“And what is the use of a book,” said Alice, “without pictures or conversation?”
– Lewis Carroll
“And what is the use of any book if it can’t be read to you?”
– Us
The Matter is a literary anthology of short-form illustrated fiction, produced in Portland, Oregon, publishing collaborative comics and illustrated prose from creators the world over. We believe that the synthesis of words and pictures tells a richer story than either can alone, so we aim to couple emerging artists and writers together to create unique, engaging, and provocative tales. Each issue is a smorgasbord of collaborative fiction comics and illustrated prose, presenting stories with disparate motifs, genres, and styles.
To celebrate the long-awaited release of The Matter no. 2, we are proud to present a reading and dramatic enactment of select stories found therein. Prose is to be read aloud while the accompanying illustrations are projected overhead. Comics are to be projected panel-by-panel with the text removed, and the missing lines dramatically read aloud by a cast of players. Featuring stories by Jack Bracken, Gunther Goltz, Eli Lyon, Reid Psaltis, Juan Carlos Rodriguez, A.J. Ryer, Matt Strackbein, Yoni Wilson, and Frasier Ziffer.
So join us at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 6th at the Independent Publishing Resource Center for an evening of compelling fiction, presented for both your listening and viewing pleasure. Wine and refreshments to be provided free, while copies of The Matter nos. 1 & 2 will be available for purchase during the event at a discounted price. We hope you can attend what we hope to make a truly memorable event.