Don't Fold Press Presents the 'Something Alien' Anthology

It's always exciting to witness a new publishing venture emerge in the UK, and PJ Fairweather's Don't Fold Press is making its debut with an anthology that features both well-known small press authors like Joe Farrar and HesitantDoodle, as well as some promising new talents that will surely leave you outstanded by what the UK comic scene has to offer!

The first DFP anthology, titled "Something Alien", has a pre-launch Kickstarter page available here and kicks off on the 17th of June. I really can't wait for this one.

This will be the launching project for Don't Fold Press, and they are shooting for the stars with it (pun earnestly intended). PJ has carefully selected 12 players for this comic because there is complete confidence in their ability to create something that shines like a star (pun noted also). Each creative was tasked with pitching a story based on the simple prompt, "Show me something alien." The diverse range of tones and genres reflects the unique perspectives and skills each contributor brings to the book.

"Don't Fold Presents: Something Alien" will be on pre-launch from the 12th of May. The full launch will take place on June 17th. PJ is still in talks with a few creatives for the stretch tiers. As this is the first Kickstarter that Don't Fold is running, the Kickstarter will be quite focused, with few rewards to keep the comic itself central to the campaign. The few add-ons will likely be stickers, alternate covers (presented as dust jackets) and hand-screen printed tote bags.

Due to the realities of current international trade, those outside the United Kingdom will be encouraged to get digital versions of the comic. As such, there will be unique digital tiers that include print-outs, foldable paper toys, high-quality screensavers, and exclusive comics.

Meet the Creatives

Shay Commander

@cadaverkeys. With more than 38k followers on TikTok and across the web, Shay Commander started their arts career as a Dingle Award-winning animation director. They are a contributor to the Ringo and Eisner Awards Nominee 'Sensory: Life on the Spectrum'. Painting their comics, Shay's work stands out from anyone else working today. With their detailed rendering and their articulate style. Shay's story for Something Alien is a childlike fairytale about a Martian bug who sees a light in the sky. This one's ending will cut deep, look forward to it.

Libby Dyer Douglas

@libbydd. Libby, a student in their final year at Duncan of Jordanstone, creates comics with the confidence of an industry mainstay. With a certain indie edge, this will be Libby's first contribution to an anthology project. Their comic 'Dry Land' follows the 'periscope' aliens and plays out like a chapter of 'All Tomorrows' in motion.

Lewis Elks

@lewiselks. The team's graphic designer. If something looks partially professional, that's by the hand of Lewis. He is behind the sticker logo and will be involved with odds and ends on the project. He was one of the first people contacted to bring Don't Fold to life. Before any comics were in motion, Lewis had already made Don't Fold a strong visual brand.

Joe Farrar

@joesfarrar. Eisner-nominated writer and creator of the Kickstarter mainstay 'Bump: A Horror Anthology', Joe Farrar, lends their masterful horror writing to the Something Alien anthology. Their story is drawn by Don't Fold founder PJ Fairweather. When a girl steals an alien artefact from a fallen UFO, she finds herself enamoured by the object as her life passes her by.

Nile Ferguson

@valkyah. Co-founder of 'Studio Daiquiri', Nile combines dramatic lighting with fluid lineart to create art and animation. Their story for Something Alien follows an alien poet and the reputation that precedes them. For fans of science fantasy works like 'The Outer Wilds'.

Thomas Heitler

@thomasheitler. Creator of the Quindre Press Comic 'What the Witch Saw', Thomas brings their unique mix of the European 'Lingne Claire' style and Celtic Athletics. Their story is pitches as a sort of Rosemary's Baby in Space. Thomas's dark epic is sure to stand apart as it is the heaviest subject matter in the book.

HesitantDoodle

@hesitantdoodle. Known for their Kickstarter success 'Guts', which garnered them a Selkie Award shortlisting, HesitantDoodle is bold, colourful, and expressive with their cartooning. HesitantDoodle will be illustrating a comic by Don't Fold founder PJ Fairweather. A rapid-fire history of the music industry in the early 2000s through the metaphor of alien abductions. An idea so out of the box that only HesitantDoodle's creative approach could possibly handle it.

Ellie Hodgeson

@elladorable.art. Ellie Hodgeson has a hyperfocus on details and creates some beautifully dense work. This anthology will be the public debut of their comics work. Their story is a standout within the anthology, taking place across two pages, turning a spread into one massive canvas. Inspired by classic Star Trek and Doctor Who, 'Dot's Log' follows the titular Dot as she, for the first time, thinks outside of her hive mind.

Frank O'Neil

@castlelightning. Frank is also a cartoonist in his final year of an animation course. His character work is always energetic and has a momentum that is delicious. His story follows the alien tourist Maki, who visits Earth and tries to find a good souvenir for her travel-sick, prone girlfriend. A globe-trotting adventure that is kind-hearted and sweet as pie.

Millie Strachan

@mildreds.art__. Millie is a disciple of the Underground Era, her heavy line art harkens back to the Comix Movement of the 1960s and 70s. Her striking art is often in the service of autobiographical storytelling, such as the comic she is lending to the Something Alien anthology. Millie shares her experience being the off one out in an autobio-comic that mixes hyper reality with grounded humour.

Ella Wright

@0162.tuu. Ella is a newcomer to the comics industry, but those with eyes will notice that she's one to watch. Her line art makes characters look like calligraphy as they effortlessly compose pages that are somehow heavily populated but completely readable. Alla takes influence from Manga artists while still feeling bespoke to them in a beautiful way. Ella is creating a story about an alien inn and the lucky hikers who find themselves staying inside of it.