Posted in: Comics | Tagged: shortbox, small press comics

ShortBox Publishes Only One Selection Of Small Press Comics For 2020

In this time of shutdown, lock-ins and self-isolation, all manner of companies are still creating and publishing comic books. Including the very British and most excellent ShortBox.  Created by cartoonist and commentator Zainab Akhtar, they regularly publish a curated selection of commissioned small press comic books from a variety of creators and then package and deliver them with a print, a sticker and some sweets/candy in a manner that looks a lot like Loot Crate subscription boxes but isn't. Oh and it's available worldwide.

They are taking orders for the twelfth such ShortBox on Kickstarter now with what they describe as "everything from a ghostly workforce to fractured relationships, obsessive video-games to micro-influencers with stylish pets, to dreamy fantasies of an ever-changing trap of a city." They have already met their goal and heading towards their Stretch Goals. They also confirm that this will be the only ShortBox of the entire year. Which is another reason why I have totally signed on myself.

There you go. Here is a list of what ShortBox will be delivering later this year, currently scheduled for September. At which point lockdowns and shut-ins may or may not be over but we definitely won't have gone back to normal. But this may be a reminder of these dark times. Orders are only one for another three weeks and that will be that.

Dead End Jobs for Ghosts by Aminder Dhaliwal. 44pp, saddle-stitched. What happens when we die? In this pithy new satire on the spookiness of capitalism and the culture of working til you drop (and beyond!), Aminder Dhaliwal answers that eternal question, charting the secret history of Spectreworks Inc., and the deal struck between humans and ghosts to build a spectral workforce via automation- with jobs to suit every ghost!

Interim by Allissa Chan. Colour, 40pp, gold emboss cover, saddle-stitched. A star falls in a strange, empty city, but finds itself trapped and unable to escape. As the city shifts and remakes itself, the star joins forces with an indomitable crow in a bid to gain both their freedoms.

Pippette and Dudley's Charming Dog Adventure by Charlotte Mei. Colour, 60pp, perfect-bound. Micro-influencer and regional princess Pipette is growing tired of her domestic life and virtual duty, and decides instead to participate in an 'eligible bachelor's showcase.' As Pipette spends more and more time with DJ Prince Kyle, her darling dog and best friend, Dudley. begins to act out, feeling increasingly abandoned. Who will Pipette choose, and will their friendship survive?

She Would Feel the Same by Emma Hunsinger. 80pp, perfect-bound. Chloe and Phoebe's relationship has ended, amicably. Nobody instigated the breakup, they both felt it was time to move on. So why can't Chloe stop thinking about it: how neat and civilised it all was? Is it normal to just suddenly stop loving someone who meant so much to you? Is that… it? An unmissable debut comic work from a formidable up-and-coming comics talent.

Outspace by Núria Martinez. Colour, 36pp, saddle-stitched. Outspace is the hot, shiny, new game-of-the-moment, and after being recommended it by a friend, Erin decides to give it a go. Initially sceptical, she soon finds herself engrossed to the point where she real-life and virtual reality begin to blur… Or is she just imagining it?

'Time will tell' fabric screenprint by Jillian Tamaki. This oversized screenprinted patch measures 20x20cm, and is exclusive to the box (won't be available at any later point or for individual sale- this is the only way to get one).  We love the idea of a unique fabric piece that can be framed, quilted, sewn in to a jacket or tote, mini-pennant, bunting, or whatever use you come up with.

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