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Today we hear all about Marielle Bouleau, author of upcoming Blue Fox Comics series ‘Busy Little Bees’.
Tell us a bit about MARIELLE BOULEAU
I’m an English writer, based in Scotland. I grew up on French comics and was a pretty weird kid, and I loved classic literature and Shakespeare alongside fantasy and sci-fi, from an early age. I was always off making up stories and my father had hundreds of books. Between my Dad’s love of theatre and writing and my mother’s love of languages, I’m not sure I was ever really destined for anything else – though I have got distracted along the way. While I’ve always called myself creative (because other people said that this is what I was, and it seemed to make them happy), but I’m not sure I really know what that means (or that they did either). All I know is, I like stories, reading and writing them, and I’ve been making things up and writing them down, no matter where I’ve been living or what I’ve been doing, all my life. It’s the one constant and the thing I keep coming back to, which I think says a lot. I’m naturally shy, but love being around people. I can talk a lot and spend hours listening. I’m a sociable person who’s really a hermit. I do lots of other things, but if I spend a day writing, and find a few words for what I actually meant to say among all my scribblings, I’m a very happy person.
How long have you been writing?
All my life – which is what I hear said by a lot of people who write. I think it’s hard to put a time stamp on it. I know that when I was young, I wanted to have written my first novel by the time I was 17 – because I had seen another female author had done this, so this became the bar, and I was inspired, because she was a female writer in a sea of male authors. Clearly I must have been quite young when I said this, because I remember being a few years off, and how very adult 17 years seemed – and I also had no idea what publishing was. I didn’t get my novel written (and published) by 17 (though I am happy to say I do remember a very beautiful notebook that was full of a story I was working on, from that time) but I have continued writing and while I think that younger self would be shocked by the age I have reached now, I think she would be happy I had made it this far, and that I’ve been writing the whole time. I would also tell her that her handle of the average human lifespan is a bit unforgiving, and that she has time.
What inspired you to begin writing?
I think it was lots of things. My parents read to us as children, and they read us great stories, which opened up conversations and questions and this probably helped me love stories all the more. My grandmother wrote stories for her daughters and son, one of whom was my mother, and then she read them to her us, her grandchildren. That made writing more attainable, and something I could try. I loved reading and while I didn’t always understand the people around me, I understood the stories I was reading and the people in them. And I was quite a private person, so it was something I do myself, for me, or for more people, if I chose. So I could play around with it. And then my English teacher told me I wasn’t very good, so I sat down to a story and proved her wrong – and that felt great.
What do you love about the medium of comics?
I love that they are accessible. I learnt languages through comics. I love that you have a whole book of art and a story, all wrapped up as one, that you can take away with you and revisit, finding new things you didn’t see before. To have a character looking out at a reader, and to tell that reader what your character is thinking – or wants you to believe they are thinking – that’s amazing. And the artists we get to work with at Blue Fox are phenomenal. It’s great fun putting art and writing together.
What are some comics that have inspired you?
Titles that inspire me are the ones that linger, long after I have read them. Right now, Blacksad, Glitterbomb and Letter 44 come to mind.
What inspired you to write busy little bees?
I don’t really know where Myna’s story came from. I just knew I wanted to write about this character. I come from a musical family myself, and I always find the conversation around music really interesting. I see a lot of stories around the way that music connects us. I think one of the things I was interested in are the gaps between those connections – what happens when the song stops playing?
Did you find it difficult to write?
Yes and No. The story came easily and all the characters came into existence quite naturally. But writing a comic is very different to writing prose and working with that new dynamic was a challenge. I started with prose and transposed this into the comic style we have now, and that was difficult and great fun.
How long did it take you to write?
As it was a bit of a longer road, with the story having a few incarnations around the medium and style, it’s harder to say. Roughly, the story would have taken around 6 months, but I think the overall comic and process took a couple of years.
How did you go about looking for an artist?
I had seen Emiliano’s work for the Hexes series and loved it. When I brought the story to Simon, he asked me if I had anyone in mind and I said, Emiliano. I was lucky, Emiliano liked the story and said yes.
What made you choose a graphic novel to tell this story?
