Edward Ficklin (he/him), the maverick artist not afraid to say gay, is a self-taught painter, writer, publisher and sometimes technologist. He creates sensuous and erotically-tinged queer surrealist art, publishes queer-centered sci-fi comix, and pontificates regularly on a range of topics in his Queer Quantum Dispatch newsletter.
do you like it epic and weird? 👽
The Queer Quantum DispatchMaking your world a little less straight. Darlings, how are you? Looking fabulous as always. 😘 Rounding out the recent fascination with things spacey and sciency, today I bring you some fun sci-fi comics that you can really sink your teeth into. Whether you're heading into the cold dark of winter and want some binge reading, or planning your beach escapes and need some fun entertainment to bring along, I've got you covered. Of course, with epic stories like I’m about share, it’s all about the plot. May I present the plot: Seriously, though, I’ve got two larger than life, bawdy, futuristic adventures that will knock your socks off. And if you’ve never delved into comics or graphic novels, then these two hefty reads will be a great place to start. SagaArt by Fiona Staples Love at first expletive. You could think of this as Romeo and Juliet in outer space and not be too far off. That’s the starting point in concept, but Vaughan and Staples go way beyond that. Instead, they take the star crossed lovers, different races on opposite sides in a war that has forced an entire galaxy to pick sides, and put them, and everyone they come in contact with, through the wringer. Repeatedly. Wasted SpaceArt by Hayden Sherman We don’t need another hero. Which is good, because you aren’t really going to find much in that department here. This is another exploration of flawed individuals in impossible circumstances. It’s as much about the adventure as it is the circuitous and non-linear journey of self-discovery (or denial, as the case may be). We open with Billy and Dust on the run. Billy, formerly the mouthpiece of a deity known at the Creator, is now in hiding after having helped the Creator bring a dictator into power. His friend Dust is a robot built originally for assassination, but reprogramed to instead provide sexual gratification. Through many a twist and turn, they make it their mission to destroy the Creator to both save the galaxy and, maybe, assert some independence. Alas, the queerness of both is limited. Wasted Space is very straight the whole way through. Saga, at least, has some lovely queer inclusivity surrounding the small family at the center of the story. I can’t really recommend either if what you’re after is queer-centered adventure. If that’s not a deal breaker, then... The artwork in both books is compelling, expressive, raw, and totally fitting their respective stories. There’s clarity and emotional impact above all, instead of self-conscious polish and pizzaz that infects too many mainstream comics—looking at you, Marvel and DC. Each artist has a distinct voice. They aren’t trying to fit into trends or follow corporate playbooks. The stories are fun, epic, sweeping, and self-contained. They go for the jugular. They don’t hold back on the sex, the adventure, or the social commentary! Where to buyWho doesn’t love a nice package? 😉Until next time, flame on! 🔥 This has been the Queer Quantum Dispatch, brought to you by artist Edward Ficklin. If you enjoyed it, smash the forward button and share the love. 💖 If you got this from a friend (and what a friend!) subscribe for more! |
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Edward Ficklin
Edward Ficklin (he/him), the maverick artist not afraid to say gay, is a self-taught painter, writer, publisher and sometimes technologist. He creates sensuous and erotically-tinged queer surrealist art, publishes queer-centered sci-fi comix, and pontificates regularly on a range of topics in his Queer Quantum Dispatch newsletter.
Hello, darlings, how are you? Looking fabulous as always. Nestled at the bottom of this morning’s round up of news from the New York Times was a fun little article (gift link) about the still on-going excavation of Pompeii. I mean, for how many centuries now have people been picking away at those lava-covered ruins? While finds like cool frescoes in a dining room garner coverage in major outlets, rarely does anyone discuss the amazing number of erotic works uncovered. Uncovered and then,...
One of the most wonderful spring rituals of the NYC area is the New York Botanical Garden’s Orchid Show. A fabulously steamy display of the sexiest flowers nature has to offer. You’ve got more sexual organs on display than even the wildest backroom. It’s on through April 21. If you’re in the area, check it out. Over the last couple of years, flowers have been showing up more and more in my paintings. So, on the occasion of my visit to this year’s extravaganza, I posed myself the question: why...
Darlings, how are you? Looking fabulous as always. Two juicy updates on my recent exploits at furthering my gay agenda. First, a naughty art show in the desert and then, a new chapter in the graphic novel. Two of my bois headed on a trip west for the Tucson Erotica art show running March 2-30. The show runs the entire month, punctuated with special events that look delicious. If you go, I hope you’ll share all the juicy details. Nudge, nudge, wink, wink. Sharing the walls with all the other...