A long time favorite of mine from way back in my independent weekly “New Times” days back in Phoenix, “Tom the Dancing Bug” is that rare strip that is subversive, mainstream, edgy, controversial, classic and most of all, just freakin’ funny. Ruben is one of those guys I’ve wanted to talk to since I began podcasting, and I’m honored to have him on the show to talk about “Super Fun Pak Comix,” “God Man,” and the cool things he has in development for the future.
TTR Episode 88 – Ruben Bolling: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download
Another great show! I was a little disappointed though that you didn’t ask Reuben about his recent move to Boing Boing.
Tony! Yeah…trust me, I had a stack of questions, but time constraints. I only had 30-40 minutes with him, and man, it flew by…one of those conversations that just flowed nicely, and I thought he had some very candid things to say. I would’ve loved to have gotten into the Salon/Boing-Boing thing…not even sure if he could, honestly.
Yes, I enjoyed this one, as I do all of your shows.
This next bit isn’t so much about this particular guest, but just something to throw out there for discussion… there are a couple of big questions you ask most of your guests: “Are newspapers dieing?” and “Is the IPhone/IPad going to save us all?” I think these are great questions, but I would like to see a deeper discussion of the subject… something more like a con panel with several people who would actually talk about this in a substantive way (rather than just insulting each other as what tends to happen at TDC).
Perhaps if you were to gather yourself as moderator, the Comics Coast to Coast folks, an IPhone Developer, a syndicate guy or 2, and someone who has actually been through the submission process with Apple all together to answer our questions and to ask each other questions and get a discussion going.
Potential questions for such a panel might include…
What does it cost to develop for IPhone? Are there any plug-and-play software packages to make a simple ebook of cartoons with?
What are the restrictions for getting onto ITunes? Jobs is trying to make it safe and tasteful… what are the limits? There seems to be a double standard, with Podcasts containing all sorts of vulgar language and topics, but cartoons need to “not ridicule” people (even, it would seem, politicians and celebrities). I would like to hear about someone with first hand experience dealing with Apple.
Will newspapers be successful in transitioning from print to electronic delivery? If so, will they bring their comics pages with them?
Will money be made off of selling cartoon apps, or will those be free and the money will be made from hard copy books, t shirts, buttons, plushes, etc?
Is the transition to smart phone/pad apps necessary to the survival of not only for print strips, but for webcomics as well?
Hmmm… it says “4 Comments” up above, but I only see 3.
Of course, it will say 5 when I post this, and it will really be 4…
“Pings & Trackbacks” counts as a comment. Ping, ping, ping.
Rick! Great idea for a panel…of course, no one’s asked me to host any panels, but it’s a great idea.
I’ll see if I can maybe gather such a group of dignitaries on the podcast. It’s certainly topical.
Lemon…you are wise beyond your years. Ping ping pong pong.
Tom, you should see about getting a Press or Pro pass for Comic Con… then you can create your OWN panels!
But actually, I originally meant that you should do a panel kind of thing for a podcast.
I’ve been on a press pass for the past two years at the Con! (Not sure how I slipped into those ranks…me and Woodward and Bernstein, same pass. Weird.) I will look into the iPad panel, though…it’ll give me an excuse to go to the Apple store and play with one.
Apologies, here follows a belated pat on the back. Wow, another corker of a podcast. Brilliant stuff! Just getting better and better. You’re on a roll Tom!
I am now a follower of Tom the Dancing Bug. The title, I must admit, threw me for a bit, but then I saw what he does. I am now hooked. Thanks for introducing (at least) this listener to to some very entertaining new web comics!
Thanks, Wingnut…praise from Ceasar indeed.
And Flawed-man….I’m thrilled to have gotten you into that guy’s work. He’s a top fiver for me. ALWAYS funny, topical, interesting. “This Modern World” by Tom Tomorrow is another one to look for…might be a little TOO American political oriented, but it’s freakin’ brilliant stuff.
American politics is fascinating. Partly because of its intricacies, and partly because of how it resembles a road accident. It’s probably this amazing combo that makes it ripe for commentary. I’m actually a fan of politics (like some of contact sport) and not just the American kind! Aussie politics has its own quirks which are equally fascinating and cringe-worthy. An Aussie political cartoon is this one: http://www.crikey.com.au/firstdog/ You just may find some of its humor strangely familiar!