A few years back I was working on some short stories, with the idea of collecting them all in a book. The story behind Busy Little Bees was one of these stories, but as I worked on it, it became something in it’s own right and a story I wanted to do more with. Blue Fox Comics had started up and we were going to a lot of comic cons at the time, and I thought, maybe this could be an interesting story for a comic rather than prose. And then I let that sit for a while. And then I did a little, and then a lot of work. And then I spoke with Emiliano – I knew exactly who I wanted for the project and this was one of the ways I knew it was right medium for the story. Thankfully, he said yes. Fast forward a few years and Busy Little Bees is launching a Kickstarter in April. It’s exciting.
What are you currently working on and what’s coming up in the future?
There are a few things on the horizon – which is a lovely thing to be able to say. I have a few projects I am working on now, and, of course, there is issue two for Busy Little Bees.
Which writer would you like to see interviewed?
Kit Steinkellner
What questions (apart from these ones!) would you like to ask them?
I really like hearing writers talk about their craft, because I’m a nerd. I’d ask about turning Quince from a stage play into a comic.
Tell us something about yourself that people wouldn’t normally know!
That I write comics – I’m not sure how many people actually know this!
Marielle Bouleau Links
Instagram: marielle.writes
Twitter: mariellewrites
Marielle Bouleau Blue Fox Comics Work
Busy Little Bees – To be published

Tell us a bit about yourself
I’m Miguel Peres, an emergent Portuguese comic book writer. As a chunky Portuguese kid born in the late 80’s, I used to read a lot of comic books, fantasizing with the day I could write them. 2011 was the year when the dream came true, starting out in the world of comics as writer and co-editor of the Portuguese anthology Zone BD, focused on discovering young Portuguese and Brazilian artists. Since then, I have written a dozen short stories in national and international comics anthologies, as well as 4 graphic novels published in Portugal and Brazil. In the worst year of our recent lives, I wrote my first literary short novel, realizing that not every story is suited for this medium. I live happily in a semi-isolation state with my wife and newly born daughter in a small village by the sea.
How long have you been writing?
My passion for writing is old (can I say this at 34? I think I’ve earned that right), however, until I moved from that to something real, it took time – I started writing comics in 2012. I have to say that this is not my full-time job, although I would love for it to be.
What inspired you to begin writing?
Books have been a part of my life since I was little, as at my parents’ house they were the most common thing to see. A great source of inspiration was my father, who played two essential roles: he encouraged me to enter and read the world of characters like Tintin, Lucky Luke or Asterix; and as he also writes, he ended up influencing me to follow the same path. I think it also contributed that from an early age I was convinced that I was creative (I am yet to find out if I am) and that led me to believe that I really had something to say and do with my imagination.
What do you love about the medium of comics?
Recently, I stumbled upon this quote from one of my all-time favorite writers, Grant Morrison: “We’re all superheroes in our own stories and in comics we get to see our heroes wrestle with Guilt, Fear, Commitment, Love, Loss, in very direct, imaginative and entertaining ways.” I guess for me, this is what writing comics means: creating new worlds and characters that entertain the reader, but at the same time reflect our view of the different realities we live in. This medium has the particular aspect, which I love, of creating stories that are truly cinematic, but whose budget is the artists’ imagination. However, the creative process of writing comics is paradoxical for me: I love to see how the artist captures what I’ve written and reinvents the images with their imagination. It’s something magical and depends a lot on the creative chemistry of the team that’s working. But at the same time, my impatient side often clashes with the delay this process naturally has to take.
What are some comics that have inspired you?
Jeff Lemire was definitely a big inspiration for this story, particularly his graphic novel “Frogcatchers”, as well as “Royal City”. Another influence was “Toutinegra” by André Oliveira, one of the best Portuguese comic book writers who, unfortunately, has not yet had the international recognition he deserves.
What inspired you to write Fishing Memories?
Memory is a subject close to my heart. On one hand, I have a terrible memory and I forget things I wish I didn’t. On the other hand, one of my greatest fears is that me or my work will be forgotten when I die. Although I know that this eventually happens to most people, it is something very present in my mind. I think that unconsciously this subject came up because I met the woman of my life and now my first daughter is born. In other words, the importance of family bonds and not forgetting the good moments, was definitely an inspiration.
Did you find it difficult to write?
Not really, the story flowed naturally. I think that of all the stories I wrote so far, it was the one that came out best, but it was also one that I took special care in all of its details.
