iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Nick Ulanowski @starvingauthor.bsky.social · 07/08/2026

R.L. Stine writes many Goosebumps books about summer camp. The reason for this seems to have been revealed in his autobiography, It Came From Ohio!: My Life As a Writer. I wrote about this, and briefly reviewed The Curse of Camp Cold Lake, Welcome to Camp Nightmare and The Horror at Camp Jellyjam.

starvingauthor.substack.com

Goosebumps Books About Summer Camp Reflect R.L. Stine's Childhood Trauma

When writing Goosebumps books like The Curse of Camp Cold Lake and Welcome to Camp Nightmare, Stine thinks about a specific event from his childhood.

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Nick Ulanowski @starvingauthor.bsky.social · 15/07/2026

My upcoming book, Truth Before Comfort: Confessions of a Comic Book Journalist, will have a chapter about ComicBooks for Kids and photos I recently took at the CB4K warehouse. I wrote about the warehouse on Substack and shared some photos that won't be in the book.

starvingauthor.substack.com

A Peak Inside the ComicBooks for Kids Warehouse

CB4K president Mark Weiss gave me a warehouse tour for my upcoming book, Truth Before Comfort: Confessions of a Comic Book Journalist

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Nick Ulanowski @starvingauthor.bsky.social · 01/06/2026

My Kickstarter still needs to raise 142 dollars in the last 56 hours of the campaign. Back Truth Before Comfort: Confessions of a Comic Book Journalist today:

kickstarter.com

Truth Before Comfort: Confessions of a Comic Book Journalist

A nonfiction book of essays, interviews and news pieces about comics, books and culture.

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Nick Ulanowski @starvingauthor.bsky.social · 30/05/2026

Tune into the Saturday Morning Comic Talk on YouTube tomorrow morning, streaming at 11:30 a.m. CST. I’ll be a guest, promoting the Kickstarter for my book “Truth Before Comfort: Confessions of a Comic Book Journalist”! 😀 We’re also talking about comic book adaptations and conventions.

youtube.com

Saturday Morning Comic Talk 5-30-26

YouTube video by Finish Line Comics

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Nick Ulanowski @starvingauthor.bsky.social · 23/05/2026

Guys, the movie Obsession is about both things. It’s about men not respecting bodily autonomy AND it’s about people who are toxic and possessive in relationships, despite not even liking their partner. Stories can have multiple themes and subtexts. You don’t have to pick just one.

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Nick Ulanowski @starvingauthor.bsky.social · 22/05/2026

I miss when the Kickstarter app sent notifications every single time I got a new backer. I understand how it can be annoying, even in a modest Kickstarter, but it was fine by me. Anyway, pre-order my latest book, “Truth Before Comfort: Confessions of a Comic Book Journalist,” on Kickstarter.

kickstarter.com

Truth Before Comfort: Confessions of a Comic Book Journalist

A nonfiction book of essays, interviews and news pieces that challenge safe interpretations of comics, entertainment and culture.

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Nick Ulanowski @starvingauthor.bsky.social · 20/05/2026

You can not only pre-order Truth Before Comfort: Confessions of a Comic Book Journalist on Kickstarter, but I’m selling postcards of @jorgesantiagojr.bsky.social’s cover artwork. Check it: www.kickstarter.com/projects/sta...

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Nick Ulanowski @starvingauthor.bsky.social · 17/05/2026

The 30-Kickstarter campaign for my upcoming book, Truth Before Comfort: Confessions of a Comic Book Journalist, is almost at the halfway mark! Regardless of when you back the project, your card will be charged on June 3, the last day of the campaign.

kickstarter.com

Truth Before Comfort: Confessions of a Comic Book Journalist

A nonfiction book of essays, interviews and news pieces that challenge safe interpretations of comics, entertainment and culture.

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Phil Falco @philfalcowrites.bsky.social · 08/05/2026

I wrote the Foreword for @starvingauthor.bsky.social's "Truth Before Comfort - Confessions of a Comic Book Journalist"! My Thoughts: lifelinecomics.substack.com/i/195411181/... The Campaign: www.kickstarter.com/projects/sta...

