Episode 213 – Comics, Surf Rock, and the Weirdness of Time: On Tom Manning’s ’Eric’

2026-05-27

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Tom Manning's 2018 graphic novel Eric is that rarest of gems: the self-published masterpiece. Available only on the author's website, it's the story of a washed-up surf rocker who stumbles into a cosmic conspiracy involving elite cultists, post-apocalyptic cowboys, renegade magicians, and three-eyed djinn. In this episode, Manning's work serves as a shining example of what makes comics such a unique and potent art form. There's no need to have read the book before listening—but know that you'll probably want to do when you're done. You're welcome. Visit the Weirdosphere website t...

Tom Manning's 2018 graphic novel Eric is that rarest of gems: the self-published masterpiece. Available only on the author's website, it's the story of a washed-up surf rocker who stumbles into a cosmic conspiracy involving elite cultists, post-apocalyptic cowboys, renegade magicians, and three-eyed djinn. In this episode, Manning's work serves as a shining example of what makes comics such a unique and potent art form. There's no need to have read the book before listening—but know that you'll probably want to do when you're done. You're welcome.

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References

Tom Manning, ERIC

Leslie Stevens, “So So Surreal”

“Beach Bum #1”

Mike Relm, “Change the Channel”

Gilles Deleuze and Félix Guattari, What is Philosophy?

Sarah Heston, “Magical Los Angeles: An Interview with Tom Manning”

Scott McCloud, Understanding Comics

David Mamet, On Directing Film

Richard J. Lewis (dir.), Whale Music