Tag Archives: rachael smith

Small Press Expo 2026 announces its International Special Guests

Small Press Expo has announced its International Special Guests for SPX 2026 from Spain, England, and Canada.

The Spain Arts & Culture have helped support in bringing Fran Mariscal, Lola Lorente, and Don Julio Serrano to SPX 2026.

The show takes place on Saturday, September 12, and Sunday, September 13, with programming and workshops about the amazing world of independent comics as well as an exhibitor floor featuring over 450 creators.

Fran Mariscal

Fran Mariscal is an emerging Spanish graphic novelist whose debut book, Moribundo, has drawn critical acclaim for its striking visual storytelling and emotionally rich narrative. Blending psychological horror with themes of grief, toxic relationships, and hope, Moribundo introduces a compelling new talent in contemporary Spanish comics. In Portraits: 12 Lives, 12 Journeys, he portrays the life and groundbreaking work of Valentín Fuster, the renowned Spanish cardiologist whose contributions have had a profound impact on cardiovascular medicine in the United States.

Lola Lorente

Lola Lorente’s English debut, Mary Pain, is a sorrowful yet hopeful portrait of a young adult at a crossroads in life—a quintessential loser looking for meaning and redemption in a town full of ghosts.

Lola Lorente’s slick black inkwork feels sophisticated and voluptuous, and her rendering of townsfolk and their customs is a sensorial delight. Her devoted attention to fabric textures, body shapes, and one-of-a-kind faces brings this cast of oddballs and weirdos, sometimes verging on the grotesque, fully to life. 

Don Julio Serrano

Don Julio Serrano is one of Spain’s most acclaimed comic artists and cartoonists, celebrated for his sharp wit, distinctive drawing style, and long-standing collaborations with leading Spanish publications, including El Jueves. Through humor and satire, his work offers an insightful look at contemporary society, making him a prominent voice in Spanish comics. Be sure to read his contribution to Portraits: 12 Lives, 12 Journeys, where he illustrates the life of Spanish Nobel Prize-winning scientist Severo Ochoa.

Paul B. Rainey

Murder School is a memoir of British middle school bullying and one precocious comic nerd’s fight to make it through while remaining as invisible as possible. 

British graphic novelist Paul B. Rainey takes a classic “school daze” tale—both wistful and hilarious—and manages to turn it on its head with a couple of his now famous twists. Find out the truth behind The Murder School and the effect it’s had on Rainey well into middle-age.

Arizona O’Neill

Opioids and Organs is a damning critique of an industry that takes advantage of society’s outcasts. It is a heartwrenching memoir of a daughter losing her father and a scathing indictment of the medical industry.

This is the graphic novel debut of Canadian Arizona O’Neill, who weaves together a dramatic personal history with that of how humanity made its scientific advances. A muted yet striking pastel palette and a doll-like fantastical elegance belie both the gruesomeness of the book’s topic and the rage of its author.

Rachael Smith

England-based Rachael Smith is very excited about her debut appearance at SPX! Find her over at the Avery Hill Publishing table where she will be signing copies of Who Killed Nessie? and talking about future projects too!

Preview: The Queen’s Favorite Witch Vol. 3

The Queen’s Favorite Witch Vol. 3

(W) Benjamin Dickson (A) Rachael Smith (L) Bryan Senka

Elizabethan England was a time of superstition and strange goings on. If you had a problem, it was common to go to a witch for help. And Queen Elizabeth I is no different. Daisy, Queen Elizabeth’s Royal Witch, has protected the monarch against evil for two years, and is now very good at her job.

When Daisy goes home to attend the wedding of her childhood friend Jerome, she struggles with the ways her friend and hometown have changed. Unfortunately things quickly go from bad to worse when an incident of dark magic leads to Daisy and her mother being put on trial for malevolent witchcraft. The penalty is death! But who really caused the incident…and why? Daisy’s loyal friends – Simon the bodyguard, Edith the maid, Nathaniel the rat and the ghost of Thomas Cromwell – must get to the bottom of these mysteries, before it’s too late!

The Queen's Favorite Witch Vol. 3

Around the Tubes

San Diego Comic-Con 2023 has come and gone and we’ve got a lot of news and more coming out of it. While we get that organized and ready, here’s some comic news and a review from around the web to start the day.

Book Riot – The Summers Family: A Brief Guide to the First Family of X-Men – For those that have always wondered…

The Beat – SDCC ’23: A nuanced review of the San Diego Convention Center “Jumbo Dog” – It’s ok.

The Beat – Rachael Smith returns to comic shorts with NAP COMIX – Cool.

