At least the Yankees got swept?
Brian here, hoping your weekend was filled with relatively righteous vengeance. It was also a busy few days of envelope-stuffing in my household, but I’m relieved to report that ALL of the Exploding Giraffe Prize Packages have been mailed out to you wildly patient Founders (those of you who’ve gotten back to us with your current mailing addresses, at least).
If you’re a Founder who has NOT yet heard from our intern Genesis the Exploded Giraffe, PLEASE check your sp@m filter, as they’ve been trying to get in touch with you. You’re also welcome to reach out to them directly anytime at: explodinggiraffesubstack@gmail.com
Stay tuned for updates about us possibly reopening that ultimate paid level with some new prizes, but for now, let’s see what artist/co-creator Niko Henrichon has been up to when he’s not pouring an insane amount of work into each of those hand-painted Founder rewards.
Lovingly lettered by the legendary Fonografiks, this week’s new vignette of Spectators finally offers a change of scenery from the interior of that sex-drenched Park Slope brownstone our ghosts Val and Sam have been haunting for the last several installments…
Isn’t that gorgeous double-page spread from Niko positively Lynchian?
Anyway, Sam and Val’s conversation (and unconventional stroll) continues next week. I’m particularly excited about this next segment, so thanks again for helping to make our gradually unfolding graphic novel a reality.
Over the weekend, our monthly/annual paid subscribers in The Tower led another surprisingly inspirational chat, this one about books that have helped to change our lives.
Reader Johnny Hall admitted:
Catch-22 is the answer I give at parties, but in my heart of hearts I’m sure it’s Weiner Dog Art - The Far Side Collection.
I love this answer, but swear it’s not why Johnny was randomly selected as our winner of that Harlan Ellison book that helped change my life:
Behold, I also threw in a signed Saga bookmark! Congrats on reaping the benefits of my magnanimousness, Johnny.
If you’re an Exploding Giraffe reader who’d love to be a part of future private chats and exclusive contests (or if you just want to help us complete Spectators), thanks for considering joining The Tower today:
Say, are you looking for additional ways to procrastinate from this week’s pressing deadlines?
Then here’s a spot of somewhat okay news: I gave some endlessly rambling responses to journalist Kevin Sharp’s thoughtful questions in a fun interview for Fanbase Press.
Enjoy my DayQuil-fueled madness.
Over on my dumb Instagram, I recently revealed the glorious cover by Fiona Staples to January’s upcoming Saga Chapter Sixty-one from Image Comics.
I encourage you to click that link to see Fonografiks’ extremely elegant design for this issue’s logo/trade dress/etcetera, but as an exclusive treat for you loyal giraffes, here’s Fiona’s “raw” cover image for you to inspect for more troubling clues (Where the hell are Hazel’s horns?!?):
In stores January 25th, but why not ask your friendly neighborhood comic-book provider to order your copy today?
Finally, in these deeply troubling times, there’s one question I know we’ve all been asking ourselves:
What did you think of the new Taylor Swift album?
I’ll be personally devastated if this isn’t our most active chat thread ever, so please don’t let me down, Swifties!
Slay the day1,
BKV
Younger Child dared me to end today’s dispatch this way, and DARE ACCEPTED.
I absolutely love the new Taylor Swift album. Karma and Maroon are all timers for her. Great album.
Let me be the first to say: It's me. Hi. I'm the problem. It's me.