It’s been several minutes since my last update. I apologize. These last few months, there have been many irons in many fires, and my time has been limited. When I do have the opportunity to write, it’s either in service of a review or podcast or a few moments to eek out some more words on my sci-fi novella sequel that, for now, I’m just referring to as Bellamy (I’ll post an update in the next few weeks).

As for the first scifi novella (the robot book), unless some publisher scoops it up last-minute, I am planning to release it by the end of the year. It’ll be digital/ebook-only at launch. That doesn’t mean a print edition is out of the picture, it just means one will be coming much later.

Learning to Stress Less & Enjoy More

In my “Because We Can” newsletter, I recently wrote about change. You can read the post here: Change is gradual. Change is slow. If you follow me on social media, I have a lot going on in the background. Aside from a full-time job, being married, and the “joys” of home ownership, I also pen a monthly motivational newsletter, write 3-4 comic book reviews per month, research and record 2 podcast episodes per month, and find time in the liminal spaces between to write short stories and work on my book series.

I also try to get some pitches in to studios and publishers, and though I’ve had no bites yet, a whopping majority of my rejection letters have been so very kind.

All this is to say, if you read the newsletter issue linked above, I did a little soul-searching. I was feeling disconnected from my work, always clamoring for that thing I wasn’t spending enough time on. But I’ve taken a breath, looked at the body of my work, and realized, whether I see it or not, I’m arcing in the direction I’ve always dreamed of going. I’m just impatient, constantly looking to the future and not taking in the present around me.

Taking that moment to step back and breathe has allowed me to realize, I’ve written over 200 reviews in the last few years, and my Batman podcast pulls in a crazy amount of listens each month. It’s also opened me up to a new opportunity that launches in a month.

Starting mid-August, I’ll be recording video reviews for Chronicle Chamber, an international site dedicated to The Phantom. Considered the first costumed superhero in the United States, The Phantom was an originator who enjoys popularity in much greater numbers and acclaim around the globe. Admittedly, I’ve been a fan since that lackluster Billy Zane-led movie in 1996, and some of my favorite comic book issues of all time came out of Moonstone’s revival of the character in the early 00’s.

Going forward, on top of Batman reviews and the Batman podcast, I’ll be reviewing Mad Cave Studio’s comic book revival of Defenders of the Earth. I’m excited to get my face out there, and I’m even more thrilled to connect with a new audience outside of the United States.

That means I’ll need to keep this space updated more regularly, and it also means that I better get that ebook out into the world!

Recent Happenings

• Analyzing an Opening: Fear and Myth in Batman (1989) – This analysis is one of my favorite things I’ve written recently. I went back to my film minor roots, put together a shot list (linked in the article), and picked apart what makes the opening so iconic.
• Episode 257: Animating Batman w/ Lila Martinez, Director of Batwheels – I had the opportunity to interview Lila Martinez, an animator who has worked on The Simpsons, Harley Quinn, American Dad, and so much more!
• Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #29 Comic Book Review – This comic book review is the reason why I started doing these in the first place. I need a reason to talk about the importance of superheroes, of how transformative and inspiring the comic book medium can be, and this issue gave me that reason.
• Episode 258: Batman (1989) 35th Anniversary Special – June 23 was the 35th anniversary of Batman (1989). My co-host and I go through some of the behind-the-scenes information and break down what makes this film stand the test of time.
• Episode 256: A Batman For Everyone w/Comic Book Chronicles – Rob, from Comic Book Chronicles, joined me for a chat. He’s a fun guy, and I highly recommend his thoughtful and funny reviews.