Stoicism, Comics And Horror: Donald Robertson On Writing The Life Of Marcus Aurelius

The philosophy of Stoicism has inspired the works of countless people and continues to be a driving force for many business leaders and authors today. The same can be said for psychotherapist Donald Robertson, who’s made a career out of applying the principles of Stoicism to everyday life through publications such as How To Think Like A Roman Emperor. 

Robertson’s latest project is a graphic novel focused on the life of Marcus Aurelius and The Comic Vault caught up with him on the process behind writing the comic. In this interview, we explore the challenges of writing a graphic novel steeped in ancient history, capturing the voice of Marcus Aurelius and how Stoicism can be interpreted through the lens of comics. 

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Skip To The End Graphic Novel To Shine A Light On Nirvana And Suicide Awareness

Music can have a transportive effect in that it can make you look back at a fond time in your life. Music has the ability to make a positive impact on mental health, but it can also be the undoing of many promising young artists. Such was the case for Kurt Cobain as he ultimately committed suicide. Writer Jeremy Holt is shining a light on Nirvana and mental health struggles with his new graphic novel Skip to the End.

My 10 Favourite Graphic Novels Of All Time

Graphic novels offer the chance to discover memorable stories in a comic format and since starting The Comic Vault I’ve come across so many. A graphic novel that combines a good story with emotive characters leaves a lasting impression, so I’ve decided to list my top 10 graphic novels of all time.

Visiting Nostalgia & Comics In Birmingham For A Nostalgic Experience

Over the weekend I went down to Birmingham for a comic con at the NEC and to see some of the local sites. Being the comic geek that I am, I was on the lookout for anything pop culture related and I was happy to discover a comic shop called Nostalgia & Comics near to my hotel. The shop looked inviting and seeing I was in town for a comic con, it only seemed right that I went inside.

Sons Of Anarchy: Volume 5 Review

“It all starts with you, son. Not the man you’ll become, but the man you choose to be. No one’s going to hand these things to you. You have to earn them. And until then, one of the hardest things to realise is that nobody owes you anything. You can be anyone — anything — you want to be, son. You can have the world. All you have to do is remember these things…all the things I haven’t done.” – Jax Teller

Sons of Anarchy was one of my favourite series, and I’m continuing to delve into the world through reviewing the comics. Sons of Anarchy: Volume 5, written by Ryan Ferrier and drawn by Matias Bergara, is a standalone story that involves a new prospect joining the club. Dillon is the nephew of Bobby Munson and he seems like a good addition to the Sons to begin with. However, things quickly go wrong and Jax is forced to make a hard decision.

Marvel Zombies 4 Review

“You see this, you plague, you cloud, you curse, whatever you are? Deep down in whatever passes for your mind…do you finally start to understand this about us, about life? You may be relentless and ravenous — but so are we! We will never stop fighting — we will never give up!” – Morbius, The Living Vampire.

The thing I’ve noticed in comics is that the supernatural element of a universe is very underrated, compared to the mainstream superhero factor. This can be said for DC and Marvel, but steps are being taken to shed more light on them. It’s why I’m reviewing Marvel Zombies 4, written by Fred Van Lente and drawn by Kev Walker. It features The Midnight Sons, a team of supernatural heroes that consists of Morbius The Living Vampire, Werewolf By Night, Daimon Hellstrom and Jennifer Kale.

Sons Of Anarchy: Volume 3 Review

“That’s the life, man. Always going to be problems. There’s always going to be a new club trying to rise up, trying to take us down. Trying to be top dog. But we’re family…we stick together.”

Sons Of Anarchy is a show that left behind a hell of a legacy, and I’m continuing to explore it by reviewing the comic collections. Sons Of Anarchy: Volume 3, written by Ed Brisson and drawn by Damian Couceiro, involves a new MC called The Slaughter riding into Tuscon to take over the meth trade. SAMTAZ and SAMCRO comes up against them, threatening to start a war that Jax has to resolve no matter the cost.