I’ve been waiting eagerly all year, and it’s finally here!! The ShortBox Comics Fair 2023 has arrived!!
About the Fair
If this is your first time hearing about the fair, you are in for a treat! The ShortBox Comics Fair comes around every year for a whole month in October. It’s run by ShortBox, a comics publisher based in the UK and run by the absolutely lovely Zainab Akhtar.
For the whole month of October, the comic artists involved receive 100% of the sales (minus processing fees, of course), so when you buy a comic through the fair, you know it’s directly supporting the creators! The creators also retain all rights to their work, so this is truly a creator-oriented event. (Gosh, I’m getting weepy! 🥲)
If you’re interested in a comic for sale this month, I highly encourage you to purchase it now! While some comic artists may re-list the comic in their shops or with ShortBox later on or even go on to expand their comic into a longer length, not all will do so. So this is truly the best time to get these comics!
It’s an absolutely delightful event, read lots of beautiful comics, and a wonderful chance to check out new comic artists. I’ve been saving for this all year– wanna see what I got? (Hint: as much as I could possibly afford! 😂)

About Zainab Akhtar
Zainab (she/her) puts in a lot of dedication, care, and labor into creating, coordinating, and promoting this event year-round, and her hard work is so appreciated by so many in the comics community. She is the sole founder, organizer, and director of the ShortBox Comics Fair, doing everything from processing hundreds of applications to organizing the 130+ comic creators throughout the creation process to promoting and hosting the event itself each year.
If you’re able to support her work, please do so! The ShortBox store is open throughout the year, so even if you miss the fair, you can support her work through there!
The Comics
And now, without further ado and with MUCH excitement!– I present to you the comics I got from this year’s fair! I tried to get a variety of comics: artists I know and love, new-to-me artists, short comics, long comics, dreamy fantasy, chilling horror, relaxing slice of life, comedy, everything I could afford to get my hands on!

Birds of the Storm
Illustrator + Writer: Mathilde Laillet, she/her
Publisher: Self-published via ShortBox Comics Fair 2023
Publish Date: October 1, 2023
Pages: 37
“On an isolated and stormy island, a witch receives a visit from her aunt.
The pdf contains both English and French versions of the comic / Version française disponible au sein du même pdf.”
“He hasn’t slept in weeks. Every night, a visitor demands his attention at his bedroom door.
A horror story about what you don’t want to acknowledge. Reader discretion advised.”

Crossed Signals
Illustrator + Writer: mxiiha, aka Max, aka Maxine Hammen
Publisher: Self-published via ShortBox Comics Fair 2023
Publish Date: October 1, 2023
Pages: 21
“No matter if it is during a fencing match or while relaxing in the courtyard, Flo’s rival Biskop always seems to know just the way to rile her up. She cannot for the life of her figure out what Biskop’s problem is – it is almost as if they are speaking two different languages.”

Does Maribella Want a Croissant?
Illustrator + Writer: Gaia Papoila
Publisher: Self-published via ShortBox Comics Fair 2023
Publish Date: October 1, 2023
Pages: 25
“Once upon a time, on a moonless night, the hunter was looking for the wolf as black as the night, and Gianna the baker was intent on walking the road to her ex’s house one last time, bringing croissants with her. Unfortunately, or fortunately, it just so happened that Gianna met the wolf first.”

Extinction
Illustrator + Writer: VER, they/them
Publisher: Self-published via ShortBox Comics Fair 2023
Publish Date: October 1, 2023
Pages: 44
“A Legion land survey finds something they cannot identify on the border between the steppe-cities and the lands of the Wildercourt. To ascertain the nature of their strange discovery, the Legion solicits help from the wife and curator to the scientific legacy of the late Dr. Sorsa. Dr. Sorsa’s widow travels to the borders to find an enlightening truth – one which might finally land a decisive conclusion to the Sorsa legacy.
CW: death, body horror, depictions of dead people and animals
The ‘Extinction’ PDF is screen-reader accessible.”

Galatean Girlfriend
Illustrator + Writer: Imogen Mangle, she/her
Publisher: Self-published via ShortBox Comics Fair 2023
Publish Date: October 1, 2023
Pages: 38
“Naïve, reckless Veronica has finally had enough of her partner Stilts’ refusal to share her occult knowledge. Surely Stilts can understand that all Veronica wants is to feel closer to her gf and have some supernatural fun! But now, Nica has had enough of waiting. If Stilts keeps shutting her out, maybe someone else can become the girlfriend that Nica wishes she had.
Content warnings: Manipulation, bloody violence, animal death, sexual themes.”

