SDCC 2023: Adrian Tomine on Shortcomings

Most people cringe a little when they look at their younger selves. Cartoonist Adrian Tomine certainly doesn't love revisiting his older work, but he was challenged to do so when adapting his own graphic novel, Shortcomings, for director Randall Park. We're ecstatic to have Tomine on the podcast today, discussing his recent revisitation of a work that gripped both of us when we cracked the page. The creator is generous with his time, process, and internal life.

Shortcomings is - what did TNT use to call them - a new classic. It focuses on Ben Tanaka, a viciously judgemental twenty-something whose long-time relationship has suddenly erupted into uncertainty. Hit up your Google machine and find a classic review; no doubt the critic tackling the comic will address the likability issue. We certainly bring it up with Adrian Tomine in our conversation, and his answer is so beautifully Comic Book Couples Counseling.

After this conversation, be sure to follow Adrian Tomine on his Instagram and through his Website. Purchase Shortcomings via Drawn & Quarterly or wherever fine comic books are sold. You can find your local shop HERE. The Shortcomings movie arrives in theaters on August 4th from Sony Pictures Classics.

This episode is part of our San Diego Comic-Con International celebration. Our chat with Adrian Tomine aligns with Day Two. Listen to our Day One episode with Paul Cornell HERE. Tomorrow, Chris Condon and Jacob Phillips will join us to discuss The Enfield Gang Massacre. On Sunday, Julie Sakai and Stan Sakai will be on the podcast talking about Usagi Yojimbo and all things Dogu Publishing. You better get subscribed to Comic Book Couples Counseling.

And, if you haven't already, now's the time to join our Patreon, where superstar cartoonist Daniel Warren Johnson just recorded an epic chat with us about his favorite single-issue comic, The 'Nam #9. It's all part of our new Patreon podcast series, where we ask cool comic book creators to choose their favorite floppy comic.

Other Relevant Links:

• CBCC Counseling Invincible's Mark & Eve
• Shannon and Luke Lieberman on Red Sonja
• Tyler Crook on The Lonesome Hunters: The Wolf Child
• Brad gust-stars on the Missing Frames podcast
• Adrian Tomine on Recommend If You Like

FINAL ROUND OF PLUGS (PHEW): Don't forget to grab your tickets for our July 30th Alamo Drafthouse Winchester screening of Scott Pilgrim vs. The World, co-sponsored by Four Color Fantasies. Don't forget! Watch the latest episode of The B&B Show, where Brad and Bryan Review the Hottest Cinematic Releases. And, of course, follow Comic Book Couples Counseling on Facebook, on Instagram, and on Twitter @CBCCPodcast, and you can follow hosts Brad Gullickson @MouthDork & Lisa Gullickson @sidewalksiren. Send us your Words of Affirmation by leaving us a 5-Star Review on Apple Podcasts. Continue your conversation with CBCC by hopping over to our website where we have reviews, essays, and numerous interviews with comic book creators. Podcast logo by Aaron Prescott @acoolhandfluke, podcast banner art by @Karen_XmenFan.