Want to start reading awesome indie comics without entering a comic book store? = Panel Syndicate

Panel Syndicate takes place in the United States in 2076, after the "cloud" has burst, spilling people's secrets everywhere. Now everyone has a secret identity and no one uses the internet. It's a very, very interesting premise that is introduced effectively in this first issue. It is an indie comic, so there is some violence and innuendo, be advised.

The artwork is original and lovely and the panels have this gorgeous cinematographic quality to them that's really hard to pull off, especially in web comic form.

You can download a PDF of the comic for free, but I request on behalf of the artists and writers that you contribute at least $3 (the going price of many monthly comics)

Available right this minute: http://panelsyndicate.com/

In case you're tempted to think all magazines are trash = Creative Nonfiction

Beautiful, heart wrenching essays, articles on becoming a better writer, inspiration- all of these things are found in the pages of Creative Nonfiction, a literary magazine. Publications like this bridge the gap between popular culture and academia, making good literature more approachable and accessible. Whether its this magazine or a different one, I heartily recommend picking one up or finding one online. Reading it is really helping me as a writer, and I hope it will do the same for you!

Craving quirky nonfiction essays in comic form? = Autobiographix

I saw the cover of this anthology in my local comic book store and picked it up immediately. I'm always drawn to anthologies, especially when they're comic anthologies, because I really enjoy seeing different artists' and writers' work bound together in one issue. It's a great way to discover what you enjoy and appreciate about different styles and techniques.
Also, because I realize that I'm still talking in academic language, they're just plain awesome. The stories in this collection are all strikingly unique; some are deep and thought-provoking, and others are dark, and some are totally unexpected. There's even a recipe for chicken Parmesan for two. The artwork is beautiful, for the most part, and the black and white coloring really puts a nice focus on the artist's use of ink and shadow, which is a nice change of pace from superhero comics.