“Creating Fandoms” is a monthly editorial series by the Fanbase Press staff that will focus on the comic books, graphic novels, and other creative endeavors produced by Fanbase Press. With a focus on the creators involved, behind-the-scenes revelations, and advanced previews of things to come, this featured series will be your ticket to a sneak peek at what’s being built inside the Fanbase.

At its core, Fanbase Press has always been about celebrating fandoms and creating new ones. Every day, through our website, reviews, interviews, podcasts, and more, Fanbase Press continues its mission to celebrate fandoms and foster an online community of fellow geeks who choose to do the same. When it comes to creating fandoms (an equally important element of the company’s mission), we apply just as much dedication, passion, and metaphorical blood into the process, especially given the company’s origin as an independent comic book publisher. While readers might be aware of Fanbase Press’ publishing endeavors, only a small fraction of the process is available to the fans, creators, and fellow geeks who visit Fanbase Press on a daily basis. Now, through our new “Creating Fandoms” featured series, we will be inviting readers to experience a first-hand look at our creative process.

Fanbase Press was founded in 2010 (originally under the name Fanboy Comics) by Barbra and Bryant Dillon and Sam Rhodes. As three friends with a variety of creative backgrounds (including experience in self-publishing, live theatre, film production, and more), the co-founders built the company to operate as a comic book publisher, focused on producing new and distinctive works that give voice to the themes, ideals, and people that make geekdom so exceptional. The company was rebranded to Fanbase Press in May 2016 and is now under the leadership of co-founders Barbra and Bryant Dillon.

So, how exactly does Fanbase Press “create fandoms?” Over the last eight years, we have produced an assortment of graphic novels, digital and physical comics, and even a book of horror poetry. Having worked with a humbling group of talented individuals and creators, Fanbase Press has had the chance to partner with both established and rising creators in the field in order to build a respectable publishing line featuring titles that explore a variety of genres and characters, including the following:

Something Animal – After witnessing his sister’s brutal murder, Jack struggles to cope with the disturbing, psychological aftermath. Tormented by images of the attack, Jack finds himself physically ill and unable to eat.
Scared and alone, he is forced to confront a growing thirst for blood and the harsh reality that either his sanity is quickly crumbling or that he is turning into something else… something dark… something animal…

Identity Thief – When Daphne and Craig move into a new apartment, they are unaware of the hidden terror lurking in their home. Will they discover that something from another world is seeking a way into their lives before it’s too late?

The Arcs – Centuries after God’s abdication from the Earth, the seven Archangels are trapped in a losing war against Lucifer and his demonic forces.  Unable to ascend into heaven, unable to even die, the Arcs were tasked by the Almighty to keep humanity safe from Lucifer until His return.  But as time ticks on, as more and more angels are clawed to shreds by the demons, as angels begin to lose faith and join the hellions, the Arcs must face the real question: what if God isn’t coming back to save them?

Penguins vs. Possums – Since the dawn of time, a secret war has been waged between two species, each determined to annihilate the other. Throughout the millennia, they have kept their battle confined to the shadows; however, one brazen act has escalated this conflict to a fever pitch. As the world careens toward Armageddon, every human on the planet will soon be forced to CHOOSE A SIDE!

Fearworms: Selected Poems –  Nominated for the 2014 Bram Stoker Award (Poetry), the 2015 Elgin Award, and the 2015 Rhysling Award, this collection of visceral, haunting, and terrifyingly humorous horror poetry touches on everything from a sadistic cannibal clown convention, to Krampus the Christmas demon. This title is guaranteed to leave readers squirming.

Hero Hotel – When Chet’s mother sends him and his cat, Boomer, to live with Grandma Zee in her hotel on Hero Beach, it turns out the lush resort is where every superhero goes on vacation. The only problem is that whenever a supervillain threatens to blow up the place, the heroes don’t help… and it’s up to the plucky staff to save the day.

The Gamma Gals – Kira, Harriet, and Sue are your average, RPG-playing high school students at Brightstone City High School by day, but by night, they are The Gamma Gals, protecting Brightstone City from countless super villains, monsters, and more!

Quince – Lupe is just your average, insecure, well-meaning, occasionally cranky teenage girl whose life is completely turned upside down when she discovers she has superpowers at her quinceañera. Her quince powers only last as long as she’s fifteen, so over the course of this rollercoaster year, we follow the adventures of Lupe as she figures out what it really means to be a hero.

Over the next year, the “Creating Fandoms” featured series will touch on the above titles and the creative process behind them, as well as exploring and introducing the upcoming projects we are currently developing, including one graphic novel that explores the creative process and one that shows how a creator can get lost in their own creation.  Plus, we’ll discuss Fanbase Press’ first audio drama, adapting a post-apocalyptic action-comedy novel where chess is a full-contact sport!

“Creating Fandoms” is a series that will appeal to creators, fans, and those who are a little bit of both. Each entry will be formatted to serve the subject it explores, whether it be an interview with one of our creators, a focus on upcoming or past project, a breakdown of the creative process, and more. While the format of each entry will transition as necessary, every edition of “Creating Fandoms” will provide insight into the way Fanbase Press, and the creators we work with, approach the storytelling craft.

We hope that you will join us as we explore the publishing side of Fanbase Press, and we look forward to returning next month with a brand new edition of “Creating Fandoms” to share with all of you.