Review

Collected Editions – Arkham City: The Order of the World

Arkham City: The Order of the World

Preview: Good Game, Well Played

Good Game, Well Played

(W) Rachael Smith (A/CA) Katherine Lobo
In Shops: Apr 27, 2022
SRP: $14.99

It’s 2009, and Sienna is really not looking forward to flying back into her hometown to say goodbye to one of the people she called family. Though that feels like a lifetime ago. It’s 1999, and Sienna is looking forward to what is shaping up to be the Perfect Summer in her Perfect Life. She has a job working in the local video game store, Game Champ, with her four best friends, and that was how it was going to be forever…

Good Game, Well Played

Mad Cave Studios Reveals its 2022 Titles

Mad Cave Studios has announced their 2022 titles! From the traditional catalog all the way to the latest additions to the YA Maverick line, fans are invited to lurk around the cave once more and see what’s coming in 2022.

Speed Republic

(W) Ryan K Lindsay (A) Emanuele Parascandolo (C) Michele Monte (L) Joamette Gil
February 2022

In the future, Europe has come united under one man, The Autocrat.  He rules the apocalyptic landscape from corporate monopolies with a vision of unity that is gospel to some, but hollow to others. To distract the 99% from their poor and empty lives, the Grand Race is created. A marathon street race through Europe where only one driver can make it to the end and win a life of luxury. Sebastian Valencia enters with the hope that winning a future can make up for his wasted past, but along the way he starts to question what kind of future he is actually buying into.

Speed Republic

Obsidian Tomb

(W) Anthony Cleveland (A) Daniel Jimeno (C) Allison Hu (L) Justin Birch
April 2022

After a violent incident at a global supermax prison (Obsidian), Daniel Bracken, a governmental “cleaner” in hiding, is forced into becoming an inmate. Once inside, the prison hierarchy learns they made a mistake by bringing Bracken there– He no longer has any connection to the outside world and is now only focused on tearing the prison apart from the inside.

Obsidian Tomb

Potions Inc.

(W) Erik Burnham (A) Stelladia (CA) Natasha Alterici (L) Micah Myers
June 2022

In order to save their parents and home world of Primaterra from the dangerous curse of the Fordstone, three siblings travel to Earth…Seattle circa 1992 to be exact. With the help of FBI Special Agent Genevieve Garcia, the young Primaterrans; Ran, Asteria, and Astreus Jones track down the evil Kanavin Goras and attempt to save the world…both of them.

Potions Inc.

Tiger’s Tongue

(W) Olivia Stephens (A) Diansakhu Banton-Perry (CA) Odera Igbokwe (C) Bex Glendining (L) Joamette Gil
August 2022

HEED THE TIGER’S TONGUE, AND YOU WILL NOT BE LED ASTRAY. Under the militant rule of The Tiger’s People, empowered by their animal familiars, the Claw is on the brink of war. As twin Princesses Kelindi and Aridani come of age, their father King Oleandra reveals a secret prophecy foretold by the first Grand Tiger: should twins ever be born to the royal line, they would battle in a series of three trials to determine the fate of the crown. But as The River’s People, those who were subjugated “to bring order,” grow bolder, Kelindi realizes her dream of uniting the kingdom and her love for Aridani couldn’t be further apart.

Tiger’s Tongue

Nottingham: A King’s Ransom  #1

(W) David Hazan (A) Shane Connery Volk (C) Luca Romano (L) Joamette Gil
November 2022

When Richard the Lionheart is kidnapped and ransomed by Holy Roman Emperor Henry VI, Everard Blackthorne, the Sheriff of Nottingham is strongarmed into delivering the ransom and bringing the King home, on pain of death. The treacherous Prince John and his ally, King Phillip of France will stop at nothing to ensure Richard remains in captivity, so the Sheriff finds the unlikeliest of allies in none other than Robin Hood and the Merry Men. With Robin and the Sheriff away, Marian hatches her own devious plan to take back Nottingham.

Nottingham: A King's Ransom  #1

Announced last fall, Maverick, Mad Cave Studios’ young adult imprint, offers engaging and authentic stories for those who think differently, are not afraid to be independent, and fight for who they truly are. With titles that range from slice-of-life stories to urban fantasy and horror, each Maverick graphic novel will be an authentic and inspiring universal story of personal struggle where anyone can find themselves within the pages. 

World Class

(W) Jay Sandlin (A) Patrick Mulholland (C) Rebecca Nalty (L) Justin Birch
 February 2022

Colombian teen, Adrian Molina, steps into the world of international football as he joins the prestigious English preparatory school, Regents United. Along the way he has to deal with bullies, hormones, and his own anxiety.

