Todd Webb has produced a diverse array of work over the past twenty-five years, including diary comics, experimental comics, illustrations, animation, and the daily comic strip The Poet, which he started in 2020. This year, Webb is set to launch The Poet Quarterly, a subscription-based showcase for his comic strip accessible through his website, with two issues also available at the Small Press Expo (SPX).
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Webb has been involved with SPX for many years, dating back to the early 2000s, where he first created his long-form work, The Goldfish & Bob, released in 2021. He plans to debut a 25th anniversary edition of the comic at this year's event, which will include additional content and notes.
Many fans have praised Webb's lighthearted and whimsical approach, including comic artist Jeffrey Brown, who remarked on Webb's ability to express a love of life through his comics. His work is often compared to that of Charles Schulz, known for the Peanuts comic strip, in its blend of humor and existential themes.
In a recent interview, Webb shared insights into his dedication to his craft. He mentioned the joy of working with vintage comics and how his new comic strip has organically developed over time. Webb, who grew up in Westfield, Massachusetts, draws heavily on personal experiences and memories, such as visits to Long Pond Road.
Webb's journey in comics has been marked by significant milestones, from his early work to collaborations with musicians and other artists. Notably, his project Tuesday Moon, a children's book created in 2007 and republished in 2015, features the story of a young girl who befriends the moon.
Reflecting on his process, Webb spoke about how he initially planned to create a comic about poet Robert Lax, but the idea evolved into The Poet, where he explored the joys and challenges of creativity through the lens of a fictional poet and his pigeon companion.
The Poet Quarterly, which aims to engage directly with readers, is designed as a subscription service to combat the challenges posed by social media algorithms restricting visibility. Webb hopes to create a tangible experience through this initiative, inviting reader interaction and participation.
As he prepares to celebrate the 25th anniversary of The Goldfish & Bob, Webb encourages aspiring artists to persevere in their creative endeavors. "Keep going," he would tell his younger self, a testament to his enduring dedication to the craft of comic creation.