Now, where were we?
As if the world isn't ending.
Happy March Splatterpeeps! There’s a lot of fun stuff to cover this month, but before we dig into this month’s issue, be sure to check out…
…and don’t forget to browse the splatter archives to catch up on previous entries.
Okay folks, we’re almost there! A major announcement is right around the corner. News about my next original title goes out this month and the press release will cover more than just a graphic novel. I’d love to spill all the details here, but the publisher is handling the release, so I have to let them break the story.
Longtime Splatterheads may remember the upcoming project from when I announced the publishing deal back in 2024 (Feel free to dig through the archives and guess which one it is) but since production began, what started as a modest story has grown into one of my proudest and most ambitious creative ventures yet.
I’ll likely do a mid-month Splatter post when it’s finally time, so stay tuned! And If you’re familiar with my past work, trust me when I tell ya’…this one’s gonna throw you off in the best way possible. Until then, business as usual.
INDIGO BOOKS SIGNING & FAN EXPO VANCOUVER 2026
Firstly, a quick thank you to everyone who came out to my book signing at Indigo Books in downtown Vancouver. I’ve done signings at comic shops, book fairs, and convention booths before, but this was my first major mainstream retail event, so it marks another milestone in this crazy journey. With what’s coming later this year, I’m glad I established this relationship early! I’ll be back to Indigo later this year, so if you’re local and missed it, don’t worry. You’ll get another chance soon enough.
Next…FAN EXPO. Ooooh boy. Two more milestones checked off! Big ones, too:
First special guest appearance in a major convention - check.
First time manning my own table for 3 freakin’ days at a major convention - check.
I’ve been a special guest at smaller events before, and sat at my own table at least twice for a single day, but this was on a whole other level. Doing this while managing multiple projects only slightly killed me, but catching a nasty bug at the end of the show is what really kicked my ass. But hey! I’m still here.
The show was packed, I nearly sold out of my entire EDENFROST and THE LAST WARDENS TPB inventory and I even got to see some familiar faces, with creator friends holding the line alongside me and a few of my VFS students stopping by to say hi. It was exhausting, but productive. Since I’ll be doing a lot of these this year, it was a proper trial by fire. But by the end, my energy levels dipped way below zero.
I may look like I’m powered by a nuclear reactor, but I’m actually a mildly misanthropic introvert in disguise. Which means it’s time to recharge. Crawl into a dark cave. Avoid humanity. Until the next show…(Smooth transition in 3…2…1) SPEAKING OF WHICH:
UPCOMING EVENTS:
March 22, 2026 @ 11AM-5PM: Guest Creator @ Vancouver Comicon (March Edition). Heritage Hall, 3102 Main Street, Vancouver B.C. V5T 3G7
April 23-26, 2026: Guest creator @ Calgary FAN EXPO
Announcements about my Summer / fall plans to appear in May’s Mindsplatter.
ONLINE SHORT TRACK COURSES AT VFS:
Quick heads up: alongside the more in-depth Writing for Animation class I teach in Vancouver Film School’s one-year program, I’ll be launching an online-only intro version this April through VFS’s Short-Track program. Unlike the on-site class, it’s open to everyone, no full program enrollment required, and it’s a real blast. If you want to learn more about writing for cross-medium animation…
But wait, there’s more!
In May, I’ll also be running an introductory Writing for Graphic Novels class through the same short-Track program, alongside the on-site class for my next cohort. If you want to learn about comic writing development, formatting, tools, and business practices, I’ll post the signup link for that in next month’s issue.
If you’re thinking, “What? No industry insights? No project sneak peeks? What kind of bullshit is this?” Look, I hear you. I understand. But IT’S MY FUCKING BLOG AND I’LL WRITE WHAT I WANT, FOOL!
*E-Ehem* Sorry. I don’t know where that came from…
As I was saying, all the events and production work this month drained the ever-living ass juice out of me. Soon, I’ll be strapped into a turbulent marketing, PR, and production rollercoaster for at least two years, demanding serious energy, focus, and attention. I need to have some fun. And what better way to do that than geeking out over my favorite media from the past few months? If you’ve read Mindsplatter media recommendations before, you know the deal. If not, I hope you enjoy this week’s picks, starting with…
TAKOPI’S ORIGINAL SIN
Where to watch: Crunchyroll, Netflix.
Let me start by saying this show is NOT FOR EVERYONE. The sheer number of advisory warnings at the opening is enough to turn a lot of viewers away, and for good reason. This beautifully animated, gut-wrenching, and masterfully produced Anime, based on a web manga by Taizen 5, follows Takopi, a cute, Kirby-like alien who lands on Earth with one mission: to spread happiness. When he meets Shizuka, a lonely and deeply distressed fourth grader, he vows to bring back her smile using his magical Happy Gadgets. But as he uncovers the reality of her life, Takopi learns that true happiness requires far more than gadgets.
This is a six-episode limited series. A proper one-and-done. It’s gorgeous, smart, emotional, and guaranteed to MENTALLY FUCK YOU UP. The show tackles suicide, domestic abuse, depression, bullying, and toxic positivity in ways you likely have never seen before. The trigger warnings should not be taken lightly. That said, if you stick with Takopi, you’re in for something special. It’s one of the best shows I’ve watched in years, a masterclass in storytelling, and an easy recommendation. Just be warned: it will leave you traumatized, jaw-dropped, and in dire need for therapy.
APOCALYPSE HOTEL
Where to watch: Crunchyroll.
Yes. I have two Anime series for you today. Don’t blame me! It’s not my fault Japan keeps cranking out some of the best stories I’ve consumed in ages. I wanted to include some games and comics in this month’s edition, but this issue is already long enough, so those will have to wait for future Splatters. ANYHOW. If Takopi bummed you out, here’s a heartwarming treat to counter the psychological damage.
Apocalypse Hotel is simply delightful. It’s an Anime-original sci-fi comedy about Yachiyo, a robot manager running an isolated Tokyo hotel as society collapses and nature reclaims the world. She does her best to keep operations running and her staff working, while faithfully awaiting the return of guests to Ginzaro. It’s wholesome, gentle, nostalgic, and a little melancholy. It also reminds me of elements from some of my upcoming projects, especially STOMPING GROUNDS, which Elliot and I have been developing with Humanoids Publishing, so I’m admittedly biased. That said, the show has cozy vibes, excellent animation, a unique premise, and a cast of lovable, hilariously dysfunctional characters. If you’re in the mood for something optimistic and comforting, but not shallow or mind-numbing, this one’s for you.
And that’s it for now! Expect a special surprise Splatter soon, IN ADDITION to your scheduled monthly dose. Until then - stay warm, stay safe and …
~ Amit Tishler
I’m excited for the major announcement!! I’ll have to check out Takopi’s Original Sin. Thanks again for everything!
Also pumped for this announcement and looking forward to chatting to you soon on Comix 4 All!