World Class

Good Game, Well Played

(W) Rachael Smith (A) Katherine Lobo (L) Justin Birch
May 2022

A group of misfit high-schoolers must save the failing video game shop they work at from being torn down by a greedy landlord.

Good Game, Well Played

In the Shadow of the Throne

(W) Kate Sheridan (A) Gaia Cardinali (L) Micah Myers
 July 2022

When his younger siblings and parents become too much to bear while on vacation, Jordan tries to get some space. But instead of wandering around the local museum, Jason finds himself dropped into a fantasy world where he can finally have fun! Except in this Elven Kingdom, there’s a sinister secret kept hidden by the queen that’ll thrust Jordan, the rebellious Prince Astel, and the brave knight Sir Griffith in the middle of a magical battle they never could have anticipated.

In the Shadow of the Throne

Confetti Realms

(W) Nadia Shammas (A) Karnessa (C) Hackto (L) Micah Myers
September 2022

Follow the story of four New Jersey teens who, after breaking into a cemetery on Halloween, get transported to a strange and fantastical world by a mysterious automaton named Tom. When Tom sends them on a quest to gain him entry to a party at the end of the world, our unlikely (and mostly unwilling) heroes will have to navigate murderous frogs, an insect orchestra, and the cracks in their own friendships.

Confetti Realms

Mad Cave Studios Goes Maverick with a New YA Imprint

Maverick logo

Mad Cave Studios has announced its all-new young adult graphic novel imprint, Maverick! The lineup, which will kick off Fall 2021, includes bi-monthly releases from industry veterans and talented newcomers, featuring titles: Nightmare in Savannah; World Class; Needle & Thread; Good Game, Well Played; Of Her Own Design.

Mad Cave’s very own Editor-in-Chief, Chris Sanchez, will be overseeing every Maverick title and working closely with the editorial staff as well as the creatives behind each title.

Check out what’s coming to comic store shelves soon!


Nightmare in Savannah

(W) Lela Gwenn (A/CO/CA) Rowan MacColl (L) Micah Myers 

Football is a religion where Adrian “The Colombian Cannon” Molina comes from, and thanks to his wicked right leg he has a clear shot at the promised land of the European Junior Leagues. But when a football scout offers him a full scholarship to an elite prep school in London, the news seems too good to be true. His enrollment hits a snag upon meeting the team’s star striker, Titan Evans. Titan is everything Adrian is not — rich, powerful, and connected. Most of all, Titan possesses a hunger to dominate the pitch no matter who or what stands in his way. The constant fighting, teasing, and bullying intensifies Adrian’s crippling anxiety as he is constantly concerned for his spot on the team. All of that changes the day Luciano DeSilva, the team’s star midfielder, takes him under his wing and gives Adrian the confidence to be himself and value not only his position on the team but in the world.

Nightmare in Savannah

World Class

(W) Jay Sandlin (A/CA) Patrick Mullholland (CO) Rebecca Nalty (L) Justin Birch

Football is a religion where Adrian Molina, aka The Colombian Cannon, comes from, and thanks to his wicked right leg, he has a clear shot at the promised land of the European Junior Leagues. But when a football scout offers him a full scholarship to an elite prep school in London, the news seems too good to be true. His enrollment hits a snag upon meeting the team’s star striker, Titan Evans. Titan is everything Adrian is not — rich, powerful, and connected. Most of all, Titan possesses a hunger to dominate the pitch no matter who or what stands in his way. The constant fighting, teasing and bullying cause Adrian to experience crippling anxiety as he is constantly concerned for his spot on the team. All of that changes the day Luciano DeSilva, the team’s star midfielder takes him under his wing and gives Adrian the confidence to be himself and value not only his position on the team but in the world.

World Class

Needle & Thread

(W) David Pinckney (A/CO/CA) Ennun Ana Lurov (L) Micah Myers

Choosing between living the life you want and living the life your “supposed to” is not always an easy choice. Noah, embracing his truest-self, wants to pursue a career in costume design, something his loving, but traditional, parents would never approve of. Azarie, the perfect, model daughter of a very stern, political family, dreams of embracing the hobbies she secretly loves, hobbies her social circle would never abide by. The two live different lives and their social statuses keep them from ever crossing paths until they have a chance encounter that exposes some common ground: the desire to live the life they’ve chosen for themselves. Together, the two set out to put it all on the line and show everyone who they really are and what they want to achieve through the unlikely medium of cosplay. Their friendship will be tested and their faith in themselves and each other will be tried, but by staying true to themselves they discover that they truly need each other.

