2 Nov 2025

Shortbox Comics

  • i finally got around to buying and reading comics from this year’s ShortBox Comics Fair and wanted to briefly (very briefly!) record them here
  • note: as of writing, these are no longer available to purchase on SBCF; i’ve linked to the artist websites/socials instead

Dream Loop by Vakueva Nina (@inkpangur)

  • A girl and a mysterious police guy twirl around each other in a yin yang pose, surrounded by strange dream-like details (like zombie hands?)
  • this is such a fun comic about dreams
  • in the first one, she dreams that she’s missing her exam despite having graduated
  • which is. same. the only recurring dream i have is about uni stuff
  • the art is beautifully cross-hatched
  • the expressions are so good!! so funny and really capture the chaotic nature of dreams

INJEST by Mapurl

  • A court jester; a wolf chasing a hare; a sword.
  • love the atmosphere in this…a little bit eerie and mysterious
  • the use of lighting is so good
  • and then the sudden drama/surprise of certain panels…chef kiss

WHEN I WAS A CHILD, I WATCHED A MAN DISMEMBER A DOVE by Alex Siple

  • The title written in the style of an illuminated manuscript, with delicate gold foil details around it.
  • this one is a Berserk fancomic
  • i’ve never read berserk but i picked this one up because the style is so intriguing
  • while i don’t follow the ‘what does it mean’ of it all, i love the vibe
  • it mixes prose styles (drop caps!!) with imagery in such a cool way…

War and the Maiden by riotbones

  • A line drawing of: a maiden in front of a manor; War, on horseback, spearing a dragon through the throat; a border of knighthood and flourishes.
  • i love the art…textures and colours/atmosphere
  • this one is more conceptual/philosophical and everything is very moody
  • i enjoy watching (reading) these two duke it out…

Song of the Seabirds by Narsid

  • Two angels hold hands, under a flying dove.
  • THIS SHIT MADE ME CRY! !!!
  • incredibly beautiful art. every page is beautifully composed and detailed. the colours are gorgeous. the lines are so clean
  • OBSESSED with it. i could look at it forever
  • some pages and compositions are like a whammy to the chest
  • also: a love story for the ages