Matthew Brown Comics Ambient Zero Publications
Comics about the strangeness of life
Matthew Brown Comics Ambient Zero Publications
Comics about the strangeness of life
Comic Covers and Pages from Matthew Brown
Discover Ambient Zero Comics
Meet Matthew Brown
Video of Matthew Brown drawing comics live in Boston, MA as an improvised collaboration with former Ornette Coleman pianist Dave Bryant on keyboards, Jorrit Dijkstra on sax, Miki Matsuki on drums, Jacob William on bass and Daniel Kurganov on violin. (August 15, 2024)
Matthew Brown participated in the Montreal underground comics scene of the early 1990s with Gogo Guy / Éditions Trip Comix and continued upon returning to Toronto, launching his own Ambient Zero Publications.
“Ambient Zero” refers to the ground state of all phenomena—a field of limitless potential.
Brown’s books include FALL SOUND: 4 and 1/2 Songs by Mark E. Smith's THE FALL (2025), Monk: WORK (2025,) TEARS FOR ERIC: The Appearance and Disappearance of Eric Dolphy (2023), ORNETTE SPEAKS: A Cartoon Grammar (2020), ROTHKO: A Comic Strip Memoir (2019), WHAT IS MEDITATION? And Why Should I Do It? (2018), ARCHITECTURE DEPARTMENT (2016) and FEAR ITSELF: Collected Strips 1988-2008 (2011.)
Jazz Comics - experimental documentary comix on jazz masters
Monk: WORK
TEARS FOR ERIC: The Appearance and Disappearance of Eric Dolphy
TEARS FOR ERIC: The Appearance and Disappearance of Eric Dolphy
An expressionist romp through the stage, the studio and the street with enigmatic piano genius Thelonious Monk (1917-1982). It is a matter of public record that Monk was a founder of the revolutionary jazz style called bebop, along with Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie Parker and later, Miles Davis.
Monk’s music parades an off
An expressionist romp through the stage, the studio and the street with enigmatic piano genius Thelonious Monk (1917-1982). It is a matter of public record that Monk was a founder of the revolutionary jazz style called bebop, along with Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie Parker and later, Miles Davis.
Monk’s music parades an offbeat pageantry where the absurdity of life is never mocked or scorned—but rather treated with a sweet delectation and elevation. Artist Matthew Brown’s brush style is gestural and wild. Like the music itself—angular, dissonant, minimal (and emphatically rhythmic) yet warm-hearted.
Like all art that works, it is a mystery.
This is a non-linear, experimental comic--showcasing the time period during which Monk was recording the legendary album "Underground" (1968) with Charlie Rouse on saxophone, Ben Riley on drums and Larry Gales on bass.
TEARS FOR ERIC: The Appearance and Disappearance of Eric Dolphy
TEARS FOR ERIC: The Appearance and Disappearance of Eric Dolphy
TEARS FOR ERIC: The Appearance and Disappearance of Eric Dolphy
Tears for Eric: the Appearance and Disappearance of Eric Dolphy (2023)
Eric Dolphy appeared in 1928 in Los Angeles, California and disappeared in 1964 in Berlin, Germany. During his 36 years on our planet he played the alto saxophone, bass clarinet and flute. On a few occasions, he also played the clarinet and piccolo. He performed with av
Tears for Eric: the Appearance and Disappearance of Eric Dolphy (2023)
Eric Dolphy appeared in 1928 in Los Angeles, California and disappeared in 1964 in Berlin, Germany. During his 36 years on our planet he played the alto saxophone, bass clarinet and flute. On a few occasions, he also played the clarinet and piccolo. He performed with avantgarde luminaries such as John Coltrane, Charles Mingus and Ornette Coleman. His recordings reveal the traces of a brilliant comet, burning with invention, knowledge and passion. Those who knew him remarked on his kindness and generosity. Facing discrimination in the larger society for the colour of his skin and within the jazz community for his nonconformist exploration, he relocated to Europe… where he shortly collapsed and died, from undiagnosed diabetes. But, who was he? Who was he? Who?
Aah… the music.
Matthew Brown, author and artist of “ORNETTE SPEAKS: A Cartoon Grammar,” continues his experimental comics documentary work with “TEARS FOR DOLPHY: The Appearance and Disappearance of Eric Dolphy.” Including a comics introduction explaining how the author discovered Eric Dolphy’s music, an impressionistic biography of poignant scenarios from Eric’s life, a song-by-song surrealist exploration of Eric’s masterpiece album “Out to Lunch!”, and exquisite drawings from historical photos, interspersed with quotations by and about Eric Dolphy.
