The following is an interview with writer Chad Anderson and artist Remy Burke regarding the upcoming release of the graphic memoir, Gay Mormon Dad, through publisher Graphic Mundi. In this interview, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief Barbra Dillon chats with Anderson and Burke about their shared creative process in bringing the personal narrative to life on the page, how they hope that the story’s themes may connect with readers, and more!
Barbra Dillon, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief: Congratulations on the upcoming release of Gay Mormon Dad! What can you tell us about your decision to share your story with readers?
Chad Anderson: When I first came out, the very next day I started writing my story. I’d been writing poetry and prose for years at that point, but something unlocked inside me as I realized how important it was to tell my story authentically. It began an important part of my healing journey. Years, and hundreds of journal and blog entries, later, I realized I’d created the framework for a book that could help others.
BD: What can you tell us about your shared creative process in bringing this personal narrative to life on the page?
CA: I can’t tell you what a delight it was to work with Remy. They caught on to the vibes of my story so quickly. They were timely, an amazing communicator, and just so wildly talented. What an incredible thing—to see my story interpreted so beautifully by someone I’d never met.
Remy Burke: From the beginning, I think Chad and I were really on the same page. We communicated early on how this story would look and feel, but as things went on, I think we just clicked together in a way that made the process so easy. Chad had a lot of faith in my depiction of his story, and didn’t mind me experimenting or doing things outside the box. I imagine it can be difficult to trust someone with your life story, but Chad did so wholeheartedly, and I’m quite honored for that. I couldn’t ask for a better collaborator!
BD: Remy, your artistic style naturally exudes deep ambience, tone, and mood. When tackling a new project, is there anything that guides or propels your approach to the artwork?
RB: Thank you! When starting something new, I tend to consider how I can mesh the art with the narrative in as many ways as possible. The art of a comic is its own narrative device, after all. So, I’ll think of the ways I can style the inking, coloring, lettering – even the shot language – to be in service of the overall themes and mood of the story. That way, on every level of the comic process, the art is entwined to the prose, and hopefully, it enhances the story in ways only a comic could.
For example, for Gay Mormon Dad, my approach was deeper than just the dual color schemes. The “then” pages actually have a smaller range of tones, with more black spots and hatching in the inkwork. This darkens the pages visually to coincide with a darker time in Chad’s life, narratively. On the flip side, the “now” pages are brighter, with a wider range of tones, to show how his life opens up more after coming out. I had a lot of little rules like this, and when needed, I could break them in fun, narratively impactful ways.
BD: At Fanbase Press, our #StoriesMatter initiative endeavors to highlight the impact that stories can have on audiences of various mediums. How do you feel that your story may impact readers, and are there any conversations or questions that you hope that it might inspire?
CA: While every human story is different, each person has to unpack parts of their upbringing and chart their own path. I think my story is a very human one, and shaking off the painful parts and choosing what to hold on to as I learned to love myself is a story that each person can relate to.
But more specifically, every queer person I know has a version of this story. So, this book is for the queer readers who can find parts of themselves in its pages, but it’s also for allies who want to learn new ways of looking at the world, through different lenses. In 2026, the need for diverse and authentic stories is greater than ever.
BD: What do you feel made Graphic Mundi the perfect home for Gay Mormon Dad?
CA: Kendra and the team at Graphic Mundi were enthusiastic supporters right from the start. After our first time meeting over coffee, I felt I had a team that believed in me and the project. The good communication and supportive feedback have made this publishing experience a delight.
RB: When Chad first told me of Graphic Mundi’s interest in Gay Mormon Dad, I thought their publishing history of nuanced, personal stories would be a perfect place for the book to slot into. The team at Graphic Mundi are all so friendly and were so respectful of the book’s vision right away, and I always felt heard and understood in our communications. It’s been wonderful working with them!
BD: Are there any other projects – past or current – that you would like to highlight for our readers?
CA: Well, I wrote on the Marvel Handbooks for years! I published a graphic novel, The Mushroom Murders, back in 2012 that I remain proud of. I made a film, Dog Valley, that was a personal and powerful quest to tell the truth of a forgotten story. And I produce the weekly podcast, Graymalkin Lane—a project I’m enormously proud of.
RB: Gay Mormon Dad is my debut graphic novel, but I have a range of short fiction comics – many are available for free on my website! The Occult Mishaps of Cypher Creek and Field Research are my most prominent ones.
BD: Lastly, what is the best way for our readers to find out more about Gay Mormon Dad and your other work?
CA: Visit the Gay Mormon Dad website: https://www.healthyconflictcounseling.com/gay-mormon-dad
RB: You can check it out on the Graphic Mundi website and sign up to be notified when it’s released! It’s also available for pre-order on B&N and anywhere else you get your books.
You can find my other work on my website: https://remytherambler.com/
