Monsters in Love: A Pride Anthology Press Release – Dark Horse
Monsters in Love: A Pride Anthology is the newest vibrant one-shot from Dark Horse Comics and Tiny Onion, set to debut this June. Arriving just in time for Pride Month, this super-sized special celebrates the intersection of horror and romance through the lens of legendary and emerging LGBTQIA+ creators. This anthology is more than just a collection of stories; it is a sensational exploration of identity, self-care, and the “monstrous” nature of affection in a world that often fears the outsider.
The creative roster for this project is a “who’s who” of modern comics talent:
- Writers: James Tynion IV, Tate Brombal, Jadzia Axelrod, Vita Ayala, Zoe Tunnell, Josh Trujillo, Lilah Sturges, and more.
- Artists: Lee Knox Ostertag, Kenny Wroten, Jacoby Salcedo, Vash Taylor, Bailie Rosenlund, and more.
- Framing Story: The creative team of The Oddly Pedestrian Life of Christopher Chaos.
- Publisher: Dark Horse Comics / Tiny Onion
James Tynion IV, the mastermind behind Something is Killing the Children, expressed his excitement for the project, noting that “Love takes many shapes, and so do monsters.” By pairing these visceral horror elements with deeply personal romantic narratives, Tiny Onion aims to provide the “love and hope we need now more than ever.” This initiative continues Dark Horse’s long tradition of supporting diverse voices and pushing the boundaries of the anthology format.
Horror Meets Romance in Monsters in Love
What readers will discover in Monsters in Love are ten new standalone stories that evoke the spirit of classic EC Comics while firmly rooting themselves in queer experiences. For example, Jadzia Axelrod’s story, Every Witch Way (illustrated by Bailie Rosenlund), tackles the internal fears of transitioning through the allegory of sorcery. Axelrod describes the story as a look at how magic can be a form of self-care—better living through sorcery that leads to a “gay make-out” in the process.
The pacing of the anthology allows for a wide variety of tones, from the dark and tongue-in-cheek to the heartfelt and profound. Lilah Sturges and Vash Taylor’s contribution explores how queer communities can form like “pearls from the sand grains of heteronormativity.” This thematic depth ensures that while the monsters are the hook, the human (and sub-human) connections are what stay with the reader. Transitioning from high-stakes horror to intimate romantic moments keeps the energy high throughout the 80-page special.
A Legacy of Queer Horror
The framing story for Monsters in Love is handled by the GLAAD Media Award-nominated team of The Oddly Pedestrian Life of Christopher Chaos. Tate Brombal notes that Christopher Chaos has always been about “outsiders finding each other in friendship, in found family, and in love.” By using this world to ground the anthology, the creators have created a bridge between their existing fan-favorite series and this new collection of voices. For fans who track new comics for their cultural impact, this is a milestone release.
Furthermore, the comic book covers for this issue are absolute standouts. Featuring art by V. Gagnon, Bradley Clayton, and Rian Sygh, the visuals capture the “Pride” aesthetic while maintaining a chilling edge. There is even a back-cover by Isaac Goodhart and Miquel Muerto that ties the whole package together. For those who track the history of the medium, seeing such a high-caliber list of talent in a single one-shot is a mathematical certainty for success.
As the industry moves toward more inclusive storytelling, Monsters in Love serves as a perfect showcase for how genre fiction can be used to reflect real-world emotions. Whether it’s the “elegant, distinctive style” of Vash Taylor or the world-building of James Tynion IV, every page is infused with a passion for the craft. As Lee Knox Ostertag succinctly put it, “Monsters in Love” is a theme creators could explore until the heat death of the universe.
In conclusion, Monsters in Love: A Pride Anthology is a must-buy for anyone who loves the intersection of the macabre and the meaningful. By collecting these stories into an oversized one-shot, Dark Horse and Tiny Onion have created an artifact that is both a celebration of Pride and a testament to the power of horror-romance. Don’t miss this portal into the heart of the monster when it hits shops this June!
📢 Join the Conversation
Which monstrous romance are you most excited to see? Will you be picking up the V. Gagnon or the Rian Sygh cover? Join the conversation on X and tag us @comicbookaddt to share your Pride Month excitement!
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