An excellent introduction to Eric Dolphy’s work – and a valuable addition to the slim literature available on this giant of the human and jazz world.
ORNETTE SPEAKS: A Cartoon Grammar
TEARS FOR ERIC: The Appearance and Disappearance of Eric Dolphy
ORNETTE SPEAKS: A Cartoon Grammar
Ornette Speaks: A Cartoon Grammar (2020) ORNETTE SPEAKS illustrates the words which avantgarde saxophone genius and composer Ornette Coleman (1930-2015) spoke in filmed interviews. He coined the term 'free jazz' in 1960 and delivered fresh, aggressive blues-flavored jazz for decades. Generated in a spontaneous process using a 4x4 panel
Ornette Speaks: A Cartoon Grammar (2020) ORNETTE SPEAKS illustrates the words which avantgarde saxophone genius and composer Ornette Coleman (1930-2015) spoke in filmed interviews. He coined the term 'free jazz' in 1960 and delivered fresh, aggressive blues-flavored jazz for decades. Generated in a spontaneous process using a 4x4 panel grid within a square layout (like and LP or CD sleeve,) the book emulates jazz music's use of improvisation on basic forms. Ornette's life, music and philosophy are a joyful victory over racism and conformity.
Pages from "Monk: WORK", "TEARS FOR ERIC: the Appearance and Disappearance of Eric Dolphy" and "ORNETTE SPEAKS: a Cartoon Grammar"
Monk: WORK, page 22
Monk: WORK, page 23
Monk: WORK, page 24
Monk: WORK, page 25
Monk: WORK, page 26
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Comics on Art and Architecture
ROTHKO: A Comic Strip Memoir
ROTHKO: A Comic Strip Memoir (2019)
Inspired by the life of abstract expressionist painter Mark Rotkho—known for his “colour field” paintings—each episode is a four panel gag strip “à-la-Peanuts”, using the diagrammatic vocabulary of black and white cartoons to explore Rothko’s complex personality and achievements with irony, compassion
ROTHKO: A Comic Strip Memoir (2019)
Inspired by the life of abstract expressionist painter Mark Rotkho—known for his “colour field” paintings—each episode is a four panel gag strip “à-la-Peanuts”, using the diagrammatic vocabulary of black and white cartoons to explore Rothko’s complex personality and achievements with irony, compassion and wit. Where else could you find Rothko teaching kids how to make a dog out of clay, hitting on women at parties and drinking, smoking and listening to Mozart?Tragedy, ecstasy and doom were the ingredients Rothko recommended for every great painting… whether you love his work or hate it, this book presents a light-handed yet heavy-hitting contemplation of the forces that shaped Rothko, the role of art in our lives and the legacy we leave behind.
ARCHITECTURE DEPARTMENT
ARCHITECTURE DEPARTMENT (2016)
This Master of Architecture graphic novel thesis explores the connections between archetypes in the collective unconscious, urban and global morphologies, the architectural education process and the origin of the bagel. The fulcrum of our dreams centers on the city of Varanasi (Benares) on the banks of the G
ARCHITECTURE DEPARTMENT (2016)
This Master of Architecture graphic novel thesis explores the connections between archetypes in the collective unconscious, urban and global morphologies, the architectural education process and the origin of the bagel. The fulcrum of our dreams centers on the city of Varanasi (Benares) on the banks of the Ganges River, elevated above the end of the world on Shiva’s trident, where a young architect must deal with lust, rejection and the project of a lifetime: creating a new world.
DOESBURG
DOESBURG
Three experimental comics documentaries under one cover: A Chapter on Human Anatomy, A Chapter on Iconic Faces and Buildings Spouting Famous Song Lyrics, and a Chapter on Dutch Genius and father of Modernism, Theo van Doesburg. Exploring the painting, design and architecture of Theo Van Doesburg (1883-1931), founder of
Three experimental comics documentaries under one cover: A Chapter on Human Anatomy, A Chapter on Iconic Faces and Buildings Spouting Famous Song Lyrics, and a Chapter on Dutch Genius and father of Modernism, Theo van Doesburg. Exploring the painting, design and architecture of Theo Van Doesburg (1883-1931), founder of the modernist De Stijl movement – using the artist’s explosive words and images in an abstract comics documentary format – Matthew Brown continues the fragmentary, poetic graphic novel style he pioneered in ORNETTE SPEAKS, ROTHKO and WHAT IS MEDITATION?
