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Internationally recognized authority on comics and visual communication, Scott McCloud wrote the book on how comics work (Understanding Comics.) Now he vaults into fiction with a breathtaking, funny, and unforgettable new work. In The Sculptor, McCloud delivers a spellbinding adult urban fable about a wish, a deal with death, the price of art, and the value of life. Join KCRW’s Elvis Mitchell for a conversation with McCloud on his long-awaited magnum opus and the power of storytelling.

Scott McCloud

Scott McCloud

Scott McCloud is the award-winning author of Understanding Comics (a 215-page comic book about comics that explains the inner workings of the medium, translated into 16 languages); Making Comics; Zot!; and many other fiction and non-fiction comics spanning 30 years. An internationally-recognized authority on comics and visual communication, technology, and the power of storytelling, McCloud has lectured at Google, Pixar, Sony, and the Smithsonian Institution. The Sculptor is his most recent book.


Elvis Mitchell

Elvis Mitchell

Elvis Mitchell is host of the pop culture radio show The Treatment on KCRW 89.9 FM, and film curator of year-round programming for href=”http://www.filmindependent.org/”Film Independent. Previously, he hosted the TCM interview program “Under the Influence” and was also chief film critic for “Movieline.” Prior to this, Mitchell served as the film critic at The New York Times and was the entertainment critic for NPR’s Weekend Edition. He produced and co-created The Black List, Volume One, the NAACP Image Award winning documentary focusing on achievement in the African American community. He was also nominated by the WGA for his work on “The AFI Lifetime Achievement Award: Sidney Poitier.”


Frequently Asked Questions

  • Why do programs fill so quickly?

    ALOUD provides a unique experience for the public to engage with scholars, authors, and artists in the intimate 235-seat Mark Taper Auditorium. Library Foundation Members have the benefit of reserving for programs in advance of the public. Consider joining as a Member to receive this benefit, and check the website on an on-going basis for program availability. Be sure to subscribe to our email alerts, and visit our Media Archive for podcasts and other items from our recent programs.

  • Where does ALOUD take place?

    Unless otherwise noted, ALOUD programs are held at the downtown Central Library’s Mark Taper Auditorium.

  • Where should I park?

    We recommend taking public transportation. Parking for the Central Library is at the Westlawn Garage at 524 S. Flower Street. For more information, visit the Library’s website.

  • Should I purchase the author’s book in advance?

    We encourage you to purchase books from the Library Store. All proceeds benefit the Los Angeles Public Library. Books are made available for purchase when you reserve for a program online, and are also on sale at programs. In order to participate in the book signing, you must purchase at least one book from The Library Store. Members receive discounts on purchases.

  • Where can I find podcasts and videos of ALOUD programs?

    Podcasts and videos from our programs are available free online at our growing Media Archive. Visit the archive at lfla.org/media-archive to explore hundreds of podcasts and videos spanning 20+ years of ALOUD’s history bringing authors, artists, and t thinkers to the Los Angeles Public Library.