How long did it take you to write?
The story took about a year to write – it wasn’t a very long process this time.
How did you go about looking for an artist?
Since 2016 I have been working with Brazilian artists on a daily basis. By entering this market, my network got wider, discovering new talents by word of mouth and instagram – and that’s how I met the great Majory Yokomizo.
What made you choose a graphic novel to tell this story?
Although I am an avid reader of american comics, this medium is not very common in Europe and Portugal is no exception. In other words, when I write I hardly think about it as a limited series or ongoing format in the first place. The graphic novel ends up being a more solid genre, which often allows us to have more careful editions.
Miguel Peres Links
Instagram: _peres_
Twitter: _mperes_
Miguel Peres Blue Fox Comics Work
Fishing Memories – To be published

Name:
Majory Yokomizo
In a sentence, who are you and what do you do?
I’m a comic book artist that loves fantasy and the contemplation of life.
What got you started? Was there a specific moment or time when you realised “this is what I want to do”?
In my childhood my main play was making comics, but all my life I was seeking to be an illustrated books artist. Then, in 2018 I made a comic called “Ralo” (Drain) and I realized making comics was my passion and what I wanted to do for my life.
What was your favourite comic growing up?
I never had a favorite comic, but I have a lot of fun reading Otomen, Hellboy and American Vampire.
What was the first piece of work or project that you were really proud of?
When I made a comic for a Brazilian publisher that I wanted to work with so much. I think this work will be published this year and mixes fairies and the problems of real life.
What is your preferred material to work with?
The traditional art, watercolor, pencils and colored pencils.
What is your least liked material to work with?
Digital art, sometimes I need to use, but I prefer the traditional techniques.
What’s your dream project? Forget about money, time, popular demand or any other variable. If that was all covered and you would work on whatever you wanted. What would it be?
I don’t have a specific project, I want to work with my own comics and put out all those stories I want to tell.
If you were hired to create a book cover based on a classic story. What would the story be and how would you tackle creating it?
Alice in Wonderland, mixing all the variations I’ve seen and adding my own interpretation of this wonderful world.
What are you currently working on and what’s coming up in the future?
I’ve an ongoing personal project called “onde nascem os seres mágicos?” (Where are magical beings born?) on a crowdfunding platform and I’m working on a comic with a Brazilian writer.
Which artist(s) would you like to see interviewed? Why?
Zao Dao, she has a wonderful artwork and a great woman artist.
What questions (apart from these ones!) would you like to ask them?
Who are the artists you use as reference?
Tell us something about yourself that people wouldn’t normally know!
Anxiety can have a good side if you know how to use it.
Your Links (Facebook/Twitter/Website/Instagram/etc.)
Instagram: majoryyokomizo
Behance: majorylissf138
Majory Yokomizo Blue Fox Comics Work
Fishing Memories – To be published

Name:
RHStewart
In a sentence, who are you and what do you do?
Drinker of coffee drawer of comics.
What got you started? Was there a specific moment or time when you realised “this is what I want to do”?
No specific moment. Comics have been apart of my life since early childhood. I was lucky enough to grow up in a time when you could buy Comics at the Newsagents. As a child I would often emulate (draw) what I was reading.
What was your favourite comic growing up?
Depends on the artist 😉 2000AD and Incredible Hulk were my constants though.
What was the first piece of work or project that you were really proud of?
I’m proud of all my work in some shape or form, every page unique it its own way. Aleister Crowley: Wandering the Waste with Martin Hayes was created through sheer will, determination and bloody belligerence! Getting it finished and published was a saga in itself.
What is your preferred material to work with?
I breathe life into my illustrations by using a verity of mediums from the traditional pencils, pens, markers, and paints to the very latest Adobe packages such as Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign by creating different layers and textures from my sketches and photocopies, also cutting and scanning my work into the computer. I enjoy the best of both worlds when creating my work, seamlessly blending the traditional approaches with the new.
What is your least liked material to work with?
I’ve never taken to acrylic paints and am yet to use oil paints.
What’s your dream project? Forget about money, time, popular demand or any other variable. If that was all covered and you would work on whatever you wanted. What would it be?
Some would say I am already creating my dream projects as the subject matter can be deeply personal. Shogun Warriors, Rom, Deathlok, Moon Knight and Adam Warlock would be something I would like to sink my creative teeth into.
