If you've been following my postings here and on the former BC Refugees blog site, I assume you've become familiar with my specific interests. I love all things pop culture, but especially comics - - and the genres of crime, horror, science-fiction and fantasy. My interests also skew more towards independent creator-owned works as opposed to trade-marked licensed properties. That doesn't mean I oppose them, because I still read comics from the Big Two publishers. I'm just more interested in seeing what the rest of the field has to offer readers.
Each year, I usually focus on a specific publisher or publishers and try to sample as much of their offerings as possible. Last year it was Ahoy Comics that caught my eye. This year, I'm looking forward to reading some AWA/Upshot titles once they are released. Of course, like many others addicted to this fascinating comics hobby I can't buy everything, so I have to pick and choose.
The publisher I followed closely in 2015 was Aftershock Comics. In their first year of publication, I picked up everything they put out. In 2016, Aftershock put a strain on my comics budget with their increased output, so I had to cherry pick what I would read from them and in many cases I opted to wait for the trade paperback collections. It's still like that today, although their 2020 releases so far have been easier to manage on my comics budget.
They continue to put out interesting content that features those genres I prefer. I signed up to receive the Aftershock Rumblings newsletter via email to keep updated on upcoming titles. When I saw the email in 2019 soliciting readers to apply for the part-time position of independent company representative I was compelled to investigate. I did, and then applied for the position in my area. After a thorough interview process, I was accepted. (Note: They are still interviewing, in case you are interested.)
Now, I'm involved in calling on local comic shops as an Aftershock Ambassador - - doing what I can to help Aftershock and the local shop to work in tandem on promoting more reading of independent creative comic works for the benefit of both (as well as readers). I'll be covering the area in my neck of the woods - - part of southeastern Pennsylvania and western Delaware.
What does that mean in relationship to the Pop Culture Podium blog?
The blog continues, with no changes planned. You might see more news and reviews of Aftershock Comics here but that doesn't violate the core of my mission for this blog: to share items that I am interested in and I believe will interest the blog readers. I'm always on the lookout for works that deserve more attention. Since it's impossible for comics fans to read everything, I try to provide a valuable service by covering items that might get lost under the radar if not put under the spotlight.
You don't usually see negative reviews here, and that won't change. I respect the hard work that writers and artists put into their creations, and I'm simply not interested in spending time writing about comics that I didn't like that much. I prefer to ignore them, and instead write about comics that deserve more attention.
Does that mean that you'll be reviewing all Aftershock books, and giving them a 10 (out of a possible 10) rating?
There is no way I will compromise my integrity by praising works that don't meet the mark. However, I also won't hesitate to endorse Aftershock books that satisfy my expectations. I can think of two right now that I hope reach the wider audience they deserve -- THE MAN WHO EFFED UP TIME and UNDONE BY BLOOD. I suspect there will be more.
Isn't this a conflict of interest?
No, not if you understand the difference between news and opinion. If my blog was intended to be a straight news site, then you should expect to read news only - - sharing facts and news in an objective manner with no endorsements whatsoever - - so, no reviews or editorials. My site was, is, and shall forever be subjective and opinionated. You can expect to find news and information that is of interest to myself - - announcements of new titles, worthwhile Kickstarter campaigns, and favorable reviews and sometimes opinion columns.
I don't accept advertising, so I'm not being influenced in any way. I do not receive any compensation for writing reviews or sharing news.
I just felt it was important to be upfront about my new association with Aftershock. If it bothers anyone, I am not twisting their arm to read what is written here. I hope not to lose viewers, but to gain a larger audience. If you happen to be persuaded to pick up a deserving Aftershock book after reading about it here, that would be a good thing.
Happy adventures in reading;
Mike Clarke / Pop Culture Podium
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