ALIA Graphic Podcast

ALIA Graphic Novels and Comics

In this podcast, the ALIA Graphic team discusses the latest news relevant to libraries and graphic novels. We also interview Australian comic book creators in our creator chats series. Our group of volunteers aims to support library staff interested in all aspects of collection development, advocacy and programming related to graphic novels and comics. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. 4D AGO

    126 Folio: Stories of Australian Comics and the Australian Comics Community

    The Australian comics folio website has just been launched and it’s a treasure trove of stories, information, interviews, essays, and so much more on Australian comics, Australian comics creators and the Australian comics community at large. In this episode we have a chat with two of the key researchers involved in the project.  The Lead Investigator for the project was Elizabeth MacFarlane, who is a writer and Associate Professor in Creative Writing at the University of Melbourne where she teaches Graphic Narratives and Critical-Creative Writing Practices.  Gabriel Clark is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Design at the University of Technology Sydney and a creative producer. He was one of the chief investigators in the project. This conversation is not directly about libraries and comics librarianship, but I think it’s a very valuable conversation about the Australian comics community. We’ve got enormous talent in Australia and I feel like comics by Australian creators often go under the radar. I encourage everyone to visit the Folio website and explore its vast contents. 02:48 The Folio comics project is launched! 08:00 Elizabeth and Gabe’s relationship with comics 18:01 What Elizabeth and Gabe learned about the Australian comics community 27:11 How the Folio: Stories of Australian Comics project came about 33:40 Gabe and Elizabeth discuss the Folio project, how it developed and what it looks like 40:51 The future of the Folio project 44:17 Elizabeth and Gabe talk about their highlights in the making of the Folio 50:49 The relationship of universities and academia with comics 57:09 Elizabeth and Gabe recommend some Australian comics Folio: Stories of Australian Comics project website here: https://foliocomics.com/ The Librarians Roundtable Interview is here: https://foliocomics.com/interviews/librarians-roundtable-interview To stay up to date, for the full roundup of news, resources and new titles and our social media links visit our website: https://graphic.alia.org.au/  The ALIA Graphic Groove Theme 2025 courtesy of Clint Owen Ellis https://www.clintowenellis.com/  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 3m
  2. FEB 1

    125 We catch up with everything after the holidays

    We start the year with Jurgi and James trying to catch up with everything that's happened during the summer holidays. 01:42 Jurgi and James breeze through some of the latest news from the world of comics 06:29 James and Jurgi discuss the news that have piqued their interest: the recently announced animated series of Lore Olympusgraphic novel sales were up in 2025 (in the U.S. book market)the UK's National Literacy Trust's excellent article about comics and literacythe 10 most valuable comics ever soldlots of best of 2025 comics lists17:12 The Comics Arts Awards of Australia shorlist and some of our personal favourites 24:43 James and Jurgi discuss their picks from the new titles out in December and January: Labyrinth: Beyond the Goblin City by Delilah S. Dawson, Sas Milledge, Gustavo, Duarte (Boom! Studios)Free Planet by Aubrey Sitterson, Jed Dougherty (Image Comics)Queen Kodiak by Christopher Greenslate, Riccardo Faccini (Maverick)Total THB Vol 1 (of 3) by Paul Pope (Roaring Books Press)A Quick and Easy Guide to Healthy Relationships by Mariah-Rose Marie (Oni Press)I Am Their Silence by Jordi Lafebre, Montana Kane (Random House) 39:36 James and Jurgi go through some of their recent reads 42:50 Freedom to read, the ALIA Graphic Committee and an expression of interest is out to join the judging panel for the Notable Australian Graphic Novels of 2025 - join us! 47:57 ...and ALIA Graphic was formed six years ago To stay up to date, for the full roundup of news, resources and new titles and our social media links visit our website: https://graphic.alia.org.au/  The ALIA Graphic Groove Theme 2025 courtesy of Clint Owen Ellis https://www.clintowenellis.com/  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    50 min
  3. 12/17/2025