Pages from "ROTHKO: a Comic Strip Memoir", "ARCHITECTURE DEPARTMENT" and "DOESBURG"
ROTHKO: a Comic Strip Memoir, page 1
ROTHKO: a Comic Strip Memoir, page 2
ROTHKO: a Comic Strip Memoir, page 3
ROTHKO: a Comic Strip Memoir, page 4
ROTHKO: a Comic Strip Memoir, page 5
ROTHKO: a Comic Strip Memoir, page 6
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Comics on Comics and Photography
GRAPHIC INFLUENCE
AUREL BAUH: Eye Lens
AUREL BAUH: Eye Lens
A continuous surreal collage in expressionistic brush and ink of a grab-bag of influences deployed hallucination-like against a constant horizon, dancing together in bizarre and beautiful juxtapositions - comics of my youth-- Star Wars, Ronin, Superman, X-Men, Peanuts, Ed the Happy Clown, Daredevil -- Artists who
A continuous surreal collage in expressionistic brush and ink of a grab-bag of influences deployed hallucination-like against a constant horizon, dancing together in bizarre and beautiful juxtapositions - comics of my youth-- Star Wars, Ronin, Superman, X-Men, Peanuts, Ed the Happy Clown, Daredevil -- Artists who deeply shaped me -- Frank Miller, Moebius, Charles Schulz, Howard Chaykin, Jack Kirby, Chester Brown -- Architecture that moves me in its ancient form or blank-faced modernity -- woo hoooo!
AUREL BAUH: Eye Lens
AUREL BAUH: Eye Lens
AUREL BAUH: Eye Lens
Based on the pictures of brilliant photographer Aurel Bauh (born 1900 Bucharest, died 1964 Paris) who died unexpectedly and left his masterful, moody and avantgarde photos spread across Romania, France, Germany and Israel. He only published one book during his lifetime – “Bucharest”, a restrained and lyrica
Based on the pictures of brilliant photographer Aurel Bauh (born 1900 Bucharest, died 1964 Paris) who died unexpectedly and left his masterful, moody and avantgarde photos spread across Romania, France, Germany and Israel. He only published one book during his lifetime – “Bucharest”, a restrained and lyrical ode to the city of his birth less than two decades after WWII, released under the communist regime a few years before his death. My new book features brush and ink drawings and text inspired by Aurel Bauh’s architectural shots, portraits, landscapes, folkloric reportage and nudes.
A noir exploration of architecture, eros, tragedy, absurdity and beauty. Fractured modernist memory narrative, eluding genocide and oppression by a hair's breadth.
Pages from "AUREL BAUH: Eye Lens" and "GRAPHIC INFLUENCE"
AUREL BAUH: Eye Lens, page 38
All pictures in this comic inspired by photos from Romanian photographer Aurel Bauh (born 1900 Bucharest, died 1964 Paris.) The text is a loose, suggestive narrative I came up with to accompany them.
Images of Aurel Bauh beautiful and striking photos can be found here.
AUREL BAUH: Eye Lens, page 39
AUREL BAUH: Eye Lens, page 40
AUREL BAUH: Eye Lens, page 41
AUREL BAUH: Eye Lens, page 42
AUREL BAUH: Eye Lens, page 43
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Meditation - documentary books on meditation masters
WHAT IS MEDITATION? And Why Should I Do It?
EVERYTHING ARISES FROM AWARENESS: The Teachings of Korim Frederick Prack
EVERYTHING ARISES FROM AWARENESS: The Teachings of Korim Frederick Prack
What is Meditation? And Why Should I Do It? (2018)
WHAT IS MEDITATION? features "live" comics interviews with modern masters Edward “Edji” Muzika (USA) and Frederick Prack (Canada)--two teachers who bring the authentic value of introspection and healing into focus! It contains playful and powerful graphic interpretations of both Ed and F
What is Meditation? And Why Should I Do It? (2018)
WHAT IS MEDITATION? features "live" comics interviews with modern masters Edward “Edji” Muzika (USA) and Frederick Prack (Canada)--two teachers who bring the authentic value of introspection and healing into focus! It contains playful and powerful graphic interpretations of both Ed and Fred’s sixty plus years each of life experience, exploration and realization in meditation. Also sporting renderings of Hindu and Buddhist spiritual concepts and cameos from the Buddha, Lao Tzu, Ramana Maharshi, Nisargadatta Maharaj and others. This is one of the few graphic novels to propose a mature and playful exploration of meditation.Having practiced meditation for more than 20 years, cartoonist Matthew Brown mixes autobiography with comix reportage to produce a unique take on the mysteries and practices of meditation.