If you were hired to create a book cover based on a classic story. What would the story be and how would you tackle creating it?
Fahrenheit 451 – By making a mess! While the techniques can remain the same the outcomes will always vary. You will often find me surrounded by bits of paper, photocopies, old magazines, new and old books, spray mount, PVA glue, scissors, scalpels, pencils, rubbers, pens, markers, paints, to work this way is a release, a method of personal expression. The rules go out of the window when the mind is set free and given a chance to play. Perhaps this is not the correct way of drawing but who is to say what is? It seems the more mistakes I make the better my illustrations become, as the French would say ‘serendipity’.
What are you currently working on and what’s coming up in the future
- The Shadow Over Innsmouth – Part Two
- Powers:Fearful & Divine
- Hob’s Lane
- The Monument
- 6 Page Judge Dredd story for Zarjaz
Which artist(s) would you like to see interviewed? Why?
Ashley Wood.
What questions (apart from these ones!) would you like to ask them?
Why did you steal my life 😉
Tell us something about yourself that people wouldn’t normally know!
I am a qualified teacher specialising in Art and Design.
Your Links (Facebook/Twitter/Website/Instagram/etc.)
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rhstewartillustrator
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rhstewart74/
Hire An Illustrator: https://www.hireanillustrator.com/i/portfolio/roy-huteson-stewart/
RHStewart Blue Fox Comics Work
The Shadow Over Innsmouth Part One
Sinners Volume One
Sinners Volume One – Digital
Hexes Volume Two
Hexes Volume Two – Digital

Name:
Willi Roberts
In a sentence, who are you and what do you do?
I’m a comic book artist and illustrator.
What got you started? Was there a specific moment or time when you realised “this is what I want to do”?
I have been drawing since I was 5 years old, after drawing realism for many years, I was introduced to the world of comics 10 years ago discovering Alex Ross.
What was your favourite comic growing up?
Spawn and the Death of Superman.
What was the first piece of work or project that you were really proud of?
The Commander (Red King Press) 2013
What is your preferred material to work with?
Wacom digital tablet, but original watercolours in the beginning.
What is your least liked material to work with?
Crayons.
What’s your dream project? Forget about money, time, popular demand or any other variable. If that was all covered and you would work on whatever you wanted. What would it be?
Batman with Alan Moore.
If you were hired to create a book cover based on a classic story. What would the story be and how would you tackle creating it?
It by Stephen King, recreating Pennywise. And using a classic comic style for the past and a modern to present.
If you had a spirit animal, what would it be?
Technically I am fox. They live in their own world, away from worldly stress.
What are you currently working on and what’s coming up in the future
- City of Ruins, Vengance (Australia)
- The Hands That Feed (USA)
- Clodagh (Blue Fox Comics UK)
- Blacklight (EDJ Comics USA)
Which artist(s) would you like to see interviewed? Why?
Lee Bermejo. He keeps perfecting himself through the years and never seems to slow down.
What questions (apart from these ones!) would you like to ask them?
How it maintains the continuity of its style making it better?
Tell us something about yourself that people wouldn’t normally know!
Well, I have been working as a waiter for 12 years, while I was not working I was drawing and I managed to dedicate myself to this. Thanks to my wife Laila and my daughter Lin, I received a degree as a graphic designer and I never practiced that trade and art had more weight in my life, I am also a music lover, I love to play piano and guitar and football too.
Your Links (Facebook/Twitter/Website/Instagram/etc.)
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/willirobertsart
Artstation: https://www.artstation.com/willirobertsart
Willi Roberts Blue Fox Comics Work
Arcane Rites: Cult of the Pajoli Paperback
Arcane Rites: Cult of the Pajoli Hardback

Name:
Ben Edwards
In a sentence, who are you and what do you do?
I’m an illustrator, comic artist and game designer.
What got you started? Was there a specific moment or time when you realised “this is what I want to do”?
I was in a fairly low point in my life and ready for a fresh start! I always loved drawing as a kid so wanted to revisit that hobby, which lead to making my own children’s book (which I hope remains lost to the internet). Through that process it reignited my passion for creating stories and the determination to get good enough to tell them! I haven’t looked back since.
What was your favourite comic growing up?
