The hottest Comics Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Culture Topics

The comfort of drawing Batman

Austin Kleon • 2018 implied HN points • 20 Aug 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Drawing Creativity Comics Cultural Commentary Personal Reflection
  1. Drawing can be a comforting activity, especially during times of boredom or stress. For some, like the author, drawing familiar characters like Batman brings joy.
  2. Airplane mode can enhance productivity because it eliminates distractions. This can turn a flight into a great opportunity to focus and create.
  3. Comfort work is any creative task you do when you don't know what else to tackle. It's nice to have simple activities, like drawing, to fall back on.

21st century books with pictures

Austin Kleon • 3457 implied HN points • 16 Jul 24
📚 Literature Books Comics Graphic novels
  1. Graphic novels are becoming a popular and important form of literature in the 21st century. They combine pictures and stories in a unique way.
  2. Books with illustrations can be just as impactful as traditional novels and can stretch the boundaries of what a book can be. Many authors are blending text and visuals creatively.
  3. Lists of the best books often spark discussions and differing opinions. People appreciate sharing their favorites and what they feel might have been overlooked.

Some kinds of monsters

Austin Kleon • 5115 implied HN points • 17 May 24
🎭️ Culture Art Literature Music Film Comics
  1. Taking breaks from technology can be refreshing and help us focus on enjoyable activities like listening to music or reading. Simple changes can lead to significant positive effects in our daily lives.
  2. Finding humor in creative struggles can lighten the load of anxiety and procrastination. Embracing these feelings is part of the writer's journey.
  3. Looking back on influential figures and their work reminds us of their impact on creativity. Cherishing their contributions helps inspire our own artistic endeavors.

Oh, hail no!

Austin Kleon • 5615 implied HN points • 12 Apr 24
🎭️ Culture Arts Literature Comics Media Music
  1. Standard Ebooks offers free and well-designed versions of classic books that are in the public domain. You can read great works without paying a dime.
  2. Working with your hands, like drawing or crafting, is really good for your brain. It's a nice way to relax and be creative.
  3. There’s a great community around Lynda Barry’s Comics Room that supports artists. It's a place where creativity and collaboration can really thrive.

Calvin & Hobbes, Bill Watterson and Art Over Commerce

SatPost by Trung Phan • 106 implied HN points • 09 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Comics Art Entertainment Media Music
  1. Bill Watterson, the creator of Calvin & Hobbes, chose not to commercialize his work through merchandise. He believed that doing so would devalue the comic and preferred to keep it as pure art.
  2. Watterson stopped drawing Calvin & Hobbes after ten years, feeling that he had said everything he wanted to say. He wanted to leave when the comic was still loved, rather than risk it becoming stale.
  3. Watterson's journey shows that creating art for the love of it, rather than for money, can lead to lasting impact. His decision to not overextend Calvin & Hobbes has kept its legacy alive and well-regarded even decades later.
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Pushing and pulling

Austin Kleon • 6754 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Art Music Literature Comics Education
  1. There's a difference between the push internet, where things are thrown at you, and the pull internet, where you actively seek out information. It's good to engage more with the pull internet.
  2. To discover your taste, explore artists, read their biographies, and connect with their influences. Following the connections can deepen your understanding and appreciation of their work.
  3. Take time to reflect and be intentional about what you consume. The goal is to search for content that enriches your life rather than just passively scrolling through feeds.

The year, run down

Austin Kleon • 6354 implied HN points • 29 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Literature Film Music Comics Media
  1. Reading has a big impact on joy and learning. Books like 'Don Quixote' and 'Dune' brought a lot of happiness this year.
  2. There are many enjoyable ways to spend time with family, like movie nights with kids and discovering new shows after they go to bed.
  3. Music and video games can also be a source of fun and excitement. Creating playlists and playing games like 'Zelda' added to the year's enjoyment.

NO!vember

Austin Kleon • 5955 implied HN points • 03 Nov 23
🎭️ Culture Art Literature Media Music Comics
  1. Saying 'no' can help you focus on what really matters. If you're unsure about going out, ask yourself if you'd want to do it tomorrow.
  2. Spending time alone can help you discover your true self. It's important to sit quietly and reflect on who you really want to be.
  3. Reading is essential for artists. Great works can inspire you, so make time to read often and explore different stories.

Mr. Autumn Man, activated

Austin Kleon • 4656 implied HN points • 13 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture Arts Music Literature Travel Comics
  1. Traveling to places can be a lot of fun, especially when you get to catch up with friends and explore local shops and events. It's great to discover new books and enjoy the surroundings.
  2. Listening to music while driving can really enhance the experience. Whether it's a rainy night drive or a flight, the right tunes make everything feel more exciting.
  3. It's nice to find joy in simple things, like favorite teas, walks, and creative projects. Sharing and learning about good experiences can make everyday life better.