    124 Our Favourite Reads of the Year

    For the final episode of 2025 the ALIA Graphic committee gathers to discuss our favourite comics of the year. Luke talks about Ginseng Roots by Craig Thompson, Gachiakuta by Kei Urana and The Strange Tales of Oscar Zahn by Tri Vuong. Sabina talks about Hairy Holes Book 2 by Brenton E McKenna, BS #1 Short Stuff 2020-2025 by Bruce Mutard and Kusama Polka Dot Queen, by Simon Elliot James talks about I Ate the Whole World to Find You by Rachel Ang, “Dr. Werthless” by Harold Schechter and Eric Powell and The Library Mule of Cordoba by Wilfrid Lupano and Leonard Chemineau Iurgi talks about Making Nonfiction Comics: A Guide to Graphic Narratives by Eleri Harris and Shay Mirk, The Once and Future Riot by Joe Sacco with special mentions for Chickenpox by Remy Lai and Cannon by Lee Lai (regrettably he forgot to mention Creature Clinic by Gavin Aung Than but he insists he should have mentioned it and was definitely a highlight of his reading for the year) Mia talks about My Brother's Husband by Gengoroh Tagame and Kickflip by L.D. Lapinski Gabby talks about Inked by Karen Wasson, Jake A. Minton There will not be a roundup episode for December. This is it, we're done for the year, but we will be back at the end of January. In the meantime, read comics! If you like what we’re doing, or if there’s something we could do better, or something we missed, please let us know. We always love feedback. Also, please subscribe and give us a review or five star rating so other people can find us. To stay up to date and for the full roundup of news, resources and new titles visit our website: https://graphic.alia.org.au/ The ALIA Graphic Groove Theme 2025 courtesy of Clint Owen Ellis https://www.clintowenellis.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    41 min
  4. 12/01/2025

    123 Making Nonfiction Comics with Eleri Harris and Shay Mirk

    Shay Mirk and Eleri Harris are award-winning graphic journalists and longtime editors of the critically acclaimed graphic journalism website and publication The Nib. They have recently published Making Nonfiction Comics, an excellent book that combines comics, prose, interviews, infographics and so much more. The book is the perfect field guide to graphic journalism while showcasing valuable skills and practices for creating nonfiction comics. This is a highly recommended book and the conversation with Eleri and Shay was a delight. We hope you enjoy it. 02:53 Book tour and comics festivals 05:04 The genesis of Making Nonfiction Comics: A Guide to Graphic Narratives 08:40 Eleri and Shay talk about their love of comics 14:39 Eleri and Shay talk about their love of libraries 19:20 Making Nonfiction Comics is not just a book about making comics, it’s also about journalism, ethics and so much more. They also discuss the appeal of non-fiction comics. 25:07 The ethics of non-fiction comics and graphic journalism 31:14 The process and beauty of collaboration in the making of the book 37:39 On interviews and contributions from other creators for the book 39:00 Sound advice for young creators and new creators 41:57 Eleri and Shay gives us some recommended titles: Shay’s recommendations: Alex Norris Webcomic Name: https://webcomicname.com100 Demons by Linda BarryCannon by Lee Lai Eleri’s recommendations: Our Members Be Unlimited by Sam WallmanUnderground by Mirranda BurtonStill Alive by Safdar AhmedBig Beautiful Female Theory by Eloise Grills Our next podcast episode (and final one for the year) will be a short episode with members of the ALIA Graphic committee talking about their favourite comics, graphic novels and manga of the year.  If you like what we’re doing, or if there’s something we could do better, or something we missed, please let us know. We always love feedback. Also, please subscribe and give us a review or five star rating so other people can find us. To stay up to date and for the full roundup of news, resources and new titles visit our website: https://graphic.alia.org.au/ The ALIA Graphic Groove Theme 2025 courtesy of Clint Owen Ellis https://www.clintowenellis.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    48 min
  5. 11/29/2025

    122 November Roundup

    In this mont's roundup Iurgi and Gabby go through some of their recent reads, news and new exciting titles. 02:04 Recent reads: Gabby: The First Cat in Space Ate Pizza by Mac Barnett and Shawn Harris Kindred Dragons by Sarah Mansinga  Sword of the Champion by Eric Lide Iurgi: One Punch Man by One, Yusuke Murata Superman: The Last Days of Lex Luthor by Mark Waid, Bryan Hitch Sherlock Holmes: A Study in Scarlet by Crystal S. Chan, Julie Choy 10:28 News:  Alison Bechdel and Tillie Walden in conversation about art, place, and Vermont’s influence on their acclaimed, award-winning graphic memoirs and comics in a rare public conversation.Writer Ram V and Mariko Tamaki extended interviews SLJ’s Best Books 2025 graphic novels span fantasy, sci-fi, horror, memoir, historical fiction, adventure, and contemporary drama with diverse, standout titles curated by librarians.The Comic Book Burnings Project maps and explores post-WWII censorship of comics, documenting dozens of US public book-burnings between 1945-55 and their implications for libraries   24:47  New titles: Iurgi:  Making Nonfiction Comics: A Guide to Graphic Narratives by Eleri Harris, Shay Mirk (Abrams ComicArts) The Once and Future Riot by Joe Sacco (Vintage Publishing – Jonathan Cape)Reel Politik by Nathan Gelgud (Drawn & Quarterly) Winging It by Megan,Wagner Lloyd, Michelle Nutter (Scholastic)Diary Of A Nature Nerd by Tiffany Everett (Scholastic)Not that they need any promotion but the new Dog Man and Wings of Fire Our next podcast episode should be out soon and it will be a creator chat with Eleri Harris and Shay Mirk  talking about their new book Making Nonfiction Comics: A Guide to Graphic Narratives. To stay up to date and for the full roundup of news, resources and new titles visit our website: https://graphic.alia.org.au/ The ALIA Graphic Groove Theme 2025 courtesy of Clint Owen Ellis https://www.clintowenellis.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    37 min
  6. 10/29/2025