Embarrassingly I never read many comics as a child so a little late to the party. Although I do remember finding a Pokemon manga and was obsessed with the panels inside.
What was the first piece of work or project that you were really proud of?
Well that would have to be Blue Fox Comics very own Nemo, the first comic I published. This was the first time someone took a chance on my work and help me share a story. Being in my final year of uni it was hard not to be proud of that!
What is your preferred material to work with?
I’m all digital! Left handed people know why…
What is your least liked material to work with?
Chalk! Credit to anyone who can tame such a smudgy beast!
What’s your dream project? Forget about money, time, popular demand or any other variable. If that was all covered and you would work on whatever you wanted. What would it be?
Well, I’m currently working on a board game but between working full time and juggling a few projects it’s going to be a long process! It’s coming together great but if I had the chance to commit more time to it that would be the dream!
If you were hired to create a book cover based on a classic story. What would the story be and how would you tackle creating it?
I often enjoy the creepy stories! Wouldn’t say no to a H.P. Lovecraft tale and taking on that challenge of the cosmic unknown. Though growing up I LOVED the Spook books by Joseph Deleany and for a chance to illustrate one of those covers would be incredible!
If you had a spirit animal, what would it be?
A Quokka! Those happy little guys got it all figured out.
What are you currently working on and what’s coming up in the future
Well! Currently juggling 3 main projects all of which I post updates on my social media…
- A board game named ‘Legends of Larp’
- An action comic ‘Wasp’ (unconfirmed name) with writer Jordan Sam Adams
- And finally a table top RPG module for all you fellow dice nerds out there!
Which artist(s) would you like to see interviewed? Why?
Dan Berry, he has a lot of experience in the field so always cool to hear his insight.
What questions (apart from these ones!) would you like to ask them?
What is the greatest advice you’ve ever received while working in the industry?
Tell us something about yourself that people wouldn’t normally know!
I have a qualification in gym and fitness instruction… can’t remember a single thing about it!
Your Links (Facebook/Twitter/Website/Instagram/etc.)
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/benedwardstoons/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BenEdwardstoons
Big Cartel: https://benedwards.bigcartel.com/
Ben Edwards Blue Fox Comics
Nemo
Nemo – Digital

In April 2020, Blue Fox Comics published Adam Fyda’s The Mountains of Madness graphic novel. The book received a lot of praise, and we asked Adam to explain why he chose to adapt HP Lovecraft’s famous story in this artist interview.
“Vast, empty spaces always worked on my imagination, so this is the most picturesque of Lovecraft’s books for me. Reading this story, I saw pictures: there were huge snow-covered mountains and a small plane, lost in this space. And everything was colorful: drowned in blue reflections of the sky and violets and oranges falling from the low hanging sun. As in Nicholas Roerich’s Himalayan paintings.”
How did you approach the project?
“From the beginning I wanted the comic book to be full of colors, even if a large part of the story takes place in the underground corridors. I wanted to show this Lovecraft’s story in a different way than we usually expect – not as dark images full of terrifying monsters, but more as a story about the lost in a beautiful but alien world. The challenge was to show the era of that time, all the details – like ordinary torches or clothes used during the expeditions to Antarctica, not to mention ships or planes. So I started working on the comic book by collecting a lot of documentation and it took me some time.”
Why build on the story, instead of a simply adapting it?
“First, building on the story wasn’t my first intention. Yet reading the book and thinking about its adaptation, I had ideas in my head for other scenes as well. Such as the mysterious character observing the departure of the expeditionary ships or finding the diary, for example.
Second, I was interested in the climate of horror and the characters’ search for what are the discovered remains, what are they hiding inside? So I decided to change the whole story a little bit. I thought it might be more dramatic and mysterious to tell the tale of the second expedition, where the crew gradually discovers the terrible story of the previous expedition until they have no way back.
Thirdly, there are already 2 adaptations of this story, but they are very literal.”
What editions are available?
If you’re a Lovecraft fan, or indeed just a fan of graphic novels, check out Adam Fyda’s The Mountains of Madness graphic novel – get the fantastic softcover edition, the in digital version or the hardback edition.
Find more about Adam on his website, adamfyda.com.

Exciting news at Blue Fox Comics! The arrival of Robyn Volume One!
