Err… so there were meant to be some posts between May and now, but between book deadlines, a boarding job that got sssssslightly out of hand and wrapping up some odd freelance jobs, i haven’t had the chance (or braincells tbh) to update this thing 😬. A fair few things have been announced in the meantime so I’ll be splitting those up over the next few updates because i’m REALLY trying to parse things down so we can focus on #Project🎒/finishing up Death Drop #5… but then again I have been promising myself a quite spell since 2019 though so we’ll see that goes ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
speaking of #Project🎒 though…
REALLY excited this has now been announced- I’ve been working through layouts for the past few months and Rey’s script is an absolute treat to work on. It’s a bit of a manic race to get this wrapped up as i had some boarding work over-run but hopefully by the time the next one of these goes out all 282 pages will be in the bag. in the mean time though i’ve been having a blast drawing scrappy little comics…
While we’re on the subject of announcements; here’s a round up of the cons i’ll be tabling at this year (there’s also an application in for London MCM in October so fingers crossed for that!)
SLCZF has been and gone (and was absolute fantastic- MASSIVE props to organisers Peter Morey, Rebecca Jones and Chloe Starling), but if any of you are going to be Pride Caf, Lakes or Thought Bubble let me know as it would be great to say hello!
DEATH DROP #2
Diamond Code: JUL231953 // Lunar Code: 0723SC515
Issue #2 of the queer crime noir by David Hazan, Lucas Gattoni and myself is out September 13th! Things get wet and wild and increasingly twisty in the next issue as we dive deeper into the mystery of missing-people cases haunting the Gaybourhood. And if you thought issue #1 didn’t totally deliver on the promise of assassin-ary, the second instalment makes good on that ;
If you need a second opinion though, here’s a review of issue #1 by Jason Soderberg over on Capes and Tights. we may? also?? have been given a shout out in THE NEW YORK TIMES?!?! absolutely MASSIVE thank yous to George Gene Gustines for including Death Drop in his round up of queer books to read for Pride Month amongst some absolutely INCREDIBLE company;
CAT FIGHT #4
issue 4 of Andrew Wheeler and Ilias Kyriazis’ CAT FIGHT is out in stores October 4th! with inks by Auguste, colours by Dennis Yatras and letters by Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou this issue sees Felix off to Tokyo to clear his name… and maybe steal back the Red Rosette for his own personal gain?
Dimond Code: JUL231158
here’s a peek at the cover for issue #5;
in other news, my cover for issue #2 was recently featured in Chris Coplan’s weekly feature of favourite covers for AIPT. am i reeling from being featured in a list alongside Jeff Lemire? PERHAPS.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Killer Queens vol.2
This NCBD saw the release of the first issue of the next arc of David Booher’s KILLER QUEENS;
During a day of questionable choices at Space Pride, Max & Alex bump into their old boss. The grumpy little simian tries to dragoon them into chasing down a runaway heir to the throne of Sarelia, an alien planet ruled by a brutal patriarchy. Little does he know that the heir in question is closely connected to Alex. As Alex and Max race to save the runaway heir from a galaxy-wide bounty hunt, they'll dredge up Alex's past and confront her planet's misogynist present. If that means burning the patriarchy to the ground, well, get out the torches.
The first volume of this hilarious campy sci-fi was an absolute hoot and i’m super glad max and alex are back for another run- and that Lucas and Harry Saxon are returning as their letters and colours gave the first for issues this perfect pulpy vibe. new addition to the team Bradly Clayton’s interior art looks AMAZING. not to plug myself in the recommends section, but David gave me the opportunity to do a variant for vol. 1, issue #4 which was my first big publisher gig and i am ETERNALLY greatful for;
BUUZA!!
There are not enough hours in the day for me to adequately praise Shazleen Khan’s ongoing, award-winning web comic BUUZA!! this series has everything from a compelling cast of characters trying to navigate their interpersonal relationships to political intrigue and a nuanced exploration of identity and religion. Pre-orders are currently open until the end of the month so don’t miss your chance to snap up a print-copy of volumes 1-4!
Do i love this series so much that i did some incredibly extra fanart for it? perhaps…
and if you want MORE of Shazleen’s books, their debate graphic novel SAVING SUNSHINE with writer Saadia Faruqi is available for pre-order now and out September 5th from First Second;
So many awesome comics, I don’t know where to start!! Congratulations on the New York Times recommendation! That’s more than deserved. :) I’m so glad BUUZA!! is seeing a print release, too. Thanks again for another great newsletter!
Oh YAY I didnt know you were coming to PCAF? I look forward to buying shiny things from you?? Also congrats on the GN announcement! I had no idea about this either and thats super exciting!!