As soon as you put this article down, find someone with a car or slap on some running shoes and get the hell over to Atomic Books to pick up the latest issue of Phase 7 by Alec Longstreth.
The only reason we strongly encourage this is because Phase 7, like most of the work put out by Longstreth, is an indie comic published by the author, meaning there are only 500 copies floating around the country, and it would be a shame if you missed out on this one.For anyone who has ever read comics, dreamed of making comics or simply wanted to understand what was all the hubbub, then Longstreth's latest episode is a clever and charming look into what the ruckus is all about. Sure the story may be a little indulgent, but in the end this issue will surely inspire some sort of reaction, most likely for the better.
Longstreth begins the story following himself, the protagonist, as he goes to see a psychologist. In a whimsical slice of narration, the psychologist asks Longstreth what is bothering him, to which he, the character and the author, replies, "My comic book is really stressing me out!" The book then takes a journey into Longstreth's childhood, as the character starts narrating how and why he got into comics.
Longstreth takes us through his early exposure to newspaper funny pages, then his obsession to Disney comics and all things Disney-related, to his eventual break into the mainstream comic culture of conventions and super heroes.
He explains his waning lack of interest, and reluctance to be involved with comics in his teenage years, and then his reignited flame for the possibility of comics as he began his tenure at Oberlin College. Throughout the story, Longstreth takes the reader through various tangents, each entertaining and inspirational in their own way.
The artwork is simple and quasi-realistic, stylized in a straightforward, person-focused composition that is easy to read and enjoy. Longstreth is obviously influenced by the various works he notes during his tale, including Herge's Tintin, stories surrounding Disney characters and Bone. The simple construction doesn't detract from the story in any way, as the level of detail is very intricate in
certain panels, and adds to the subconscious identifying of the reader to the character Longstreth.
Phase 7 is unique in its genuine devotion to the craft. An incredibly small circulation of 500 for a publication that could easily extend to the thousands ensures that Phase 7 remains within the realm of independent small press.
The small press comics industry has created an entire community for itself, allowing Phase 7 to stay connected to the fellow comic book creators and readers who make the community a one-of-a-kind support network. Included in the letters section is correspondence from Dave Sim, John Porcellino, Craig Thompson and J.P. Coovert, all established or rising stars in the small press world.
That's what makes Longstreth an interesting character to watch. He obviously has storytelling talent, as well as an earnest commitment to making a valuable contribution to the art form.
Looking further into Longstreth's other work, particularly his website www.alec-longstreth.com, you can see how his brain sort of works, micro-managing his various projects and delegating certain goals to fall within various deadlines.
Longstreth has an interesting outlook on how comics should be run, and while he may be a small fish in the sea of comic creators right now, it seems like only a matter of time before he's making huge waves like many of his heroes have.certain panels, and adds to the subconscious identifying of the reader to the character Longstreth.
The small press comics industry has created an entire community for itself, allowing Phase 7 to stay connected to the fellow comic book creators and readers who make the community a one-of-a-kind support network. Included in the letters section is correspondence from Dave Sim, John Porcellino, Craig Thompson and J.P. Coovert, all established or rising stars in the small press world.
That's what makes Longstreth an interesting character to watch. He obviously has storytelling talent, as well as an earnest commitment to making a valuable contribution to the art form.
Looking further into Longstreth's other work - particularly his website www.alec-longstreth.com - you can see how his brain sort of works, micro-managing his various projects and delegating certain goals to fall within various deadlines.
Longstreth has an interesting outlook on how comics should be run, and while he may be a small fish in the sea of comic creators right now, it seems like only a matter of time before he's making huge waves.
