StrangeLore Update

We are almost finished!

Just wanted to share a couple of pages from my graphic novel, StrangeLore. António Brandão's work is so good, it's bittersweet that he's almost done.

New 'StrangeLore' Promo: Brandon

Hi All,

I wanted to share with y'all the first promo for my graphic novel, StrangeLore. It's by Nick Robles and he's sooo talented, I love his work!

So, here's Brandon, he's the main lead

StrangeLore Update: New Art

This wonderful illustration of Brandon and Jackson was created by the talented Nick Robles

P.S. he might be doing the cover for my Graphic Novel, StrangeLore

Is Gumroad Discriminating against Gay Erotic Writer Dale Lazarov?

Hey gay comic fans, I got some foolishness to tell you about. A buddy of mine, Dale Lazarov is a profound writer of gay erotica. Some of you may know of his works, but if you don't, please check him out.

Anywho, here's the story. Dale was selling his graphic novel, STICKY on a comic site called Gumroad. Days later, Dale received this letter…

hey,
i’m sahil – i work at gumroad.
i just wanted to reach out and say that i don’t think the stuff you’re selling on gumroad is a good fit for us at the moment. we’re a small, early company and we have to stay on the safe side in terms of the things that we allow on our platform. as we work with banks and other partners, we have to be pretty conservative, as they are.
we’ll keep your account going for 14 days so you get paid out fully. that should be enough time for you to find another provider.
hopefully our short terms losses lead to long term gains and we become a really good fit for you again.
best and sorry about all of this,
i hope you understand,
Sahil @ Gumroadgumroad.com // @gumroad // on Facebook”

Interesting, as if bankers and other partners are not gay or enjoy some skin from time to time. Dale called them out over selling another erotic book called Smut Peddler.
He said:

Dear Gumroad:

Why, if you have been selling SMUT PEDDLER for months, which is as explicit and often as gay as my comics, did you cancel distribution of mine in less than a month?
If you sell SMUT PEDLER for months but you dump mine in weeks, even after you tell me I am a big seller and pester me with marketing questions days earlier... What do I make of you dumping my comic?
EXPLAIN TO ME: How is SMUT PEDDLER a "good fit" but my comics aren't?

Sincerely, Dale Lazarov

Once they were put on blast, Gumroad responded with:

We do not discriminate in any way based on orientation of content on Gumroad, our TOS is purely based on restricting sales of illicit content because we do not have an age-restriction feature, which is required to protect sellers from minors purchasing content of this type.

Well, Gumroad, can you explain why this happened? Why single out STICKY and claim it wasn't a good fit? And what's a GOOD FIT?

However once the smoke (somewhat) cleared, SMUT PEDLER was removed from their list.

Very interesting trail of events. I think this story is just getting started.

StrangeLore Update: First Page

So I wanted to share an update of my graphic novel, StrangeLore. It's coming along pretty well and the art is really good. 

In fact, I want to share a page with you all.

This is the first page where we meet Brandon. He just arrived down south to live with his Grandmother and Aunt.

The artist is António Brandão

Here is the synopsis

Over a year ago, Brandon Hanks lost his friends to a horrific event during a Spring Break trip. While many believe their deaths were caused by a wild animal, Brandon knew it was something else. But his memories betray him, leaving Brandon haunted by nightmares of something unrealistic and impossible. In order to put his life back together, Brandon moves to Marion, Tennessee to live with his grandmother and aunt. As he settles into his new home, Brandon meets the cavalier and handsome Jackson Garrett. 

The chemistry between the two boys is instantaneous. However, Brandon fears that his past could quickly end his new-founded relationship, but that's the least of Brandon's problems. 

Jackson has some secrets of his own. He comes from a long line of supernatural beings only known through ancient folklore and legends. Once the truth is revealed, Brandon discovers that their worlds are more entwined than they ever could imagine, and his nightmares about his friends' deaths are not just dreams, but a prelude to what’s coming.

Strange Lore Update: Brandon and Jackson by MyDearBasil

Here's another artist's take of my characters from Strange Lore. The artist goes by MyDearBasil and she's still a teenager, but man she's talented!

My real artist, Kelvin is working hard to get the characters set and ready. In June, he will get started on the pages.

But for now, please enjoy this illustration and check out MDB's work.

Strange Lore Update: The Lovers - Jackson and Brandon

This is another drawing of my lead characters, Jackson and Brandon. This piece was created by Lindsay Ishihiro, a talented artist in Canada.

She really gave them so much life here. I love the way they look; Jackson is offering his heart and Brandon is willing to take it. You can also see Jackson's shadow powers as a smoky haze behind him.

When I created these characters, I wanted them to be something gay teens and adults would fall for.

Jackson is a charming country boy based from the guys I have "encountered" back home, or had major crushes on. He (and Brandon) is nothing like the gays we see on TV. In fact, I made sure they were no "Glee gays". I wanted to challenge the notion of what we think when it comes to gay youth. These guys are something different and hopefully, something exciting.

Brandon grew up in Chicago. So he's not a whiner and sulking heap of mess (no Bella). Brandon's a fighter and a nonsense guy, however he's still a kid. He drops his guard to those he trust and becomes vulnerable to the ones he deeply cares about. 

Jackson grew up in a mystical and magical world, yet he maintains a laid-back approach to things. He has learned to deal with being a supernatural being with the help of his father, Ken. Through Ken, Jackson has become a resilient young man. But if Jackson is pushed too far he could go dark. The last time that happened, people were slaughtered. So he has to keep it together, especially for Brandon's sake.

I get really excited talking about this project. I can't wait for this graphic novel to come together and I can get it out to the public. I really hope folks like it.

But before I close this post, please check out Lindsay's work and if you need some illustrated, let her know.

Strange Lore Update: Artist Sketch of Brandon

I wanted to share a sketch of one of my main characters, Brandon. My artist wanted me see how he envisioned him.

Here's a little about Brandon

BRANDON HANKS (19) – He's smart, a bit of a geek and very strong willed. He is also very guarded and keeps his deepest feelings hidden in a journal. Brandon just moved in with his grandmother and aunt in South Carolina, after a fallout with his stepfather. The incident was very tough for Brandon, but he manages to stay positive. This is his opportunity for a fresh start.

So take a look

I think he's cute.

Strange Lore Update: A Drawing from Jaxinto Myth

Here's another drawing of my character, Jackson from the talented erotic artist, Jaxinto Myth. Isn't he cute? His drawing of Brandon is coming soon.

Please take a look at Jaxinto's art. It's hot, sexy (NSFW) and beautiful.

Meet My Artist for My Graphic Novel

So the artist I'm working with is Kelvin Lo. He is a talented artist from Canada who just graduated from the Max the Mutt Animation School, yes that is the name of the school.

Kelvin has a knack for storytelling and drawing cute guys; clearly the best attributes for a gay story, right?

But on a serious tip, these examples are the reasons why I chose him

We are getting started with Strange Lore! So excited about doing this.

To see more of Kelvin work, go to his website