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Nick Ulanowski @starvingauthor.bsky.social · 06/05/2026

Squeak squeak! This is my guinea pig, Shuster, named after the co-creator of Superman, Joe Shuster. Shuster wants you to back “Truth Before Comfort: Confessions of a Comic Book Journalist” on Kickstarter. You can use the QR code in the third pic or this link: www.kickstarter.com/projects/sta...

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Anne Loves 🔜 NYCC @annecomics.bsky.social · 22/04/2026

Me a week ago: I have fairly limited golden age knowledge Me after a week with EC comics: I now have a personal beef with Fredric Wertham and every mainline comic publisher

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Nick Ulanowski @starvingauthor.bsky.social · 03/04/2026

At C2E2, I hosted the ‘Why Horror Comics?’ panel with @hackintimseeley.bsky.social and three other horror comic creators, and the ‘Why Comic Book Crowdfunding?’ panel with @ericpalicki.bsky.social and three other Kickstarter comic creators. I wrote about this, and other con coverage, on Substack.

starvingauthor.substack.com

C2E2 Panels about Horror Comics and Crowdfunding Feature Insights and Camaraderie

Comic creators take the stage at the panels, ‘Why Horror Comics?’ and ‘Why Comic Book Crowdfunding?’

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Nick Ulanowski @starvingauthor.bsky.social · 15/03/2026

I’m very happy to see Weapons win an Oscar, even if it’s just Best Supporting Actress. Weapons is easily one of the best horror films in years.

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Nick Ulanowski @starvingauthor.bsky.social · 14/03/2026

I wrote about Red Scare propaganda, McCarthyism and the 9-page comic I Fell for a Commie, originally published in Love Secrets #32 in 1953. Propaganda isn’t necessarily about logic or emotion, but the same message being repeated over and over again from ostensibly different senders.

starvingauthor.substack.com

The Anti-communist Propaganda in Love Secrets #32 was Laughably Bad

The Cold War-era comic I Fell for a Commie didn't even try to convince you of its worldview and, ironically, made the opposite point.

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Kevin says Eat the Rich @mwgore.bsky.social · 07/02/2026

Honestly, I would pull this out of the mailbox, take it inside, sit down, and read it.

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Devin Whitlock @devinagonistes.bsky.social · 26/01/2026

You’re welcome, Nick! Thanks for illuminating the themes of that book that often get lost in adaptation. The ghost attached to the safe straining to help the mom in the doorway is an image that has stayed with me ever since I first read it!

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Nick Ulanowski @starvingauthor.bsky.social · 26/01/2026

“The holiday season may be over, but the lessons of A Christmas Carol are evergreen. No war but class war!” - @devinagonistes.bsky.social Thanks for sharing my analysis of A Christmas Carol, the original novel by Charles Dickens! 😀

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Devin Whitlock (@devinwhitlock)

The holiday season may be over, but the lessons of A Christmas Carol are evergreen. No war but class war!

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Nick Ulanowski @starvingauthor.bsky.social · 18/01/2026

A Christmas Carol, the original novel, was more radical than its adaptations may have led you to believe. Charles Dickens depicted Ebenezer Scrooge as not just a greedy man but part of a larger system of economic injustice. I wrote about this on Substack, also diving into the Muppets and Red Sonja.

starvingauthor.substack.com

A Christmas Carol was about Proletariat Rage in the Original Novel

Despite the countless adaptations and homages in movies, television and comics, the Charles Dickens novel is still worth reading.

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Billy Domineau 🇵🇸 @billydomineau.bsky.social · 14/12/2025

At SNL I worked with artists who made the funniest, stupidest graphics in no time flat. Some of my biggest jokes would have been impossible without these geniuses building an insane image or finding the perfect real-life photo of a politician. Sucks that their work is being pushed aside for slop.