Make an appointment with yourself

Austin Kleon • 4376 implied HN points • 01 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Art Music Literature Film Comics Photography
  1. Making time for yourself is important, and you should commit to it like an important appointment. It's easy to forget self-care in our busy lives, but it can greatly improve your happiness.
  2. Creativity is essential to many artists, and being away from their art can hurt their well-being. Finding ways to create regularly can help maintain a good quality of life.
  3. Explore new books, music, and films to inspire creativity and reflection. Engaging with different forms of art can spark new ideas and perspectives.

The Church of Minding One’s Own Business

Austin Kleon • 4256 implied HN points • 08 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Literature Comics Music Television Art
  1. Minding your own business can be a refreshing approach to life. It allows you to focus on your own thoughts and interests instead of getting caught up in others' lives.
  2. Reading good translations can greatly enhance the experience of classic literature. Edith Grossman's work on 'Don Quixote' is a perfect example of how translation can bring a book to life.
  3. Nostalgia is powerful, whether through music or movies. Listening to favorite albums or watching beloved films can bring back fond memories and feelings.

I don’t want to be the best

Austin Kleon • 4915 implied HN points • 14 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Literature Art Music Film Comics
  1. Laziness can sometimes lead to more discipline. It's interesting how they can connect in unexpected ways.
  2. Reading apps like Libby and Hoopla have made it easier to discover new books, but it's concerning when access gets restricted for younger audiences.
  3. Midlife crises can be transformative opportunities, so rather than seeing them as negative, we should embrace the change and potential they bring.

Not knowing is the first step

Austin Kleon • 4016 implied HN points • 21 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Art Music Literature Comics Film
  1. Sometimes not knowing what you're doing can be a part of the creative process. Even famous artists admit they often don't have everything figured out.
  2. Books can be powerful tools for dealing with loss. There are new releases that focus on saying goodbye and exploring difficult emotions.
  3. Documentaries can be really enjoyable when they're well-made. The recent Wham! documentary shows how good editing can make a story more engaging.

An Introduction to UPA

Animation Obsessive • 4664 implied HN points • 07 Aug 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Animation Design History TV Comics
  1. UPA studio revolutionized animation in the 1940s and 1950s with modern art influences and unique storytelling.
  2. The UPA animation style focused on emotion over anatomy, leading to groundbreaking visuals and storytelling.
  3. UPA's work extended beyond well-known films like Mr. Magoo, encompassing TV commercials, series, and experimental shows.

Vol. 2, Issue 34 - A Tribute to Rachael Lillis

Johto Times • 39 implied HN points • 22 Aug 24
🎭️ Culture Entertainment Anime Comics Media Tribute
  1. Rachael Lillis was a talented voice actress known for bringing characters like Misty and Jessie to life in the Pokémon anime. Many fans have fond memories of her performances, which shaped their childhood experiences.
  2. She sadly passed away on August 10, 2024, after battling breast cancer, and her loss is deeply felt in the Pokémon community. People are sharing their love and tributes to celebrate her contributions.
  3. The 2024 Pokémon World Championships took place recently, showcasing new champions and announcements for upcoming games. Fans can look forward to more exciting Pokémon content in the future.

No expectations

Austin Kleon • 3137 implied HN points • 14 Feb 23
📚 Literature Writing Comics Workshops Creativity Diaries
  1. Embrace what you have instead of wishing it were different. Focus on what's in front of you rather than dreaming about an imaginary version.
  2. When reading or writing, ask better questions like 'What is this?' instead of thinking about how to fix it. This helps you appreciate the work instead of getting distracted.
  3. Using old notebooks or diaries to inspire new ideas can be helpful. Often, there are gems in past writings that can spark fresh thoughts today.

Where you look is where you go

Austin Kleon • 2797 implied HN points • 20 Jan 23
🎭️ Culture Literature Music Film Comics Events
  1. Where you focus your attention affects your direction in life. Just like biking, if you look in a certain way, that's where you'll end up.
  2. Reading and exploring new stories, whether in books or through documentaries, can provide insights and deepen your understanding of various subjects.
  3. Having fun and enjoying art, like comedy specials or music, is important for a balanced life. It adds joy and connection to our everyday experiences.

Comics from 1983/08 Today Mag

Computer Ads from the Past • 512 implied HN points • 11 Mar 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Comics
  1. The post shares comics from the August 1983 issue of Today magazine, providing a glimpse into humor from the past.
  2. Readers are encouraged to suggest what computer ads they'd like to see in the future and to share the post with friends and relatives if they enjoyed it.
  3. The publication, 'Computer Ads from the Past,' offers readers the opportunity to subscribe and support future content.

