Skybound Presents Afterschool #2 is the latest issue of the publisher’s teen horror anthology miniseries that “takes the familiar cautionary tales we’ve all learned in our youths and flips them on their heads.” Considering the recent overturning of Roe v. Wade, this one hits a little harder.
Acclaimed writing duo Kate Herron (Marvel Studios’ Loki, Sex Education) and Briony Redman (the BAFTA Rocliffe-winning Pont Brec) are behind the tale, alongside artist Leila Leiz (M.O.M.: Mother of Madness, Horde), colorist Giovanna Niro (Two Moons) and letterer Pat Brosseau (Manifest Destiny). Described as “a standalone horror story soaked in blood and feathers,” the issue also features a cover by Veronica Fish (Archie, Sabrina the Teenage Witch).
Read details below:
“Scratches to mark you, a feather to warn you, then it comes…” According to the urban legend, if you try to get rid of your pregnancy, a monstrous stork will force you to keep it. But surely, that can’t be true, can it? For Leah and her friends, they’re about to find out about just how true it is in…The Storkening!”
The publisher explained:
“The issue’s story, entitled “The Storkening,” focuses on the unexpected pregnancy of a teenage girl and her right to choose. When the idea behind “The Storkening” was originally developed by writers Kate Herron (she/her) and Briony Redman (she/they) years ago, it was crafted as a reminder of the fight for those rights in the past, but has unfortunately become as relevant as ever with the Supreme Court of the United States’ overturning of Roe v. Wade on June 24, 2022.
Kate and Briony directly address the development of “The Storkening” and its intention as a supportive message in their Afterword, as found at the book’s close.
In solidarity with the countless people this ruling affects, Kate and Briony will be donating their earnings for this issue to Planned Parenthood. Skybound Entertainment will match that donation as part of its ongoing donations to organizations that support reproductive rights including Planned Parenthood, NARAL Pro-Choice America, The Center for Reproductive Rights, and the National Abortion Federation.
Reproductive rights and bodily autonomy are indelible and fundamental human rights, and they are essential to the well-being of all people. Skybound Entertainment and the writers of “The Storkening” support equitable access to reproductive care for all.”
Skybound Presents Afterschool #2 will be available in comic shops and digital platforms such as Amazon Kindle, Apple Books, comiXology, and Google Play on Wednesday, July 20. Check out some pages below!
