Here’s a roundup of what we’ve been working on at the Cartoonist Co-op–a collection of comics, zines, webcomics, and crowdfunding, plus all new articles, news and features.
Want to join the Cartoonist Co-op? Send us your info here or email us at cartoonistcooperative@gmail.com , and become part of our community of indie comics creators! The Cartoonist’s Co-op is committed to helping build the community of comics artists and to improve and protect the labor rights of comic industry workers worldwide.
As a member, we’ll help you find collaborators, share resources, get the inside scoop on the industry, and have your stuff promoted in this very newsletter! Members of our cooperative gain access to career development resources, creative feedback and assistance, promotional campaigns for members’ comics, exclusive discounted benefits, and more.
Let’s dive into it!
Cartoonist Cooperative “Buy an E-Sim for Gaza” Donation Drive
Art by C4tm4sk
E-Sims for Gaza
As you may know, Palestinians in Gaza are being subjected to internet and communications blackouts as part of the ongoing siege by Israel. Members of the Cartoonist Co-op are getting involved in a new way to combat this violence by offering art in exchange for those who donate e-SIMs to Palestinians through the Connecting Gaza Campaign.
This campaign has been running since early November, but we want to make sure that everyone who’s interested in our activities is kept up to date. Click here to see how you can contribute to these efforts!
Featured Comics For Purchase From Our Members
By C. W. Foxfaer
Be pulled into the city of Coelary, seen through the eyes of Arsenia Verduzco as she navigates the highs and lows of entering adulthood. Arsenia will confront her family, society, and herself, as she really contemplates what her life is all about. She’ll have to work through problems with sexism, racism, relationships, sexuality, substance abuse, family issues, classism, and privilege – sometimes in others, and sometimes in herself – before she gets to where she needs to be. This is the first graphic novel in the Coelary series.
Written by Mark Bouchard and drawn by Cori Walters
A fancomic set in the Hellraiser universe, Unwound explores just how badly trying to introduce your partner to your mother can go. It’s queer, gorey horror that is definitely 18+.
Due to the handmade nature of the zine, every copy is unique and may differ in appearance from the image in the listing. This is cool btw
https://acidwashwerewolf.itch.io/hellraiser-unwound
https://viscousdischarge.bigcartel.com/product/hellraiser-unwound
By Bennizone
Tongue Tied is a silly romcom about a weird woman doing stupid things for love. Vicky is a Jock, a Bimbo, plus totally Goth – and she’s keeps seeing this gorgeous butch around town. How will she get her attention?? And even if she does, WHAT WILL THEY TALK ABOUT?!
Available in downloadable PDF format. Name your price!
By Amanda J Ellis and Shawn R Klopfer
The second issue of Shatterstone! Emerald has been in training for years with her mentor Ukakala, and now the time has come for her graduation as an orcan warrior. She must hunt the wild and dangerous Heraboar, all on her own. But when blood is spilled, can it ever really be washed away? And what does it mean to be an orc raised by a dwarf? 24 page comic. Shatterstone is intended for readers 18+ because of adult themes and language.
To celebrate the launch of this second chapter and Free Comic Book Day Shatterstone Ch.1: Emerald, The Orc is now free to read!
By Sajan S. C. Raj
The Holy Travel Guide to the semi-raptured realm of MEARLCOAST, an absurd 16-page A6 zine. A quick and fun collation of sketches and drawings forming a light overview of a self-important island. Possible inspiration food for your TTPRG quests or daydreams.
WEBCOMICS
By Evan Dahm
Vattu is an expansive anthropological fantasy story about imperialism and identity. It was published online from 2010 to 2022.Vattu, a girl from a nomadic society, is abducted by the conquering empire of Sahta. She finds her way through a new world of zealous conquerors and mysterious chemist-priestesses.
INHUMAN
By Cial
A mentally ill GMO is kidnapped by fringe rebels, and when it’s revealed he’s part of a top-secret project, he goes on the run with a PTSD alcoholic alien while his kidnappers try to figure out the truth behind the cover-up.
Inhuman is a sci-fi story about the children of war and trauma, and how they’re struggling to retain and regain their right to exist as their own true selves. It deals with themes of mental illness, identity and choice. It has been updating since 2003, with 16 volumes and 600+ pages. It is meant for mature readers over the age of 16.
Written by R. Smith and drawn by Brandon Zuckerman
How do you find a couple persons of interest in a sprawling galaxy? Our 30 page adventure explores that idea in a multi-planet hopping mystery.
Taking place after the main story of Banished concluded, Banished Online is an epilogue event where fans of the old series can see what has transpired since and new readers may enjoy a self-contained scifi tale.
By Olive Nicole
Fairies will never lie to you…
…but truth can be deceptive. This tale tells of three people, the city they live in, and the stories they tell themselves.
CROWDFUNDING
Glimm*r is a comics and illustration magazine inspired by our love of yuri and sapphic media that explores complex and varied relationships between girls.
For this first issue, we’ve brought together 11 talented artists to present over 100 pages of comics and illustrations under the theme of dreams.
