Midnight Mystics: An Anthology of Fantasy Comics By Black Women Now Live on Kickstarter
- keepingitgeekly
- Jul 18
- 4 min read
Burning Phoenix Press launched a new comic anthology featuring ten fantasy stories from Black Women creators on Kickstarter with a lineup that includes Stephanie Williams (DC's Nubia and the Amazons, Marvel's Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur), Ignatz-nominated Ryan Oakely, Saly Lockheart, (Image, DC, Marvel) Phoebe Holmes (High Spirited webcomic), Toshi J. (Midnight Comics) and much more. This marks the first time an all-Black women's fantasy graphic novel, featuring only Black women, has launched on the platform, with the largest chunk of its funding allocated to artists and writers.
“As you can see, there is no slice for the editor. That is intentional. I didn't form this press with dreams of it becoming a quick payday. Burning Phoenix was created with a singular mission in mind: to be a place where Black women in comics can flourish, have their stories told authentically and undiluted, but, most of all, be paid for their creative work. If you believe in this mission as well, we hope you'll join us on this adventure. - Burning Phoenix Press creator Sarah A. Macklin
Macklin has revealed that the bulk of the money raised will go strictly to the creatives and printing costs.
Midnight Mystics is a graphic novel collecting ten fantasy comics from the minds of Black women from across the spectrum of Black womanhood. Edited by Sarah A. Macklin (The Violent Vixens Ride Again, Soul Food Wars) and with a host of professional and brand-new talents, you will be transported to new worlds of magic and adventure.
Burning Phoenix Press was formed to increase the presence of Black women in the comic industry. This anthology follows that desire and takes a step further by expanding the representation of Black women in fantasy comics. There are many of us in this creative sphere, and we have stories to tell!
Midnight Mystics stands out in terms of diversity of themes and concepts. The stories within the anthology vary from romance to dystopian, and there’s really something for everyone.
From the team of Stephanie Williams and Ryan Oakley, we have The Dragons's Mirror.
When an ancient dragon awakens beneath the city of Reniece, only a young woman who has spent years burying her own fire can forge the bond needed to save them both.
Toshi J and Saly Lockhart bring us a tale titled The Seekers.
Lelie is on the run and finds herself in an abandoned castle on a stormy afternoon, where she meets a young witch named Rayven. The two must work together to take down a small group of hunters called seekers and escape with their lives.
Lysz Flo and Yhasmin Wilder will be crafting a science fantasy story titled Woz Quartz.
It’s the year 4009, Abeni escapes Earth arriving battered to Woz Quartz, a pink utopian planet where Black Womxn have been free for eons. She experiences majestic healing and possibility but is it enough?
From Jael Jackson comes The Girl From Acorn Valley.
A young farm boy discovers a fairy girl in the forest near his home, forming an inseparable bond that lasts a lifetime.
Phoebe Holmes is crafting a story of a knight who's leading a mission to overthrow the king but he and his men are attacked by a monster. Afterwards, he's captured by a witch. Alone and unarmed, he has to find his own way to safety.
A story of undersea exploration is coming from Aziza the Graphic Novelist and Tyesha Stewart.
When a sudden lightning strike unearths a mysterious undersea city, two mermaids dive down to discover the secrets within.
Princess "Tajlee" Jenkins brings us a story of family secrets.
A mute ancestral spirit has protected a family for years, but when the youngest member seeks to restore their voice, they discover the spirit's history that may shake the family to its core.
From Alanis Lua comes the tale Between Books.
Noemi runs a second hand bookshop and quickly befriends casual shopper Caim. When they find a mysterious CD that lets listeners relive the best parts of their lives they must choose between indulging in the past or stepping into the future.
The team of Rosa Sparks and CJ McWillis is creating The Crown Princess Awakens.
In a magical kingdom where great beasts still roam the earth, a princess must engage in a world shattering battle to save her kingdom and her throne.
Art Tragedy will bring us to another underwater land full of curiosity.
Merfolk are a curious people, spending their days investigating the forgotten junk left by surface people, but sometimes curiosity leads to more than you bargained for.
ABOUT BURNING PHOENIX PRESS
Burning Phoenix Press is a micrographic novel publisher that focuses on the visual narratives created by Black women creatives. Founded by Sarah A. Macklin, Burning Phoenix Press was formed to increase the presence of Black women in the comic industry.
ABOUT SISTAH SCIFI
Started in 2019 by Isis Asare, Sistah Scifi is the first Back-owned bookstore focused on science fiction and fantasy in the US, as validated by the American Booksellers Association. Located primarily in cyberspace, Sistah Scifi launched three Sistah Scifi Book Vending Machines at Chapter 510 located at 546 9th St, Oakland, CA 94607, and Northwest African American Museum and Distant Worlds Coffee in Seattle, WA in 2022. more at www.sistahscifi.com.
Like what you've just read? Help us keep the Yeti Cave warm! Comic Book Yeti has a Patreon page for anyone who wants to contribute: https://www.patreon.com/comicbookyeti
