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Picks of the Bubble #2: 5 More Comics to Discover at Thought Bubble 2018

In addition to our previous list of comics to check out published earlier today, here’s five further independent comics you’d be a fool to miss out on that will be exhibiting at this year’s Thought Bubble Festival!

Retrograde Orbit

Retrograde Orbit

One of three Avery Hill titles blasting off at Thought Bubble (including Follow Me In and On a Sunbeam), Retrograde Orbit is the debut graphic novel of Kristyna Baczynski. After producing numerous zines that explore emotional connections to our environment, including Vantage and Vessel, Baczynski looks set to take those themes to the stars with this contemplative science fiction read.

Retrograde Orbit tells the story Tisa, Flint and their mother’s journey in settling on a distant planet after a nuclear catastrophe to become miners. Becoming a miner has Flint in a moral quandary over betraying her family and seeking a new life for herself. An emotionally resonant story coupled with gorgeous artwork makes Retrograde Orbit one to pick up!

Killtopia

Killtopia

After a wildly successful Kickstarter campaign earlier in the year, Card Shark Comics’ Dave Cook‘s Killtopia has proven to be worth the hype. Killtopia is a well-tuned riot of action, violence and uncliched, dystopia cyberpunk. Cook and Vargas may share themes and attitudes in their work, both depicting cyberpunk worlds filled with destruction and blended cultures. However, Killtopia‘s debut issue, at nearly 50 pages in length, gives itself room for a more emotionally-charged story to flourish. Published by BHP Comics, Killtopia is set to be one of 2018’s hottest titles.

Sugar: Life as a Cat

Sugar: Life as a Cat

Although Serge Baken‘s lush yet surreal account of his cats was published back in 2014, he’ll be exhibiting Sugar: Life as a Cat at this year’s Thought Bubble. The Belgium illustrator’s comic received an English translation earlier in 2018, courtesy of Soaring Penguin Press.

Serge will be making the trip from Belgium to Leeds to promote a comic that any feline fanatic will surely identify with. Warped, almost cryptic panelling serves as a platform for the numerous starring cats of the comic to unleash their personalities as Serge tracks the banality of everyday life with the adventures his cats make for themselves. A heartfelt exploration of the relationships we form with our pets, Sugar: Life as a Cat isn’t to be missed.

Close

Close

Another new title from the good folk at Comichaus they’ll be revealing at this year’s Thought Bubble, Close shares the one-shot, high action thrills of 32 Kills, but feels like a tenser, atmospheric read. Close centres on themes of invasion of privacy, corruption and plenty of murdering. Former prisoner and celebrity stalker Jared Close departs prison with only one thing on his mind – more talking. However, things become bloodied and tangled when he witnesses his former victim murdered by the very detective who put Jared behind bars. A quest to uncover the truth behind the murder evolves into a fraught, complex battle of wits.

Close sees Dark Matter and Whispering Sands writer/artist duo Chris Sides and Chris Travell reunite once more. Travell’s art in particular is murky, dripping with distorted shadow that plays well against the comic’s gruesome ideas. Close looks set to be a fine addition to Comichaus’ action-heavy roster of original titles.

Bumstorm

Bumstorm

Lovers of dystopian fiction will have plenty to pick up at this year’s Thought Bubble, but what about an all-ages comic that touches upon such ideas? That’s the idea Robert Luckett has with his self-published comic BUMSTORM, a comic that’s all about the joys of farting!

BUMSTORM is set in a world ravaged after decades of poor food quality, resulting in people now possessing gastric powers and abilities. Our young hero Guff has his eyes set on competing in The Heavenly Winds From Below Tournament. On travelling to the competition, he chances upon Chu Chompington, who’s keen to win the World Hot Dog Eating Competition. BUMSTORM follows the two ambitious leads as they embark on a journey of gas-filled adventure. Packed with vibrant artwork, motorcycle chases, robot fox-dogs and aerial fart battles, BUMSTORM effortlessly cater to the younger convention goer at this year’s Thought Bubble.

In addition to this list, you can check out other reviews we’ve been publishing over the past two weeks of other comics that are debuting at Thought Bubble 2018, including Alex Automatic #3, Wine & Zine Anthology, Apollo, Lizard Men #3, Follow Me In, Comichaus #6, Gateway City and Bun! Tune into A Place To Hang Your Cape tomorrow for reviews of Circadian Rhythms and The Needleman!

What indie comics have you got your eyes set on at this year’s Thought Bubble? Let us know in the comments section below or send us a Tweet!

About the author

Fred McNamara