    121 October Roundup

    In the October Roundup, Iurgi and Luke start by talking about the treaty going ahead in Victoria and their love o f horror.  4:40 Luke gives a rundown of what’s happened this month 06:24 Iurgi and Luke discuss their recent reads: Iurgi:  The Knives by Ed Brubaker and Sean Philips Godzilla: Skate or Die by Louie Joyce  The Veracity Trap by Chip Kidd, Michael Cho The Hunger and the Dusk by G Willow Wilson, Chris Wildgoose Luke:  Fragments of Horror by Junji Ito Ginseng Roots by Craig Thompson Re reading Harrow Country by Cullen Bunn and artist Tyler Crook 18:16 Iurgi talks about the recent Graphic Narratives Symposium at Melbourne University 22:43 Conversation moves to news: The Oatmeal’s comic: A Cartoonist’s Review of AI ArtBoth Marvel and DC speak up against AI and Jim Lee delivers some beautiful words at NYCCHumanoids files for bankruptcy in the U.S.75th Anniversary of PeanutsShortBox Comics Fair 41:08 New titles out this month: Two new titles by Australian creators:  Making Nonfiction Comics: A Guide for Graphic Narrative by Eleri Harris, Sarah Shay Mirk (Abrams ComicArts) The Past Is a Grotesque Animal by Tommi Parrish (Fantagraphics) Iurgi: Asterix in Lusitania by Jean-Yves Ferri, René Goscinny, Albert Uderzo, and Didier Conrad (Papercutz) Angelica and the Bear Prince by Trung Le Nguyen (Random House) Luke: The Essential Peanuts by Charles M. Schulz (Abrams ComicArts) Adorable Empire By: Laura Terry (Scholastic) Kamudo, Vol. 1 by Akira Himekawa (VIZ Media)  Astral Panic by Katie Hicks (Flying Eye Books) My Life in 24 Frames per Second by Rintaro (Abrams ComicArts) The Space Between The Trees by Norm Konyu (Titan Books)  To stay up to date and for the full roundup of news, resources and new titles visit our website: https://graphic.alia.org.au/ The ALIA Graphic Groove Theme 2025 courtesy of Clint Owen Ellis https://www.clintowenellis.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 1m
  7. 09/15/2025

    119 Comics Librarianship in academia and graphic medicine with Jane Burns

    In the third episode of the Comics Librarianship series Iurgi sits down with Jane Burns, an experienced lecturer, researcher, published author and public speaker. Jane is a member of the Executive Council of the Library Association of Ireland and has been awarded Fellowship status by the LAI for contributions to the development of the profession and commitment to Continuous Professional Development and Research. Jane is currently pursuing a PhD in Education at Dublin City University exploring the field of Graphic Medicine and she was involved in the 15th annual Graphic Medicine Conference through the Technological University of the Shannon where she works. In this conversation Jane discusses her relationship with comics, how academia and universities are embracing comics and why graphic medicine is growing in importance. 02:36 Jane discusses her relationship with comics throughout the years 06:52 How the relationship of academia with comics has changed and why 11:14 Jane and Iurgi discuss some of the strengths of comics as texts, their power and their allure 21:20 Jane discusses universities and how they are increasingly engaging more with comics  24:05 Jane discusses her focus on comics, medicine and teaching environments. She also discusses the International Graphic Medicine Conference in Ireland and upcoming creation of the Irish chapter of the Graphic Medicine Collective. 31:05 Jane discusses some of the main takeaways from the graphic medicine conference and what she would like to see into the future 38:48 What school and public libraries can do in the field of graphic medicine 40:29 Jane recommends some graphic medicine titles to read: The Graphic Medicine Manifesto, MK Czerwiec’s Taking Turn and Menopause, Ian William’s The Bad Doctor and Pascal Jousselin’s Mister Invincible.  The Graphic Medicine International Collective: https://www.graphicmedicine.org  The article Jane mentions about libraries and graphic medicine is Graphic Medicine in Academic Health and Science Library Collections you can find it here: https://jmla.pitt.edu/ojs/jmla/article/view/1962  To stay up to date and for the full roundup of news, resources and new titles visit our website: https://graphic.alia.org.au/  The ALIA Graphic Groove Theme 2025 courtesy of Clint Owen Ellis https://www.clintowenellis.com/  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    44 min

About

In this podcast, the ALIA Graphic team discusses the latest news relevant to libraries and graphic novels. We also interview Australian comic book creators in our creator chats series. Our group of volunteers aims to support library staff interested in all aspects of collection development, advocacy and programming related to graphic novels and comics. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.