State of Art: Anchorage’s Duke Russell reflects on the good and bad of childhood with his first comic book

A page from Duke Russell’s comic “My Paper Route.” (Image courtesy of Duke Russell)

This week on State of Art we’re talking with Anchorage artist Duke Russell. At the end of 2019, he released his first comic book called “My Paper Route.” It’s a lighthearted, but heartfelt look at what it was like being a young Russell trying to navigate the high hopes and crushing realities of a kid seeking financial independence. From deadbeat customers who refused to pay to his family skipping on rent in the middle of the night, it’s a child-like narrative told and illustrated in a way only Russell can.

Related: State of Art: Anchorage artist Duke Russell interviews collaborator Ted Kim

He tells us about his history with comics, self-reflection while sober and we get a taste of his current musical project, The Shirt Tuckers.

LINKS:
Duke Russell’s website
Duke’s Facebook
Duke Russell Experience Facebook (The Shirt Tuckers)

Ammon Swenson is Alaska Public Media’s Audio Media Content Producer. He was born and raised in Anchorage, Alaska. He graduated from UAA in 2018 with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and integrated media. He’s previously worked for KRUA radio, the Anchorage Press, and The Northern Light.

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