ICYMI -- Small Press Comics Criticism and Whatnot for 5/15/17 to 5/21/17

Highlighting some great small press comics criticism being published, as well as other random things that have caught my eye over the past week.

COMICS CRITICISM

* Leon K on Keren Katz's THE ACADEMIC HOUR, "one that is tender and conflicted and which pushes the material towards a type of whimsical theatricality that favours an exploration of the emotional exchange at the heart of this romance over the foregrounding of the abuse of power."

* Rob Clough continues his look at the work of SIMON MORETON, this week, focused on Moreton's self-published SMOO # 8 - 10.

* John Seven reviews THE INTERVIEW by Manuele Fior, which ends with Seven drawing the conclusion that "[t]he human condition becomes a constant quest for meaning, and each time that quest is solved, another one inevitably takes it place, because meaning is not a tangible item you can hold in your hand."

* Sam Ombiri on SPIDER MONKEY by Austin English and Jesse McManus, "a fantastic read, and it continues to be an even more fantastic comic to keep re-reading."

* Aimee Levitt unpacks Kristen Radtke's new book, IMAGINE WANTING ONLY THIS, which "explores the idea of loss."

* Austin Lanari on 2dcloud's latest anthology release, MIRROR MIRROR II, "an outright challenge to your own personal space."

* Greg Hunter takes a look at ON THE CAMINO from Jason, his surprising new autobio comic. 

* Philippe LeBlanc reviews THREE COMICS FROM TCAF 2017: Smartphone Comics #1, Baba Yaga's House, and Slomeau.

* Andy Oliver on DIRTY ROTTEN COMICS #10, an "introductory taster to the fabulous talent of the UK small press scene."

* Robert Kirby presents an excerpt from SUNBURNING by Keiler Roberts.

WHATNOT

* Dean Steckel interviews EMMA HOUXBOIS, resulting in one of the most erudite and enjoyable reads I've had in awhile.

* Chase Magnett on DOCTOR MANHATTAN'S DING-DONG, which features the line, "There's not a thematically significant point being made in Watchmen about tallywhackers."

* Kim O'Connor's reflections on SPENCERGATE. 

* Kieran Shiach's IS MARVEL'S FASCIST CAPTAIN AMERICA LOSING COMMAND OF HIS FANS?

* HOW TO GO FREELANCE: NEED-TO-KNOW ADVICE FROM CREATIVES WHO MADE IT.

* Kenneth Steven writes about THE POEM THAT ENDED NORWAY'S CONSTITUTIONAL BAN ON JEWS. 

* Two FLASH FICTION pieces by Frederick Foote.