Books / comics
‘Zip’, the brand-new grungy superhuman comic set in Bristol surpasses its Kickstarter goal
Netherlands-born Mike Scrase has lived in Bristol almost his entire life, and it made sense to him to set his independent comic Zip, in his home city.
“This comic’s Bristolian identity is very important to me,” he enthuses. “I would like to see places other than London appear a bit more often in British fiction.”
Scrase is a visually impaired writer who acknowledges his dark sensibilities, but likes to produce work with a humorous edge, and has contributed to comic anthologies including Cats Committing Crimes and The Psychedelic Journal of Time Travel.
is needed now More than ever
‘Eternity Shocked’ art by Santiago Espina – photo: courtesy of Mike Scrase/Zip
Abiding themes of interest to him include disability, mental health, challenging societal norms, and holding authority to account.
Zip is a 22 page black and white comic following the eponymous superhero, written by Scrase, with art by Santiago Espina, lettering by Ferran Delgado and cover art by Vanessa Cardinali.
Civilisation was never built for superhumans. Yet all the while they have lived within it. Unnoticed and marginalised, they took to acts of heroism to give themselves a sense of purpose in a society that seemed to have no place for them.
Cover art by Vanessa Cardinali – photo: courtesy of Mike Scrase/Zip
The narrative reimagines superheroes as “an analogy for disability”, exploring “the passive, quiet side of prejudice fuelled by ignorance and apathy”.
Argentian born artist Espina has been illustrating independent comics for 20 years, and cites Travis Chares, Moebius, and Juan Gimenes among his influences. His characteristic linework and use of open panels lends Zip an evocative, introspective aesthetic.
The project recently surpassed its crowdfunding target, with 79 backers to a Kickstarter campaign which will now continue in the hope of funding future issues.
‘Run Cars’ art by Santiago Espina – photo: courtesy of Mike Scrase/Zip
Follow Zip Comic news at www.zipcomic.co.uk or to donate towards future issues, go to Mike Scrase’s page at www.kickstarter.com.
Main photo: courtesy of Mike Scrase/Zip (artwork by Santiago Espina)
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