I’m Stuck in Retrograde
Illustrator + Writer: Jade Zhang, she/her
Publisher: Self-published via ShortBox Comics Fair 2023
Publish Date: October 1, 2023
Pages: 69
“There’s a looming staircase in the woods that brings memories to life for its travelers. At first it’s great fun – with memories of carnivals, and celebrations. But then they get trapped in a loop of traumatic memories, and find themselves far from home.
Content warnings: child abuse, drunk driving”

In the Jaws of St. Camillus
Illustrator + Writer: Stevie Barot, he/him
Publisher: Self-published via ShortBox Comics Fair 2023
Publish Date: October 1, 2023
Pages: 126
“Father Valencia is a friendly priest from the capital tasked with revitalizing the distant island province of St. Camillus. His kindness immediately uplifts the community. And yet despite all his apparent benevolence, Mr. Rivera, the island’s funeral director, senses something is off…
content warnings: catholicism, violence, alcohol, smoking, implied abuse, vehicular accidents, mild homophobia, manipulation, death, detailed corpses, blood, knives, snakes, crocodiles”

Minnow Soup
Illustrator + Writer: Felipe Ortiz, any pronouns
Publisher: Self-published via ShortBox Comics Fair 2023
Publish Date: October 1, 2023
Pages: 18
“A tiny forest creature delves into the woods to find ingredients so they can prepare their grandmother’s special minnow soup for a loved one. A cozy comic best served warm on rainy days.”

Morana Until Death
Illustrator + Writer: Les Piggies, team of Bailie Rosenlund she/her and Kari Lynch, she/her
Publisher: Self-published via ShortBox Comics Fair 2023
Publish Date: October 1, 2023
Pages: 60
“Morana has risen after a deadly fall from her horse, and the love of her life is willing to do anything to return her memories and make her well again.
Contains: violence, blood, needles, and sexual content”

My Father Was a Good Man
Illustrator + Writer: Adeline Kon, they/them
Publisher: Self-published via ShortBox Comics Fair 2023
Publish Date: October 1, 2023
Pages: 35
“In the winter of ’99 a young girl’s father is killed in a vicious wolf attack. Five years later, the girl has returned to the forest to seek revenge on the wolf that killed her father. My Father Was A Good Man is a queer horror story about the unexpected horrors that lurk in the shadows of our lives.
Content warning: mild gore, violence, body horror, and themes of domestic abuse”

NAPKIN! Or: Shelby Takes the Long Way Home
Illustrator + Writer: Jade LFT Peters
Publisher: Self-published via ShortBox Comics Fair 2023
Publish Date: October 1, 2023
Pages: 58
“Shelby has a strange skill- she can draw someone she’s never seen before, and then cross paths with the real person within the week. When a high-stakes $20 bet between friends forces her to demonstrate her powers, Shelby begins to realize she’s about to come face-to-face with her ultimate fear: a cute girl. Content warning for strong language.”

Parasocial Activity
Illustrator + Writer: Pearl Law
Publisher: Self-published via ShortBox Comics Fair 2023
Publish Date: October 1, 2023
Pages: 23
“Three old friends had a great evening at the concert of their favourite idol group, and had a chance meeting with a fellow fan. But there’s more than meets the eye with the story he tells.”

Phobiaphilia
Illustrator + Writer: Nero Villagallos O’Reilly, he/him
Publisher: Self-published via ShortBox Comics Fair 2023
Publish Date: October 1, 2023
Pages: 56
“When your Prey begs to be caught, how does the Hunter react?
18+, erotic content. Contains sexualized imagery of weapons, hunting dogs, rough sex, and both puppy and primal kink play.”

Roast or Fry?
Illustrator + Writer: Robyn Smith, she/her
Publisher: Self-published via ShortBox Comics Fair 2023
Publish Date: October 1, 2023
Pages: 23
“It’s hard to remember the night before when it’s a really hot day.
Content Warning: Gun Imagery, Mild Violence”

Special Delivery
Illustrator + Writer: Danielle Harmon, they/she
Publisher: Self-published via ShortBox Comics Fair 2023
Publish Date: October 1, 2023
Pages: 20
“After moving to a new place, Emery has a strange encounter with the local delivery man.”

To Me, To You
Illustrator + Writer: Chereen Francis-Roberts
Publisher: Self-published via ShortBox Comics Fair 2023
Publish Date: October 1, 2023
Pages: 47
“Lily exists in a world with a small island inhabited by a mysterious woman, a vast and unforgiving ocean and a destination of her own making.
Her goal? To cross the ocean to this ‘Destination’. However, as time passes and each voyage ends increasingly in failure, she begins to wonder whether it’s a journey worth making and whether she should surrender herself to the waves and the comforting silence beneath.
Will she persevere and take on board the council of the mysterious woman? Or will she let it all go and sink again into a false sense of security, this time, for good?”

