We’ve covered the work of indie creator Hazel Newlevant on a number of occasions at Broken Frontier over the last couple of years, whether it be their solo projects or as part of anthologies like the recent Be Gay, Do Comics. News today from the direction of indie and alt comics specialists Silver Sprocket who will be distributing a number of Newlevant’s comics in future, including Sugar Town (reviewed here at BF). Details below.
Silver Sprocket today announced they’re taking over the distribution of Hazel Newlevant’s self-published titles Comics for Choice, Chainmail Bikini and Sugar Town.
“I’m thrilled to have these books back in distribution through my friends at Silver Sprocket!” said Newlevant. “They publish and distribute some of the funnest, most politically relevant comics out there, and I love that the comics I’ve published will be available in their rad catalog.”
Newlevant is an illustrator and editor formerly of Lion Forge Comics. Their work–which often explores queerness, gender, and relationships–has been recognized by the Eisner Awards, Ignatz Awards, Xeric Grant, and the Prism Comics Queer Press Grant. All three of these books are brilliant examples of the power of self-published comics as well as perfectly suiting the radical do-it-yourself ethos that Silver Sprocket embodies with all of its work.
“Hazel and I have been friends and co-conspirators for years. I’m really excited for us to finally be formally collaborating on comics!” said Silver Sprocket publisher, Avi Ehrlich.
Comics For Choice is an award-winning anthology of comics about abortion. Cartoonists and illustrators teamed up with activists, historians, and reproductive justice experts to create comics about their diverse personal stories, the history of abortion, the current politics, and more.
“Since Roe v. Wade was decided by the US Supreme Court in 1973, maintaining the right to abortion has been hard fought. In a time when reproductive rights are under attack, Comics for Choice is a truthful narration of what often gets lost—the history of abortion and the lived experiences of women and people who need abortion.”—Cecile Richards, President of Planned Parenthood
Chainmail Bikini is an anthology of comics by women and nonbinary people about gaming. 40 cartoonists contributed comics about the games they’re passionate about—from video games to table-top role-playing to collectible card games. Chainmail Bikini explores the real-life impact of entering a fantasy world, as well as how games can connect us and teach us about ourselves.
“Whether you’re a hardcore gamer who wants to see stories by others who share your passion [or] a comics lover who wants to see a wide variety of excellent comics from a wide variety of talented creators … this is a book that you’ll enjoy, treasure and be able to return to over and over again” – Autostraddle
Sugar Town is a bisexual, polyamorous love story for the modern era. Hazel is already in a happy relationship when she meets Argent, a dominatrix who’s sweet and tender outside of the bedroom. Sugar Town is a fun, colorful comic about a young woman’s journey through the delights and disappointments of multiple lovers.
“It’s that emotional honesty . . . that elevates Sugar Town beyond the reader’s expectations. It’s a book that deals frankly with some very tender feelings — deep vulnerability, yes, but also embarrassment, passion, anxiety, and finally genuine love.” – The Comics Journal
All three books were previously distributed by Alternative Comics via Consortium / Ingram Publisher Services. Now Newlevant’s titles, including the Ignatz Award-winning anthology Comics For Choice, will be available through the San Francisco-based radical indie comics publisher to the book trade via SCB Distributors, to the direct market via Diamond Comics Distributors, and through Silver Sprocket’s direct wholesale to comic shops.