FISHFLIES, SWEET TOOTH, TENEMENT AND MORE!

Tales From the Farm • 943 implied HN points • 17 Apr 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Comics Graphic novels Artwork Illustrations
  1. Jeff Lemire's new project 'Fishflies' will launch in print from Image Comics starting in July, with each issue being giant-sized at 56 pages.
  2. Lemire will be doing signings in Toronto, Vancouver, Chicago, and more, along with appearances at events like San Diego Comic Con and the Thought Bubble Festival.
  3. The next book in the Bone Orchard universe called 'Tenement' will launch in June, connecting the pieces from previous stories.

What's got my attention this week #34

The Shift With Sam Baker • 419 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Comics
  1. Graphic novelist Posy Simmonds won the Grand Prix at the Angoulême comics festival, making her the 5th woman to achieve this. Recommended reads include Gemma Bovery, Tamara Drewe, and Cassandra Darke.
  2. Articles of interest include one on Cindy Sherman not embracing aging, Poorna Bell's piece on living alone, and a story about medical gaslighting towards women.
  3. Encouragement to appreciate the mundane miracles in life, a reflection on Roe v Wade 51 years later, and sex myths debunked for long-term couples.

End-of-Year Self-Congratulatory Gala

Atlas of Wonders and Monsters • 424 implied HN points • 28 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Art Literature History Fiction Comics
  1. The Figurative-to-Abstract Art Pipeline was the most popular post of 2023 with significant views, likes, comments, and subscribers.
  2. The Gold-Plated Man was acknowledged as the most under-appreciated post, despite being short, it made a strong, elegant point with good cover art.
  3. The post 'One Thousand and One Notes on 'One Thousand and One Nights'' was crowned as the best post of 2023 for its rich, aesthetic, and narrative qualities.

A heavy canceling by asteroid

Austin Kleon • 1938 implied HN points • 01 Jul 22
🎭️ Culture Art Music Literature Comics Sports
  1. Access to health care, including abortion, is super important for artists and everyone else. Supporting established organizations can really help with this big issue.
  2. Experiencing live music, like a Kraftwerk concert, can be a fantastic family outing and create lasting memories.
  3. Enjoying a good book or watching lighthearted shows can be comforting when you're feeling unwell; it's a nice way to relax and escape.

Vol. 2, Issue 21 - Aiden's Parting Pokémon Gift

Johto Times • 59 implied HN points • 23 May 24
🎭️ Culture Gaming Comics Art Collecting Memories
  1. Aiden shares a touching memory about a special Pokémon card gifted to him by his friend Seojin before she moved away. It shows how friendships can leave lasting impressions, even if they become distant.
  2. The Pokémon community continues to grow, with new card sets and events being announced regularly. It's exciting for fans to stay updated and connect over their shared interests.
  3. Nostalgia plays a big role in Aiden's journey with Pokémon, as he takes a break from gaming and later returns to reignite his passion. This shows that interests can come back to life at any moment.

Based Safety vs. Cringe Propaganda #50

Safety Propaganda • 314 implied HN points • 09 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Art Sports Literature Music Comics
  1. The author shares a heartfelt story about their deep grief and loss of their beloved pet
  2. The newsletter discusses the excitement in the world of bodybuilding and UFC fights, including notable events such as the Arnold Classic and Jon Jones' return
  3. The section 'Cringe Propaganda' explores various controversial topics in the art world and pop culture, critiquing trends and media personalities

Embrace bewilderment

Austin Kleon • 1258 implied HN points • 10 Jun 22
🎭️ Culture Art Comics Literature Parenting Philosophy Media
  1. It's important to embrace confusion and not just rely on cleverness. Being bewildered can lead to new discoveries.
  2. Reading graphic novels can be a fun way to learn about complex topics. They can explain important ideas in an engaging way.
  3. Using features on social media, like Instagram, can make the experience less overwhelming. Choosing what you see can help you enjoy it more.

My COVID diaries

Austin Kleon • 1159 implied HN points • 05 Jul 22
🎭️ Culture Art Literature Music Comics Health
  1. Sharing when you're sick can feel a bit attention-seeking, similar to announcing a birthday. It’s like waiting for others to acknowledge your situation.
  2. During recovery, prioritizing what not to do is just as important as what to do. It’s okay to take a break from daily tasks and responsibilities.
  3. Finding comfort in simple pleasures like comic books and familiar music can be a helpful way to cope when you're feeling unwell.