Unicorn, Hunted
Illustrator + Writer: Ian Simmons, he/him
Publisher: Self-published via ShortBox Comics Fair 2023
Publish Date: October 1, 2023
Pages: 28
“A man lost in the forest of an unfamiliar land finds a secluded abbey devoted to unicorns. There, he accepts the enthusiastic hospitality of the single acolyte present, while a secret weighs on his conscience.”

Werewolf Social Club
Illustrator + Writer: Lucie Ebrey, she/her
Publisher: Self-published via ShortBox Comics Fair 2023
Publish Date: October 1, 2023
Pages: 43
“A horrible curse. A threatening note. And just where do you go when the full moon is out and you absolutely cannot be seen? Wherever it is, you better bring a spare tupperware.”

When Death Comes, I Will Follow
Illustrator + Writer: Val Wise, he/she (not they)
Publisher: Self-published via ShortBox Comics Fair 2023
Publish Date: October 1, 2023
Pages: 58
“Death comes swiftly in this land, but no longer leaves an object to be mourned.
In her efforts to prolong the inevitable, a knight takes refuge in the bones of a convent.
Content warnings: Suicide, violence, intimate scenes. For mature readers.”
More ShortBox Comics Fair 2023 Releases!
There were SO many more comics I really wish I could have purchased, but alas, I was restricted by the savings I had 🥲 You should definitely go check out the other wonderful looking comics in the fair before it ends! Here’s a full list of which comics and creators are in the fair (alphabetized by creator first names).
Remember, the closing day (October 31st) and time are in the UK time zone, so make sure you place your order before it ends in your own time zone!
4THRESET, aka Chan Mandy, any pronouns – Daisy Bush
Abhi Alwar, she/they – The Invitation
Adeline Kon, they/them – My Father Was a Good Man
Alice Lepert, they/them – Love Potion
Alyssa Slobodzian, they/them – Chimera
Andy Peña, she/her – Cheating (Academically)
Angie Kang, she/her – Randy & Lee
Anna Bowles, aka Anna Bow, she/her – Through the Window
Arty Nicharee, she/her – All Was Right with the World
Asia Miller – Your Heart Is a Muscle the Size of Your Fist
Asma Aden, she/he/they – Honey and Mangoes
Audrey Meeker, she/her – The Deep End
Azam Raharjo – SOMEONE DIED HERE
Bailey Gross, he/she/they – Symbiont
Barbara Benas, they/them – Bottom’s Up!
Barbara Mazzi, she/her – LEAVE YOU BE
Bea Ritter, she/he – The Miracle
Bernice Sioson, aka Nicey (“knee-sea”), they/them – At a Distance
Bieffe, aka Benedetta Falcone – About Agatha
Blue Delliquanti, they/them – Pickled Onions: A Series of Useful Guides
Bolzemo, they/he – What’s Lying in There?
bothpalms, aka Rho Sovia – Connector
C.R. Chua, aka Cristina Rose Chua, she/her – Kanna Has Never Seen a Cat
Cam McCafferty, they/he/she – Baptism in the Mud
Celestine Kronberger, they/them – Pilaghost
Chan Chau, they/he – The Things We Carve
Chelsea Akpan – PIPOLI: I Funked Up
Chereen Francis-Roberts – To Me, To You
Chiara Raimondi – Memories of Alexandria
Clare Foley, she/her – The Music on the Hill
Colin Atthar, he/him (il/lui) – The General’s Little Soldier (La Tente du Général)
crumble, they/them – Lab Puppy
Cynthia Yuan Cheng, they/them – Wee Wanderings: My Solo Trip in Scotland
D Morales, they/them – Out of Tune
Danielle Harmon, they/she – Special Delivery
David Brothers & Nick Dragotta – FIGHT LIKE HELL
Diansakhu Banton-Perry, she/her – Alone
Disa Wallander – Earthly Worm Catches the Early Bird Discount
Eli Lin – A Photo from the Past
Elizabeth Lander – The Deep End
Elle Shivers, they/them – French Exit
Fatima Wajid, she/they – Prism
Felipe Ortiz, any pronouns – Minnow Soup!
Gaia Papoila – Does Maribella Want a Croissant? (A Little Red Riding Hood Version)
Hana Chatani – Pearl Hunting 山女のはらわた
Hwei, aka Hwei Lim – The Hawk and the Rabbit
Imogen Mangle, she/her – Galatean Girlfriend
Jackie Files, she/her – Bingo
Jade Armstrong, they/iel – Stinking Benjamins