Needle & Thread

Good Game, Well Played

(W) Rachael Smith (A/CO/CA) Katherine Lobo (L) Justin Birch

It’s 2005, and Sienna is really not looking forward to flying back into her hometown to say goodbye to one of the people she called family. Though that feels like a lifetime ago.

It’s 1999. And Sienna is looking forward to what is shaping up to be the Perfect Summer in her Perfect Life. She has a job working in the local video game store, Game Champ, with her four best friends, and that’s how it was going to be forever… At least that’s what they thought, until Jason Silver, the money-hungry landlord threatened to shut down the store. Now, the kids must work together to save Game Champ, but with Art’s huge crush on Sienna, Jo’s crippling self-doubt, Sid’s obsession with his band, and Hope’s mysterious living situation getting in the way… how likely are they to succeed?

Good Game, Well Played

Of Her Own Design

(W) Birdie Willis (A/CA) Jess Taylor (CO) Stephanie Palladino

In the small town of Holden, sixteen-year-old Brie Page has been struggling with a tremendous bout of writer’s block. And that’s a problem. One of many she has, actually. Parents that constantly fight, her former best friend/current bully Viv Kinsley, and the gorgeous new girl Kay Ardiger are causing a bit of stress. Brie used to hide from it all by creating her own fictional worlds and stories, but all of that seems so far away now.

All of that changes when an unexpected encounter with a mischievous bookseller, Ambrose Chance, leaves Brie with a magical pen. One that breaks through her writer’s block and causes her stories to flow onto the page… Too bad the whole town of Holden had to get caught up in it too when her stories come to life. Now, when the most important people in her life are stuck in fantastical tales, Brie needs to save them by diving into her worlds and facing her worries head-on. Which would be fine… if only she was better at writing endings.

Of Her Own Design

Preview: Doctor Who: The Thirteenth Doctor #7

Doctor Who: The Thirteenth Doctor #7

Writer: Jody Houser
Artist: Roberta Ingranata
Cover A: Sanya Anwar
Cover B: Will Brooks Photo
Cover C: Rachael Smith
Publisher: Titan Comics
FC, 32pp, $3.99, On sale: May 1, 2019

The Thirteenth Doctor continues her second comic adventure under the pen of Eisner Award nominee Jody Houser (Mother Panic, Stranger Things, Star Wars, Faith, Spider-Man: Renew Your Vows)! Fresh adventures through time and space!

Doctor Who: The Thirteenth Doctor #7

The 24 Panels Anthology Features, Alan Moore, Kieron Gillen, and More to Benefit the Grenfell Fire Survivors

Image Comics has announced the forthcoming 24 Panels Anthology, curated by New York Times bestselling creator Kieron Gillen with co-editor Steve Thompson, and featuring work from some of the most celebrated storytellers and artists in the industry. The charity anthology will benefit the survivors of the Grenfell fire.

In June 2017, the Grenfell fire killed 72 people in a 24-story tower block in West London. 24 Panels is an anthology comic to support the PTSD needs of the survivors. The 24 Panels Anthology will be comprised of 24 stories, each no longer than 24 panels. Half drawn from professional creators who volunteered their time and half drawn from open submissions, 24 PANELS is about community, hope, and (most of all) raising as much money as possible.

Al Ewing, Alan Moore, Alex de Campi, Antony Johnston, Caspar Wijngaard, Dan Watters, Dilraj Mann, Doug Braithwaite, Gavin Mitchell, Laurie Penny, Leigh Alexander, Lizz Lunney, Melinda Gebbie, Paul Cornell, Rachael Smith, Ram V, Robin Hoelzemann, Rosy Higgins, Sara Kenney, Sarah Gordon, Ted Brandt, Tom Humberstone, Tula Lotay, and more will contribute to 24 Panels.

24 Panels (Diamond Code SEP180079, ISBN: 978-1-5343-1126-8) will be available in comic book stores on Wednesday, November 21st. The final order cutoff for comics retailers is Monday, October 8th.

It will be available in bookstores on Tuesday, November 27th and can be pre-ordered at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books-a-Million, Indiebound, and Indigo.

Preview: Doctor Who: The Eleventh Doctor Year Three #12

DOCTOR WHO: THE ELEVENTH DOCTOR YEAR THREE #12

Writers: Rob Williams, Alex Paknadel
Artists: Ivan Rodriguez, J.B. Bastos
Cover A: Simon Myers, Rachael Smith
Cover B: Photo
Cover C: Andy Carr
Publisher: Titan Comics
FC – 32pp – $3.99 – On sale: November 29, 2017

The Eleventh Doctor’s Third Year is nearly at an end! With all the Sapling has learned and experienced alongside its Dzparentsdz… Can it avoid becoming the genocidal weapon it was born to be?

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