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Greg Pak @gregpak.net · 14/12/2025

garbage

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Nick Ulanowski @starvingauthor.bsky.social · 07/12/2025

In my latest Substack article, I reported on ComicBooks for Kids (CB4K), highlighting their origin story in 2017, comic artist Art Baltazar’s involvement and Zone Comics & Games in Homewood, IL’s early support for the charity.

starvingauthor.substack.com

ComicBooks for Kids, a Charity Founded by Mark Weiss, Provides Comics to Kids in Hospitals

Operating out of a warehouse in a Chicago suburb, ComicBooks for Kids (CB4K) donates comics and toys to children's hospitals nationwide

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TIM SEELEY Revival on Netflix 8/24! @hackintimseeley.bsky.social · 26/11/2025

It would appear I have shit in the corn flakes of the universe today.

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Maximum Ross💙💛 @rphutch1975.bsky.social · 25/11/2025

The second you put a fictional character above a real human being, YOU are the problem. Theres no ifs, buts or ands about it. Not happy with what you read, fair enough, critique of the work is fine. Threaten a real human being over it? YOU ARE ONCE AGAIN THE PROBLEM. See how that works?

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Adam Serwer @adamserwer.bsky.social · 10/11/2025

Unfortunately still true bsky.app/profile/adam...

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Nick Ulanowski @starvingauthor.bsky.social · 07/11/2025

Check out my deep dive into Hack/Slash from @hackintimseeley.bsky.social and my review of Hack/Slash: Back to School from Zoe Thorogood. “It’s creepy, twisted, beautiful, sexy, creative, heartwarming, heartbreaking, tragic and thought-provoking.” Long live, horror comics.

starvingauthor.substack.com

Hack/Slash: Back to School Review - One of the Best Horror Comics of the Decade

Hack/Slash: Back to School is creepy as hell, has top-notch character writing and uniquely utilizes the comic book medium.

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Nick Ulanowski @starvingauthor.bsky.social · 03/10/2025

I’m reducing my output on Substack from twice a month to once a month. In my latest, I explained why and reflected on everything I’ve reported on and reviewed in the comic book world in the last six months. I also shouted out comic creators and journalists who expressed support for my Substack.

starvingauthor.substack.com

Important Update Regarding this Substack

From here on out, new articles will only be posted on the first Friday of the month

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Nick Ulanowski @starvingauthor.bsky.social · 20/09/2025

I wrote about Goosebumps, diving into the original Haunted Mask novel, the telivision adaptation in the 1990s and the recent graphic novel adaptation. All three are great to check out this Halloween.

starvingauthor.substack.com

The Haunted Mask (Goosebumps Graphic Novel #1) Review

Maddi Gonzalez wrote and drew a top-notch comic Adaptation of one of the best children's horror stories.

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Greg Pak @gregpak.net · 19/09/2025

what the fuck are you going to DO chuck? you're posting like a fucking INFLUENCER instead of a SENATOR tell us what you're DOING and what WE can do OUTRAGE is pointless without ACTION (and the midterms are too fucking far away, so don't fucking talk about THAT right now)

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Nick Ulanowski @starvingauthor.bsky.social · 01/08/2025

I spent nearly a month working on my latest Substack article, Three Great Moments in Superman Comics. Not only is about three great moments but it dissects what Superman represented in each era of comics.

starvingauthor.substack.com

Three Great Moments in Superman Comics

The Golden Age, the Silver Age and the Modern Age all had excellent Superman comic books

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Phil Falco @philfalcowrites.bsky.social · 19/07/2025

James Gunn’s #Superman is probably the most anticipated film of the summer – with both expectant fans and naysayers eagerly awaiting the discourse. And there is MUCH DISCOURSE to be had! Read @comicuno.bsky.social's and my SUPERMAN reviews ⬇️ lifelinecomics.substack.com/i/167079200/...

