Independent publisher Goats Flying Press announced four new titles Thursday, including a graphic novel by cartoonist Juni Ba and letterer Aditya Bidikar.
All four books are slated for 2025, which the Brooklyn-based publisher is dubbing the Year of the Goat. In addition to the Ba and Bidikar book, the lineup includes a horror one-shot set in 1983, the start of a new volume of Scales and Scoundrels, and the first issue of a three-part sci-fi-horror-comedy. Full creator credits, specs, and plot summaries for all four books can be found at the bottom of this post.
Today’s news marks a sizeable expansion for the creator-owned publisher, which announced its presence roughly a year ago this week. Helmed by Sebastian Girner (who you may know from his comics writing as well as being TKO Studios’ editor-in-chief), The Goat has to date launched two successful Kickstarter campaigns, accruing 500-plus backers en route to raising more than $23,000. And they did it all with the rallying cry of “Against all odds!”
The result of those campaigns was two oversized issues of the publisher’s debut series, The Dead and the Damned, a gritty (and excellent) fantasy comic penned by Girner, illustrated by Kelly Williams, and lettered by Jeff Powell.
In a comics landscape that seems increasingly hostile toward true independent publishing efforts, this all feels like a big win for good comics and creator-owned work.
Girner had this to say in a statement to The Beat:
The four titles we are announcing today span a wide range of formats, genres, art styles, and readerships, but all are comics we know need to happen, and we’re the ones who are going to do it. With our ever-growing number of supporters, retailers, and readers, anything is possible.We are excited to present these titles, and look forward to sharing more information and art soon.Goats Flying Press will work tirelessly for a new future for creator-owned comics, for joyous, vibrant, and wild stories, and to build a new home for comic readers, be they first time or long time, to enjoy the very best of independent Comics.
The Fables of Erlking Wood 184 Pages / T+ / Hardcover Graphic Novel (6” x 9”)
Scales & Scoundrels: The Silence in the StormScales & Scoundrels, the fan-favorite all-ages fantasy adventure sets forth with a brand-new story arc!
Dragon princess Luvander, determined find a way to live with the curse that confine her to human form, throws in with a group of thieves in the hustle and bustle of the Free City of Valeria. But when faced with the opportunity to steal a treasure that has the potential to break the chains of her curse, at the cost of everything her human self holds dear.
Written by Sebastian Girner, with art by Galaad, colors by Jason Wordie, and Letters by Jason Powell. Scales & Scoundrels: The Silence in the Storm kicks off a 3-Part Story arc to establish the long-running fantasy comic in its new forever home at Goats Flying Press.
Part 1 of 3 / 80 Pages / All Ages / Graphic Novella (6.19” x 9.5”)
Lake Yellowwood Slaughter
Goats Flying Press proudly presents the bloodiest blockbuster thriller of 1983! This summer camp killer is sharpening his axe for drop-off day, but when he sees the grown-ups on a child-free vacation of sex and debauchery, this is one slasher who’ll put away childish things…he’s got mom and dad in his sights!
The official comic book adaptation by Alejandro Arbona and Gavin Guidry of 1983’s goriest giallo, with colors by Chris O’Halloran and lettering by Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou, and cover by Suspiria Vilchez!
96 Pages / One-Shot / Mature Readers / Oversized Format (7.25” x 11.25”)
The Consumption
“You have been pre-approved…for extinction!”
When humanity is delegated to the status of “raw material” for an intergalactic consumer empire, whose appetite for infinite growth rivals even our own, a former Financial Customer Service A.I. fuses with the body of a hapless “Liquid Asset” survivor to make him the avenging angel of the critically endangered human species.
Written by Sebastian Girner and introducing artist Jack Mandrake, The Consumption is a sci-fi- horror-comedy following the last member of our blighted species and his chipper A.I. helper (that refuses to grant him the sweet release of death), in a bitter-black, gut-bursting, heart- rending trek through endgame capitalism.
Part 1 of 3 / 48 Pages / Mature Readers / Oversized Format (7.25” x 11.25”)
If you’re headed to NYCC, you can find Goats Flying Press in artist alley at J-23.
Check back to The Beat soon for more info (and, hey, maybe even a preview!) about these titles.
