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, The Way of the Hive).
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 Way of the Hive author, Jay Hosler, about the release of a new edition of the comic. Formerly published under the title Clan Apis, the story follows a young honeybee as she grows up, finds herself, and learns to trust her inner voice. In this clip, Hosler discusses the nature of all stories as human – in a certain sense – and his thought process on anthropomorphizing his characters. Then, the author gives some technical advice on comic creation, telling listeners to make deadlines and always seek out good feedback.
Make sure to check out the full interview on the Comix Experience Channel right here.
