on Comix Experience’s official YouTube page.
