The following is an interview with Josh Oaktree (founder, Oak Tree Comics) regarding Oak Tree Comics’ call for creator submissions for the We Are Los Angeles: After the Fires, Local Artists Reflect on & Reimagine the City They Love comic book anthology. In this interview, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief Barbra Dillon chats with Oaktree about the inspiration behind the comic book project, the guidelines offered to creators who may be interested in participating, how proceeds from the collection will benefit wildfire relief efforts, and more!
Barbra Dillon, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief: Oak Tree Comics recently announced its upcoming comic book anthology, We Are Los Angeles: After the Fires, Local Artists Reflect on & Reimagine the City They Love. What can you share with us about the premise of this comics collection, as well as its inspiration?
Josh Oaktree: Thanks for highlighting the project! We Are Los Angeles will be a collection of middle-grade comics by Los Angeles artists and writers about the wildfires, with proceeds supporting the relief efforts.
Through the power of collective storytelling, the anthology will tell the full story of what happened, starting with the fires, leading to stories about the communal relief efforts, and building to hopeful visions for how LA can rebuild. The goal is to inspire kids—and all Angelenos— to have hope for the future, especially in the face of climate change.
The book is being published by Oak Tree Comics, which is an LA-based children’s book publisher I founded to make imaginative books for kids that speak up for the environment.
In trying times, my mind turns to my creativity. During the fires, I began imagining a story, which gave way to an idea that I liked even more: I realized that the most impactful way to recount what we all experienced was if we all told the story together. The idea of our collective imaginations celebrating our city while advocating for nature is what inspired the book.
BD: At this time, you are actively looking for creators and collaborators for this project. Are there any specifications or guidelines that you are able to share regarding the call for submissions?
JO: Yes! If you are interested in being involved, please reach out. Our initial call for submissions closes (or closed) on Sunday, May 18th, but that doesn’t mean that we’re done looking for collaborators. Currently, we have two ongoing needs:
First, we’re looking for more artists! In our initial call for submissions, we received a lot of stories from writers who would like to be paired with artists. If you are a Los Angeles artist interested in working with a writer, we’d love to hear from you.
Secondly, we need more stories! Of the stories we’ve selected so far, many center around the fires. We’d love to receive even more stories about 1) the communal relief efforts and 2) hopeful visions for the future. If you have a story that fits either of those categories, please reach out once you’ve had a chance to review our submission guidelines: https://www.oatkreecomics.com/we-are-los-angeles
BD: A portion of the proceeds for the anthology will be donated to wild fire relief for those impacted by the 2025 LA fires. What can you share with us about the organizations who will receive the intended proceeds?
JO: I see the book giving back to the greater Los Angeles community in three different ways:
First, there’s the creation of the book. All artist and writers are paid a flat page rate. When combined, it will be north of $50,000 going to the Los Angeles creative community, with many of those participating storytellers being individuals who were directly impacted by the fires.
Secondly, all proceeds, minus the cost of printing, will support the relief efforts. As a committee, the participating storytellers will elect where to donate the proceeds. The team and I have made a short list of options that includes the California Community Foundation’s Wildfire Relief Fund, but we will wait to officially decide until we’re closer to publication. That way we will have a better sense of what the most pressing needs are for the impacted communities at that time.
In the long term, one of the most meaningful impacts will be how the stories ripple and effect change. I know I felt so overwhelmed by the fires. I’d love for the anthology to empower our community, so they know more about our climate and what to do if there’s a wildfire. We Are Los Angeles will be equal parts communal art therapy, a historical document remembering through imagination, and an educational resource. Hopefully, the book’s impact will travel well beyond our local community, in informing readers everywhere about the climate, and how we can protect the nature we live with.
BD: What makes Oak Tree the perfect home for this anthology?
JO: Even more than what makes Oak Tree Comics the perfect home, Los Angeles is the perfect home to create it! There is no city in the world that’s more imaginative! I’m so excited to share the anthology with readers because the submissions we’ve received are so creative.
The LA fires are a climate story, and Oak Tree Comics is all about imagination that speaks up for the environment. Often, when talking about climate change, it can feel so overwhelming. That’s why Oak Tree Comics stories opt for an optimistic lens. We can accomplish so much more if we share hope for the future and if we set out to make a difference together.
BD: If readers want to lend their support with wildfire relief or the upcoming anthology, are there any ways to become involved?
JO: The California Community Foundation’s Wildfire Relief Fund is a great place to start if you are looking to support financially. If you know of someone from one of the impacted communities, I’d recommend reaching out. They may know of the most current and pressing needs or of individuals and organizations that would benefit from more localized support.
As a creative, if you want to become involved with the anthology, we’re still looking for both writers and artists. Again, you can find the most up-to-date submission guidelines on the Oak Tree Comics website.
But let’s say you’re not a creative. You can still be involved! My mind is racing with possibilities. Maybe yours is, too!
As we get closer to publication, I’m picturing art spaces and coffee shops displaying the art and stories from the book to raise awareness. I see communal events hosted at local bookshops, plant stores, and gardens. I imagine school readings that highlight the power of collective storytelling, and how you can tell your community’s story, too. And those are just a few ideas. Imagine what we can all do when we advocate for our city and its nature together!
BD: Lastly, what would you like to tell fans who want to learn more about We Are Los Angeles and your other work?
JO: Oh my goodness. Thank you for your support and interest! One of my greatest joys in creating our books has been getting to be part of the community and seeing our community grow.
You can always learn more about Oak Tree Comics on our website: https://www.oaktreecomics.com. If you’re on social media, you can find Oak Tree Comics on Instagram (@oaktree_comics) and on TikTok, Facebook, and Bluesky (@oaktreecomics).
Beyond where and how to stay in touch, please know your voice as a storyteller has the power to inspire. The team and I can’t wait to hear the stories you tell!
