A victorian Gent reading

Have a look at this! I've been tinkering with creating a video comic that is tictok friendly! Tell me what you think!

Graphic novels are books that use sequential art and text to tell a story. They are a hybrid of comic books and traditional novels, and often use the visual language of comics to convey both narrative and emotional elements. Graphic novels can cover a wide range of genres, including fiction, non-fiction, historical fiction, fantasy, science fiction, and more. They can be aimed at children, young adults, or adults, and can tackle complex themes and subject matter.

Graphic novels are often published in bound volumes and are distinct from comic books, which are typically serialized and released on a monthly or bi-monthly basis. Graphic novels allow for longer, more in-depth storytelling and are often considered a legitimate form of literary expression. They have gained widespread recognition and popularity in recent years, and many graphic novels have been adapted into movies, television shows, and video games. My very favourite graphic novel, and also my favourite big-screen movie adaptation of a comic, is Watchmen. 

 "Watchmen" is a graphic novel written by Alan Moore and illustrated by Dave Gibbons. It was first published in 1986 and is widely considered one of the greatest graphic novels of all time. The story takes place in an alternate history version of the United States, where masked vigilantes were once used to fight crime, but have since been outlawed. The plot revolves around a group of retired superheroes who are brought back into action when one of their own is murdered.

"Watchmen" is known for its dark, complex narrative and mature themes, which address political, social, and philosophical issues such as the morality of power, the nature of justice, and the impact of vigilantism. The art style and use of visual elements, such as the iconic "clock" symbol, also add to the book's impact.

The graphic novel has had a significant impact on popular culture and is often cited as a major influence on the superhero genre. It has been adapted into a film, a video game, and a television series, and has inspired countless other works in comics, movies, and television. Overall, "Watchmen" is a seminal work that continues to be widely read and celebrated for its innovative storytelling, mature themes, and iconic art.

 

 

Chapter 18: His Mark

Though the owners object at first to his paganism, Queequeg impresses them with his skill by hitting a tiny spot of tar on the water with a harpoon. They give him the ninetieth lay, “more than ever was given a harpooneer yet out of Nantucket.” Bildad tries to convert Queequeg to Christianity, but Peleg tells him to give up: “Pious harpooneers never make good voyagers—it takes the shark out of ’em; no harpooneer is worth a straw who ain’t pretty sharkish.” Peleg reminds Bildad that, at sea, practical concerns shove religious matters aside. 

Bayberry Audiobooks · Moby Dick Chapter 18 His Mark

 

Ishmael and Queequeg settle at the Try-Pots for the night, an inn owned by the cousin of the Spouter-Inn’s owner. Ishmael is disturbed by an old topmast above the inn that looks ominously like a gallows. Everything on Nantucket is touched by the sea: the milk tastes of fish, and the innkeeper’s wife wears a necklace of fish vertebrae. The two friends have a supper of hearty chowder.

 I've been a busy boy narrating a series of books  by Shona Richmond based in Norse and Viking mythology. It's a fascinating series exploring the escapades lof the Raghnall family, a dynasty of Irish-Gaelic warriors struggling to emerge victorious in a blood-thirsty era of survival and empire building.

Bayberry Audiobooks · Ragnahll's Reign Capter 51

 I recently stayed in a disused church in the south west of England - Church Camping or Champing as it's affectionally known. You can find out more at champing.co.uk but in short it's a way of raising money to fund the maintenance of these buildings. 

It was a fairly cordial event really, a camp bed was provided along with a kettle and some hot drinks and candles. The bed was by a large leaded window and hd a row of candles on the sill. I decided before I got there that I might do some recording while I was there, and what better to record than Edgar Allen Poe's The Raven? 

I arrived in the mid afternoon and parked up adjacent to the church. I settled in and took the dog for a walk, and by 7.30pm it was getting dark. By 8pm it was pretty much pitch black in the church. I set up my mic and recorder and recited the poem, and shortly after, the heavens opened - that was probably the best bit, the sound of wind, rain and distant thunder while lurking quietly in an ancient church with just my dog Captain for company!

I literally slept on someone's grave...

Below is a the audio recording and below that is a video I also made while there.

Bayberry Audiobooks THE RAVEN by Edgar Allan Poe

It's here, my latest audiobook, The Encore, by Lauren Holmes. I'm so pumped when a book goes on sale, it feels like I've really achieved something! It's quite an interesting concept for a novel - a distant planet, analogous to Earth, is in dire trouble, the ecology of the planet is collapsing due to an invasive new plant species. They've tried everything they can to stop the total destruction of their world, and are forced to look elsewhere to find the skills and talent needed to find solutions. They need people who can think outside the box and be creative and inventive. 
Enter Earth's Connor Kane, not an entirely willing participant in this strange planet's struggle, but he's given no choice but to roll up his sleeves and do what he does best - unlock people's potential!
Have a listen to the first 5 minutes below and checkout the book on Audible.

Bayberry Audiobooks · Sample For Promo