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Nick Ulanowski @starvingauthor.bsky.social · 06/07/2025

After reviewing the previous three issues of Archie is Mr. Justice for CBR, I reviewed the fourth and final issues on Substack. In my review, I wrote about the character of Reggie Mantle and how anger and jealousy can consume you if you allow it. starvingauthor.substack.com/p/archie-is-...

starvingauthor.substack.com

Archie is Mr. Justice #4 Review: A Powerful Tearjerker that Understands Reggie Mantle

The epic conclusion to the four-part miniseries is an excellent superhero comic book and a top-notch Archie comic book.

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Robert J. Sodaro @rjsodaro.bsky.social · 11/03/2024

Here is my review of Nick Ulanowski's amazing novel "Massacre at the Comic Shop" hubpages.com/literature/m...

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Nick Ulanowski @starvingauthor.bsky.social · 20/06/2025

I wrote about the No King protests, Marxist social theory and the legendary comic strip, Calvin and Hobbes, in my new Substack article. As much as that sounds like a rant, it’s not. It has an underlying point and a thesis. 😄

starvingauthor.substack.com

No Kings: How Calvin and Hobbes Depicted Power Imbalances and Exploitation

Millions Marched in a June 2025 Protest and a 1995 Calvin and Hobbes Comic Strip Showed the Attitude of Men Like President Trump

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Block Club Chicago @blockclubchi.bsky.social · 15/06/2025

UPDATE: An estimated 75,000 people marched in Chicago's 'No Kings' protest, organizers said. blockclubchicago.org/2025/06/14/c...

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Phil Falco @philfalcowrites.bsky.social · 06/06/2025

"[I]n a way, Witches of Oz #1 represents everything we’re fighting for – a good, LGBTQ+ comic book that simply exists and is enjoyable to read." Check out a lovely review of "The Witches of Oz #1" by @starvingauthor.bsky.social to ring in Pride Month! substack.com/inbox/post/1...

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Nick Ulanowski @starvingauthor.bsky.social · 07/06/2025

For Pride Month, I wrote about Lawrence's 1993 coming out story in the newspaper comic strip, For Better or For Worse, Veronica #202 from Archie Comics and Witches of Oz #1 from Lifeline Comics. I also provided historical context about why Pride matters and hopped on my own soapbox.

starvingauthor.substack.com

Three Comics to Read for Pride Month

Celebrate Pride by reading a trailblazing newspaper comic strip storyline, the introduction of Archie Comics' first LGBTQ+ Character and a 2024 Kickstarter comic book.

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Nick Ulanowski @starvingauthor.bsky.social · 18/05/2025

At long last, I reviewed Samson #1 from Ben Lacy and Biting Comics. The final version was a little different than what was sent out to everyone’s email. I’d prefer that readers read this piece on the Substack app or website.

starvingauthor.substack.com

Samson #1 Review: A Superhero Comic Exploring Jewish Trauma and Identity

Samson #1, written by Ben Lacy, drawn by Jhonesbas Craneo and published by Biting Comics in 2024, shows promise for what's to come in the ongoing series.

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Barbie Yaga @babsblogs.bsky.social · 04/05/2025

This is a great post about Reggie!!

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Nick Ulanowski @starvingauthor.bsky.social · 02/05/2025

I wrote about the softer side of Reggie Mantle and how @archiecomics.bsky.social creators should stop erasing the character. Even if you know nothing about Archie Comics, I’d appreciate you reading this because I’m proud of it. open.substack.com/pub/starving...

open.substack.com

Betty’s Diary #20 and Betty & Veronica: Senior Year Revealed Reggie’s Softer Side

Two comics revealing the softer side of Reggie Mantle demonstrate why Archie Comics writers should stop depicting him as a rotten, malicious character.

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Nick Ulanowski @starvingauthor.bsky.social · 29/04/2025

Change of plans. My Substack article this Friday will be about the softer side of the Archie Comics character, Reggie Mantle. Stay tuned. This has been on my mind for a long time. I want this piece published the day before Free Comic Book Day and weeks before Archie is Mr. Justice #4 is released.

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The Onion @theonion.com · 20/04/2025

Catch all the food that misses your mouth with a shirt from The Onion Store. store.theonion.com/c...

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