Free Comic Book Day is upon us, and the comic book world has a seemingly endless supply of wonderful adventures and mysteries being told by so many people. Kymera Press has the distinction of being a publisher that creates its works from all female artists and writers, and they have a selection of comics that anyone can get into that span various genres.
To give you an idea of what you can expect from Kymera Press, let’s take a look at their available catalog and where you can find them while searching online on FCBD.
Dragons by the Yard #1
Age Group: All-Ages
Creators: Kelly Swails (writer), Paola Amormino (artist), Laurie Foster (inker), Sandra Molina (colorist), Saida Temofonte (letterer)
You’ll Like This If You Like: Roald Dahl Stories
This intriguing story presents itself with a kind, generous spirit in main character Anna who crafts colorful dragons and sells them at a fair. Her thoughtfulness is expressed early in this first issue of Dragon by the Yard, and the mystery surrounding those around her show up shortly after an encounter with a rude customer.
Dragons by the Yard is definitely a story anyone can pick up and realize there’s something special about to happen. As if quoting a line from Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, “The wands chooses the wizard, Mr. Potter,” Anna’s belief in who should have one of her dragons foreshadows her future encounter with a mysterious woman and beautiful fabric she happens to have – just for Anna.
This all-ages story is filled with vibrant colors, and it’s a story that’s only begun to unfasten the characters’ mystery and the inevitable encounter that Anna will have with dragons.
Mary Shelley Presents #1
Age Group: 12+
Creators: Nancy Holder (writer), Amelia Woo (artist), Sandra Molina (colorist), Saida Temofonte (letterer)
You’ll Like This If You Like: Mycroft Holmes and the Apocalypse Handbook
Take a trip with the famed author of Frankenstein, as Mary Shelley recounts the tales of other authors and their spooky stories from her time.
Mary Shelley Presents begins with “The Old Nurse’s Story” by Elizabeth Gaskell. After the passing of her parents, Rosie finds herself in the care of Hester as they travel to a family estate. Their arrival does not include the warmest of welcomes, and the mysteries surrounding the home (and its residents) are slowly building tension and creepiness, despite the cheerful disposition of Rosie.
“The Old Nurse’s Story” begins in the classic way of someone else telling the story, and what better way to heighten suspense than to have Mary Shelley catalogue the events that will eventually leave dear Rosie out in the wintry cold.
Pet Noir #1
Age Group: All-Ages
Creators: Pati Nagle (writer), Anna G. (artist), Laurie Foster (inker), Liezl Buenaventura (colorist), Saida Temofonte (letterer)
You’ll Like This If You Like: DuckTales (in Space)
How would you react if you met a talking cat? Not only would you be surprised to run into a feline that can carry an intelligent conversation, but you might be puzzled to learn this cat will be your new partner.
Devin is an interstellar detective working on a smuggling case and his new partner, Leon, has a unique ability to get into places unnoticed and spy on potential suspects. This isn’t your typical cat. Leon has been engineered and does not know the basics when it comes to lower gravity in space, while also being skittish when running face to face into a large rat.
Pet Noir is a fun way to explore space, while being a secret agent – as a cat. It’s a unique perspective, especially since Leon is forced into the role by those who created him. Will Leon and Devin catch their criminals? Will Leon learn to successfully jump in lower gravity? You can explore four issues in the series and find out how this pair works together.
Ivory Ghosts #1
Age Group: 12+
Creators: Caitlin O’Connell (writer), Debora Carita (artist/cover), Laurie Foster (inker), Liezl Buenaventura (colorist), Saida Temofonte (letterer)
You’ll Like This If You Like: Medicine Man (Film)
Ivory Ghosts #1 explores the real-life accounts of Dr. Caitlin O’Connell regarding the illegal ivory trade in Africa. As the writer, Dr. O’Connell adapts her novel to comic book form and generates a sense of wonder and fear from living so close to wildlife, while establishing dangerous encounters for the main character, Catherine Sohon.
Sohon arrives in Namibia hoping to assist with an elephant census, but instead gets a flat tire, avoids a lion, and then gets stopped at gunpoint. Ivory Ghosts takes a deep look into the harsh realities behind such a deadly trade. There are also moments where Sohon remembers painful moments from her past, letting readers know there are multiple layers to this character. This story also illustrates beautiful sunsets and simple acts of kindness which make her stay easier.
All of this put together allows the reader to identify the magnitude behind surveying elephants and what dangers might be associated with it. It’s definitely easy to want to continue on to another chapter, knowing the surface of this mystery has just barely been scratched.
Gates of Midnight
Age Group: 12+
Creators: D. Lynn Smith (writer), Amelia Woo (artist/cover), Mirana Reveier (colorist), Nikki Foxrobot and Jessica Jimerson (letterers)
You’ll Like This If You Like: Jessica Jones
Raven Moon is a hero. She returns from a tour in Afghanistan and back to New York City as a paramedic. Her deployment has left a lingering impact on her life, with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, dealing with nightmares, and needing to feel safe.
Her trauma doesn’t stop when she returns home, as she comes across her father dying in the street. Shortly after his death, life doesn’t simply change from the burden of such a tremendous loss; Raven learns about forces of nature well beyond anything she ever thought possible – and that her father was somehow involved.
This trade paperback, Warriors of the Gate, collects Issues 1 through 4 and dives into the supernatural in such a fantastic way. There are people claiming to know Raven’s father, and, instantaneously, gears start to turn, wondering if they can be trusted or not. Gates of Midnight has interesting characters, monsters jumping through portals, and a main character that wants to find out what happened to her father. This series currently has eight issues available.
I want to thank Debbie Lynn Smith and Kymera Press for sharing their time and comic books with Fanbase Press for our Free Comic Book Day coverage. For more information on their comics and conventions they’ll be attending, make sure to follow them online.