Here’s a video of Robyn author and Blue Fox Comics Co-Founder Simon Birks to tell you about it!
Want to know more about Robyn Volume One?
Abandoned as a child, Robyn sought solace in the forest, and raised herself in this harsh environment. She learned to trust no-one, especially not Tuck, as she lives from dawn to dusk in the shadows of Sherwood.
Now, however, something is beginning, and it’s something she cannot defeat alone. In this first arc of Robyn, we meet a band of people she must learn to protect, or face losing everything.
Written by Simon Birks, drawn by Ege Avci and lettered by Lyndon White, Robyn has garnered rave reviews, including:
“Robyn is a fine example of the future of comics.” Starburst Magazine
“The art from Ege Avci has to be seen to be believed.” Comics Anonymous
With the arrival of Robyn Volume One, it won’t be too long before everything else arrives and I can start sending the books out to the backers. If you haven’t purchased one yet, the book is available to pre-order on this site.
Robyn Volume One is available to buy now on the website. Also available as a digital edition.

Portsmouth Comic Con held its inaugural event over the bank holiday weekend at the Portsmouth Guildhall, and Blue Fox Comics had a table there.
There’s always a reason to be slightly wary for a first con, but Portsmouth Comic Con have been great at getting the marketing far and wide, and I’d heard a rumour they’d sold 4000+ tickets prior to it opening.
Another great plus point in its favour (for us, anyway!) was the location. Portsmouth is 30 mins away by train or car, so there was no need to travel up the night before, or at some terrible hour of the morning. We just arrived around 8.30am with our cases, got our wristbands and were shown to our table.
In fact, the whole set-up process was very smooth.
As for any show in a similar style building, there were several rooms, which made it feel a little fragmented. We were housed in Comic City 2, which felt like a good room to be in for comic creators. Most of the tables were creators, so people knew what to expect when they walked in.
Some of the other rooms seemed more random, with one of them not housing any comic creators at all, which was a shame.
The guests artists alley was in the main hall, on the stage. I wasn’t there in rush hours, but the times I did visit it, it was very accessible, with a good range of comic guests for the size of con. I also got to chat with Alison Sampson, which is always fun.
Saturday was the busiest day. The weather was blisteringly hot, but it didn’t put people off coming inside (and perhaps it helped). We had a good trading day, with Gone and Hexes graphic novels being our best sellers.
Sunday was slightly slower, as it always is, but we still had good sales.
The Guildhall was in a good location, with easy access to cafes and smaller supermarkets for reasonably priced food.
As first cons go, Portsmouth Comic Con went very well. There was a lot going on, and it felt well organised. Hopefully they’ll snag a few more independent comic creators for next year.
Find out more about the con here.
As for Blue Fox Comics, we’ll definitely be after a table in 2019!

Hello, thank you for checking out Blue Fox Comics Creating a Great Comic from Scratch series of posts.
Straight off the bat, it’s vital to understand, thanking people is important, and being a jerk is not an option. You’ll be asking people to help you along the way, and, by and large, they will help you.
It’s important to recognise that, and respond to them simply, in a timely manner, to show them your appreciation, and to understand that their help has been listened to.
Saying ‘thank you’ does just that.
Okay, so now that’s out the way, what’s next? A simple truth.
You can do this.
This is not an unknown. There are clear steps to creating a comic from scratch. Follow the steps, and they will lead you where you need to go. Some steps you will harder, but if you persist, you will succeed.
Ready? Good. Me, too.
Over the coming weeks, I’ll be covering a range of topics, including getting your story idea, developing it, putting it into the correct format, finding an artist, and lots more.
Creating something new is exciting, and that’s what we’re going to do.
Stuff to do before the next post:
If you’re someone who jots ideas down somewhere, be it on paper or on a computer, it’d be really cool to take a look at some of those stories now, in whatever shape they’re in.
If you haven’t had any ideas yet, then think about some of the stories you like to read. These could be in any medium; comics, books, plays, movies.
About the Author:
Simon Birks is co-founder of Blue Fox Comics and has written many well-received titles, from Robyn to Hexes to The Girl in the Midnight Gown.
He also publishes comics by other authors, so understands what to look for. In 2020 he had his short comic ‘Antarctica’ published in the Stairway Anthology by Top Cow and Image.