I was recently interviewed on The John Batchelor Show, a nationally syndicated radio talk show out of New York, about On the Ropes. I admit to having known nothing about the show or its host, and a little advance homework indicated that I was about to step into a pretty conservative atmosphere…not necessarily the sanest place to set foot these days, especially considering Ropes’ subject matter. I still don’t know just where Batchelor stands politically on some of the issues of the day – I suspect he’s one of the old-fashioned human being-style Republicans instead of the current flavor of hardcore nutcase – but I do know that I’ve never spoken to a better prepared or more sympathetic interviewer. This is an extremely intelligent and beautifully researched interview, and I heartily recommend you click here to give it a listen.

Francisca Goldsmith of the School Library Journal has just posted a sharp critical review of On the Ropes under the heading “Adult Books 4 Teens” – a distinction that’s as highly appreciated as its favorable comparison to Dickens is, to me, jaw-dropping. Click here to read her take on the book.

Things have been busy here, and imagine my surprise when I realized that the actual anniversary date was a week ago…but I wanted to note that I’ve been running this blog for six years now. It seems like just a few weeks ago that I posted the five-year notice.

In the last 12 months, Dan Burr and I have seen On the Ropes published to very good reviews in the mainstream press, and we’ve even been noticed by a few dedicated comics sites. Some day, despite our Depression-era subject matter, we might actually make some money.  (Yes: as it says in Kings in Disguise, “This is a story about dreams.”)

Reed Waller and I have also completed the Omaha the Cat Dancer finale, NBM volume 8, which will be published in September. As noted, it’s been a busy year; looking back over the past twelve months, I’m surprised that I managed to post as often as I did.

Thanks to all for checking in over the past half-dozen years. I hope you’ll check in here from time to time as the next 12 months unfold.

Writer Wayne Wise recently contributed a fine and favorable review of On the Ropes to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. To read Wise’s nicely researched and conscientiously written piece, click here.

As good as his word, Win Wiacek has posted the second part of his survey of the entire Omaha the Cat Dancer series to date, taking a look at each volume of the NBM reprint project and closing with such lovely phrases as “icon of our industry” and “fully matured work of Art.” Works for me. Click here for the second part of Wiacek’s nicely detailed take on the Cat Dancer’s life and times.

Mike Wold has written a thoughtful review of  On the Ropes for Real Change, a Washington State street newspaper that supports the state’s homeless and low-income citizens. I can’t think of a more appropriate vehicle for a piece on my Depression-era characters. Click here to read Wold’s piece, then surf around the site a little to check out the good work they’re doing.

The slow countdown has begun toward the final volume of Omaha the Cat Dancer hitting shops at the end of summer…and, serendipitously, Win Wiacek recently took a smart and loving look back at the entire series at his Now Read This! blog by reviewing each volume in the current NBM reprint project. That’s a lot of quality comics, and he’s wisely opted to divide his efforts into two hefty posts. Click here to read the first part, and join me in hoping that we won’t have long to wait before he posts part two.

The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Dan DeLuca has written a review of On the Ropes, which he praises as a “steely-eyed book” (love that phrase) while also making a point to rave about Dan Burr’s “stellar artwork.” Click here to read De Luca’s sharply-written review.

Vick Mickunas, whose smart and accessible NPR show Book Nook originates from Dayton, devoted half an hour to broadcasting the sounds of my head cold in tandem with a lively interview about On the Ropes. Click here to play a podcast of the interview.

“Bob H” has just posted a thoughtful (and flattering, which is always nice if not required) piece about On the Ropes. Click here to visit his Four Realities site and have a look at Mr. H’s take on the book.