Dreaming In The Dark

How do we critically engage with complicated, even toxic, fantasy fandoms? In our longest episode yet, we talk to Stitch, a Black fan, writer, and critic, about their history with fandom, writing & working in different spaces, and their advice for those who are new to fandom.

How does reimagining the stories of marginalized superheroes reshape the canon itself? In this episode we talk to Stephanie Williams, comic historian, pop culture critic, and author of several webcomics such as Living Heroes as well as the DC Comics Nubia & the Amazons and the upcoming Nubia: Queen of the Amazons series, about the critical process of choosing a creative medium, playing with longstanding comic characters, and the visibility of Black characters in adaptation. [NOTE: This episode was recorded in 2021 before the launch of the first issue of Nubia & the Amazons.]

What does it mean to illustrate an extraordinary Black girl's ordinary coming-of-age? In this episode we talk to Robyn Smith, the Jamaican cartoonist & illustrator of DC Comics' Nubia: Real One, Black Josei Press' Wash Day, and her own mini-comic The Saddest Angriest Black Girl in Town, about her journey to working on comics and the power of showing the everyday moments of growing up Black.

What does it mean to reimagine fantasies we grew up with & the world we want to see? In this episode we talk to bestselling author Kalynn Bayron, bestelling author of Cinderella is Dead and This Poison Heart, about fairytales, abolitionist worldbuilding, and the stories publishing needs. Episode Transcript

How can Black scholars write & teach Black futures in the academy? In this episode we talk to Dr. Stephanie Toliver, professor of children's science fiction and fantasy and curator of the Reading Black Futures database, about public scholarship, endarkened storywork, and her journey into academia. Episode Transcript