EVERYTHING ARISES FROM AWARENESS: The Teachings of Korim Frederick Prack
EVERYTHING ARISES FROM AWARENESS: The Teachings of Korim Frederick Prack
EVERYTHING ARISES FROM AWARENESS: The Teachings of Korim Frederick Prack
Everything Arises from Awareness: The Teachings of Korim Frederick Prack (2025)
Fred Prack (October 2, 1943-February 9, 2024) was, in my opinion, an enlightened being, teacher, healer and, most importantly, friend. He was a householder – he had two sons, Aaron and Jason – and through his life he had many jobs, both within and without spi
Everything Arises from Awareness: The Teachings of Korim Frederick Prack (2025)
Fred Prack (October 2, 1943-February 9, 2024) was, in my opinion, an enlightened being, teacher, healer and, most importantly, friend. He was a householder – he had two sons, Aaron and Jason – and through his life he had many jobs, both within and without spiritual disciplines. Among them he had worked in advertising, lighting and visual effects for film, operating a health food store, and he was a Registered Massage Therapist, hypnotherapist and psychotherapist. He also taught Transcendental Meditation for 29 years, and when I met him and knew him, he was a long-standing member of the Zen Buddhist Temple in Toronto.
More than that, he had a kind word and empathy for everybody. He saved my life, certainly, when I was at my wits’ end. At his life memorial ceremony at the Zen Buddhist Temple, it became evident that had illuminated and empowered the lives of many others as well.
Fred asked me to proofread a manuscript he had written, meant to be part of a series: “The Wholeness Life Meditation Manual” (1996.) My approved revision from 2014 is included here in its entirety. Also included are two extensive interviews from 2011 and 2016. The latter formed the basis for a graphic novel I wrote and drew presenting Fred’s teachings, “What is Meditation? And Why Should I Do It?” (2018.) The present volume also contains Fred’s writings for various websites and personal emails, and my own summary of his teachings.
I believe and hope Fred’s words can help heal the world.
- Matthew Brown (Editor), Toronto, 2025
“What is needed to resolve and quell the mounting waves of fear and suffering girdling the world, is Awakening to pure Awareness, Buddha Nature, unconditional Love and Compassion.
What each of us can do from the deepest level, of what we are, is infinitely more powerful than the fears that keep minds constricted and focused on the surface where perspective is lost and fear holds sway over everything.
If people around the world can touch that reality within themselves and begin to know it as themselves, I know we can heal what is happening to all the life that is this planet. I believe this is where real peace begins.”
- Fred Prack
Pages from "WHAT IS MEDITATION? And Why Should I Do It? " and "EVERYTHING ARISES FROM AWARENESS: The Teachings of Korim Frederick Prack"
WHAT IS MEDITATION? page 27 - interview with Ed Muzika
WHAT IS MEDITATION? page 28 - interview with Ed Muzika
WHAT IS MEDITATION? page 29 - interview with Ed Muzika
WHAT IS MEDITATION? page 30 - interview with Ed Muzika
WHAT IS MEDITATION? page 43 - interview with Fred Prack
WHAT IS MEDITATION? page 44 - interview with Fred Prack
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Poopsie the Penguin: from 1989 to now
Poopsie the Penguin has been my central, iconic character since I created him at the age of 17. I am currently working on the graphic novel of his second case as a starving private eye in “PENGUIN DETECTIVE, Book Two: The Case of the Educational Institution” (as of 2025.)
Poopsie the Penguin in "The Destruction of the World" (1989)
Poopsie the Penguin in his second adventure, "The Search for Employment" (1989)
Poopsie the Penguin in "Milk with Knife" (1991), page 4
Poopsie the Penguin in "Milk with Knife" (1991), page 5
Poopsie the Penguin in "Milk with Knife" (1991), page 6
Poopsie the Penguin in "Milk with Knife" (1991), page 7
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