Jade Peters – NAPKIN! (Or: Shelby Takes the Long Way Home.)
Jade Zhang, she/her – I’m Stuck in Retrograde
Jean Wei, she/her – Light Through Memory
Joe Sparrow, he/they – Fishing
judgedarts, they/them – Be Wherever You Are
June Dao, she/they – Perhaps one did not want to be loved so much as to be understood
Karenza Sparks – Avoiding Work at the Sunny Day Cafe and Bakery
KT Healey, they/them – Baby Chef
lagi town, she/her – Dancing with Lions
Laura Knetzger, (kuh-nets-grr) – The Influence
Laura Rovinsky – All’s Faire in Love & War
Lawey D, aka Vivian Nguyen, she/her – It All Ends with Me
Les Piggies: Bailie Rosenlund, she/her and Kari Lynch, she/her – Morana Until Death
Lily Vie – House for Rent: Good Condition
Liz Chee, aka Elizabeth Chee, she/her – Germ
Lucie Bryon, she/her – Ocean
Lucie Ebrey, she/her – Werewolf Social Club
Mac Maclean, they/them – Six Years
Madeline McGrane – Synthetic Snow
Maggie Olson – The Gold
Manda Conti, elu/they – SINKHOLE
Margot Sounack, she/elle – Catleap High
Marty Tina G, they/she – Crossing Wires
Mathilde Laillet, she/her – Birds of the Storm/Les Oiseaux de l’Orage
Meg Selkey, she/her – Sofa King
Mindy Yi – Immortal Milo’s Best Day Ever
Mischief Press: Mark Galez and Agustin Morales – Go! Go! Proton: TimeLoop
Mochipanko, aka Liya – To you, my ghost
mxiiha, aka Max, aka Maxine Hammen – Crossed Signals
Myraha, aka Myraha Harmon-Arias – The Method of Loci
namsai k, she/her – shape, form, and essence of pink and blue
Nat Martin, any pronouns – Villaintines
Nero Villagallos O’Reilly, he/him only – Phobiaphilia
Oscar Woodiwiss, he/they – A Scientific Study of Transsexuality
Pavina, she/her – Pinball Wizard
Pearl Law – Parasocial Activity
Rachel Cherry – Miss Mouse and the Crumbling Catacombs
riotbones, he/they – the body from the river
Robyn Smith, she/her – Roast or Fry?
Sadia Bhuiyan, she/her – Delu
Sam Wade, she/her – Every Night I Dream of the Devil
Sara Cal, she/her – There’s Life After the Impact
Shazleen Khan, no pronouns – My Unhinged Food Diary
SJ Miller, they/them – Circadian
Sloane “plæst[이]k” Hong, she/her – Marrow
snowlattes, she/they – grief_log
spooksier – Richard Garcia’s The Sublime
Stevie Barot, he/him – In the Jaws of St. Camillus
Stu Livingston, he/him – Rosy Outlook
Studio Puffery, aka Joyce Ng – Little Eternities
Superviolent, they/them – History Grows Like a Tumor
Tan Juan Gee – A Three Body Problem
Theo Stultz, he/him – The Quiet End of the Mundane Age
Val Wise, he/she (not they) – When Death Comes, I Will Follow
Valentine Zhang, elle/lel/she/they – It All Started that Day
VER, they/them – EXTINCTION
Violet Kitchen, she/her – Return to Sender
Virus Visal, ella/her – The Swarm
Watery Day, aka Ian Simmons, he/him – Unicorns, Hunted
Wenting Li, she/they – A Minor Catalogue
Winnie Chua, she/her – A Walk in the Park
xiunens, aka Rachel Yuxiu Wang – Miki Playing Hooky
So that’s a look at the ShortBox Comics Fair for this year! The only question I have for you now is, how empty is your wallet gonna be after this? 😂 And if you’re like me, start saving in November for next year’s fair, too!
Okay, I’m off to go finish my chores so I can cozy up on my couch and read a buttload of comics. I’m planning to take the day off tomorrow to read them– and maybe justify the day off with reviewing some of the comics I read 😂 See ya later!
Eager for more comic book content? Sign up for my newsletter Into the Bramble to keep up with content like monthly release lists and issues of More Comics Please! And if you know anyone looking for a good comic to read, feel free to share this with them!
*Comic creators and publishers, I do my best to get the details accurate in my posts, but if you catch a mistake, feel free to reach out to me! You can email me at hellojbeoin [at] gmail [dot] com; it’s much appreciated!

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