Emerging from my (Mad) Cave...
I didn't have any updates I could share... until now! And, boy, are there updates!
Phew! What a year it’s been so far. We don’t need to go into all of that. Let’s first start with, hi, how are you? I hope you’re taking care of yourself. Have a frog for your troubles.
I know I’ve been MIA. My last update was in September. I spent the end of last year and the beginning of this one recovering from some substantial burnout, but also working ahead on fun projects I haven’t been able to reveal until now. So I’m here! To reveal them! Normally I’d go in order of what was announced earliest but I want dessert first, so we’re starting with the biggest slice of comic book cake:
I WROTE A YA GRAPHIC NOVEL!!!
I had been teasing this over past newsletters, and in the last update I still had about 40 pages to go. Well, I am thrilled to say that not only is that script done, but so is the art, coloring, and lettering. So, let me introduce to you, a labor of love (but not Love’s Labours Lost):
Abuzz, coming Nov. 18, 2025 from Maverick! It’s a 175 page modern reimagining of Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing with a group of high schoolers who are figuring out who they are, what they stand for, and what ridiculous gossip they’re going to fall for (spoiler alert: it’s a whole lot of drama over nothing!). This has been a dream of mine to write, in the loving vein of 10 Things I Hate About You and She’s the Man.
I had the immense privilege of partnering with the incredible artist Stelladia (who did the phenomenal cover art you see above and designed the most lovable, stylish teens for the world of Messina High) for this project. Ellie Wright (who I’ve had the pleasure of working with for all three Archie Horror books I’ve been on) brought her fabulous colors to Stelladia’s lines, and lettering phenom Taylor Esposito (who I’ve only had the pleasure of working with very briefly before, until now!) brought it home with expertly adding in the dialogue and SFX to complete our tale. And I’d be remiss not to mention our lovely editor Lauren Hitzhusen, who took a chance on me in early 2023 and has become a close collaborator AND friend since then. She really championed us through every step, and the book journey is far from over!
I promise you’ll hear more about this book from me all year until its release (and then some!), but for now, check out the official release from Mad Cave/Maverick (with preview pages!) and be sure to pre-order it wherever you prefer to get your OGNs from.
Updates from Nevermore Academy
In addition to my comics work, I’m still kicking with more pop culture tarot and oracle decks! Earlier this month, the Wednesday Official Oracle Deck and Guidebook was revealed by Clarkson Potter, based on the hit Netflix series.
Use the wicked wisdom of the iconic Addams daughter (and her many friends and woes) to guide your meditation with this 52 card deck with custom character art and original card definitions to inspire your next emotional investigations.
The deck features incredible art by Leilani Bustamante, and releases later this year after Wednesday Season 2 arrives on Netflix! This was immensely (or should I say painfully? Y’know, in an Addams Family way) fun to work on. More news as it comes, but the deck is up for pre-order now!
Cats and Ladybugs
Speaking of tarot, the Cosplay Cats Tarot Deck is back on track for release from Insight Editions! 78 fully illustrated cards of adorable cats cosplaying as your favorite pop (or, paw-p) culture characters. Also up for pre-order now — anticipated for a late summer release.
The pop culture pulls in this one are wide and deep, with lots of fun fandoms and famous movies included! Every single card is a different character. There are more cat puns than any one writer should ever make in a lifetime in that guidebook. You’re welcome.
On the subject of cats, I also worked on the upcoming Miraculous Chibi Summer Special from Papercutz! This was also extremely fun to work on, as I was only passingly familiar with the world of Miraculous Ladybug before diving in. I wrote two lighthearted, summery scripts, drawn by artists Sophie Scruggs and Ryan Jampole.
First, Ladybug and Cat Noir help Parisians in peril on a windy day as their kites go soaring out of control! Then, Marinette and Alya go on a picnic that gets interrupted by a ravenous ant sentimonster! Inspired by the animated shorts, these comics are very dialogue-light, which means the comedic and energetic art really gets to shine. This one is also, you guessed it, up for pre-order now.
Cryptid Crowdfunding
I am also in BUMP IN THE NIGHT, the eco-horror cryptid anthology from Limit Break comics, which is currently seeking funding until May 31. We have quite a climb to hit that goal, but if anyone can soar that high, it’s Mothman.
I have the pleasure of working with co-writer Tango (our last team up was Iron Circus: Perfect Crime Party, but this isn’t our last!) and artist Winiberto Garcia to tackle Ohio’s own slimy Loveland Frogman if we are successfully funded. Wini and Tango jammed on this teaser piece. Look how cute it is!
Don’t you want to see him in a story? I sure do! Check out the campaign now on Kickstarter and toss a coin to your local cryptids, if you’re so inclined.
What Else?
There’s more??? Well, yes, but everything I’ve got going now is once again top-secret. But here’s what I can say:
I have another book getting announced at the end of this month — not comics, but still fandom. I’m very excited to have my name on this cover.
I’m working on my next tarot deck! Another big license, but a big wait — it won’t be out until 2027 (is that a real number??).
I’ve got a commitment for a second graphic novel (unrelated to Abuzz). We’re not ready to move to scripting just yet, but I’ve got the bug and can’t wait to embark on another long script journey.
I’ll be in another Kickstarter this summer co-writing with Tango, and you simply won’t want to miss it. More news when that launches!
I’m scripting another licensed anthology short for a publisher! Super fun, I’m thrilled to be working with this team and editor I’ve wanted to connect with for a while.
To keep all of this moving ahead, I did sadly have to step back from roller derby this year — my life/work balance wasn’t there last year, but I’m still involved with my local league. I miss skating dearly, but have to admit I cannot do everything all at once. I’m hoping to get back into action next season, though!
Okay, I think I’ve bombarded you enough here — thank you for sticking with me through all of this! Every announcement I’ve been sitting on for the last year all bottlenecked this month. Henceforth, the month of May is officially spelled Amy instead.
If nothing else, I’d love nothing more than for folks to spread the word about Abuzz. This book means the world to me, and I would love to know it’s being picked up by high school students and Shakespeare enthusiasts alike. If you’ve got a teen in your life who is into comics, please consider pre-ordering a copy for them! Or for yourself. Or for the family dog. Tell your library! Tell your English teacher! I told mine, and I graduated (more than 10 but less than 20) years ago! Thank you for instilling in me an appreciation of classic literature, Jody!
I’ll leave you with some brief updates about my media consumption habits (because I still find time for stuff that isn’t writing, eating, and sleeping).
Fast Stats:
Currently (re)Watching: Fallout Season 1. I poured 50+ hours into F4 over Christmas/New Years and I’m rewatching now with a greater appreciation for what detail this series accomplished. Hot damn, bring on Season 2. (I also just recently watched A Thousand Blows on Hulu — British historical boxing/crime drama from the Peaky Blinders folks. Drop everything and watch it.)
Currently Reading: Walking Practice by Dolki Min.
Currently Playing: Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
Currently Listening: Lo-Fi video game soundtracks and Critical Role Lo-Fi by Autumn Orange.