Curie Society: Eris Eternal graphic novel out now!

Super excited to talk about writing for THE CURIE SOCIETY: ERIS ETERNAL, which came out March 26, 2024. This 168-page sequel follows the continuing adventures of three college students, recent recruits in The Curie Society, a top secret organization protecting and furthering beneficial science. They’re on a mission to Paris and beyond to investigate several new technologies, all the while navigating how to speak up and get heard. Check it out in a bunch of formats on Amazon, direct from MIT Press, or wherever books are sold.

Writing this was an amazing experience. It was about creating a narrative that mixes science with adventure, appealing to young and old alike. I aimed to keep the story fresh and engaging, hoping to spark curiosity about science in my readers.

I wrote this graphic novel in collaboration with Heather Einhorn, Adam Staffaroni, and artist Sonia Liao, with editing magic from Joan Hilty. I did not have it on my bucket list to be published by MIT Press, but I’ll add it retroactively! It’s more than a story; it’s a journey into a world where science meets adventure. Can’t wait for you to join in! Check it out here for more details.

 

Praise for Volume 1 in The Curie Society Series:

“Readers eager for greater representation of women in the sciences will cheer…”
— Publishers Weekly

“Budding scientists and fans of exciting graphic novels are in for a rollicking journey that stresses that women in STEM truly are better together.”
— School Library Journal

“With suspenseful espionage, nerdy humor and a group of dauntless, eager trailblazers fostering genuine friendships, The Curie Society is sure to fascinate curious minds.”
—Shelf Awareness

Speaking on horror and comics at Loscon 49

Tired of scrolling through endless online deals this Black Friday? Why not switch it up and join us at Loscon 49 for a weekend filled with horror, sci-fi, fantasy, and a touch of comic book magic! I’ll be speaking on a few panels about horror and comics this weekend. It’s not just me, but a whole crew of awesome writers and creatives ready to share their stories and insights. We promise, the only queues you’ll find here are for panels and hopefully not the upstairs coffee bar.

Loscon 49
When: November 24-26, 2023
Where: Los Angeles Airport Marriott
West Century Boulevard 5855, 90045 Los Angeles
My lineup:
Saturday, November 25

• 10:00 am – California 1
  • “What type are you? Continuous obsession with Vampires.”
• 1:00 pm – Pacific Coast 3
  • “What is the appeal of genre horror writing?”
• 4:00 pm – Los Angeles 1
  • “Basics of comic book writing.”

Why Loscon?

Loscon isn’t your average convention. It’s one of the longest-running conventions of fantasy, sci-fi, and artistic brilliance, a place where like-minded souls converge. I’m excited to be a part of this creative maelstrom and eager to exchange ideas with all of you.

So, who’s coming? Swing by, say hi, and let’s enjoy some panels, discussions, and maybe a vampire or two (there is a blood drive, after all).

Writing Comics and Manga panel at SDCC 2023!

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Comic-con International kicks off this week in San Diego, and I will be there speaking about writing comics! Many have said that, because of the dual WGA/SAG strike, Comic-con this year will actually be about comics again. I can’t speak for the entire convention, of course, but I certainly will be all comics, all the time while I’m down there!

If you want to learn the secret wonders of writing for comics or manga, you’re in luck, because I will be joined by a bunch of other experts in the field. Read on for more deets.

Writing for Comics and Manga
When: Thursday, July 20th, 6-7pm
Where: Room 29AB, San Diego Convention Center
Who:
Chang Sheng – Comic Creator
Joy Lin – Comic book Writer
Ben Dunn – Editor In Chief at Antarctic Press
Anne Toole – Comic Book Writer
Austin Osueke – Moderator
eigoMANGA moderates a series of Q&A sessions with comic book writers that also includes Chang Sheng (award-winning creator of the Oldman manga series). They will discuss the fundamentals of comic book outlines, script writing, and overall storytelling.

Feel free to add the panel to your schedule. Hope to see you very soon!

Writing the short comic, “A Selkie’s Call”

Get ready to dive into a world of magic and mystery with my new short comic, ‘A Selkie’s Call.’ Written by myself and the talented artist Rosa Devine, this story follows Niamh, a young girl who finds herself drowning and overwhelmed with life. But she’s not alone – a supernatural presence may be watching.

IrishComics.ie hosts this and other fabulous comics by Irish creators or residents. Our comic came about after I heard about this open call from the Arts Office of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown. Rosa herself lives in DLR, which used to be part of County Dublin. We ended up giving the grant money to a local organization addressing the housing crisis.

See for yourself why ‘A Selkie’s Call‘ is a must-read for fans of short stories with a touch of the supernatural. Head on over to IrishComics.ie to start your journey with Niamh and the Selkie today. While you’re there, enjoy the breadth of art and adventure coming out of Ireland!

Getting Dark at SDCC: Speaking on Women on the Dark Side panel

Braving Comic-Con this year? If you’ll be in San Diego, take a moment to put your feet up and get ready for a panel! I’ll be joining a group of fabulous female creatives as we discuss the darker side of life and how we incorporate it into our work. From comics and games to non-fiction, this panel will delve into horror and more, and will help you figure out how to wrangle the darkness in your own work as well. Can’t wait to see you at San Diego Comic-Con. Be safe out there!

WOMEN ON THE DARK SIDE
When: Thursday, July 21, 2022, 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM
Where: Room 24ABC, San Diego Convention Center

DESCRIPTION
Whether it’s comic books, films, novels, or art, these women are creating content that connects with the deeper, darker side of all of us. Featuring Sandy King Carpenter (president, Storm King Productions), Anne Toole (Horizon Zero Dawn), Debbie Smith Daughetee (CEO, Kymera Press), Dr. Suzana Flores (Untamed: The Psychology of Marvel’s Wolverine). Moderated by Susan Lee (founder, Women on The Dark Side).

Out now! Writing on HORIZON ZERO DAWN Vol 2: LIBERATION

It’s out! Not just HORIZON FORBIDDEN WEST (did ya miss it?), but now the collected paperback of HORIZON ZERO DAWN: LIBERATION is available at your FLCS for your perusal. Written by me with the backing of Guerilla in the one-two punch team of Ben McCaw and Annie Kitain, the collection features art from Elmer Damaso, Bryan Valenza, and Jim Campbell. The series also featured a host of cover artists, featured in the collection as well. Whether you read the original four issue comic mini-series, or were waiting to see them all collected in a book you could sit on, HORIZON ZERO DAWN vol 2: LIBERATION provides the same story all in one place. You can also check it out on Kindle and Comixology, though I can’t vouch for whether you should sit on your Kindle or not.

The story takes place during the events of HORIZON ZERO DAWN. As Aloy seeks answers in the wilds, she comes across Erend, who is looking for answers of his own. He is hunting a man he blames for his sister Ersa’s death. As they track him down, Aloy pulls out of Erend the full story of Ersa, the woman she hardly knew. Ersa’s tale follows palace intrigue during the fear-filled era of Sun-King Jiran and climaxes with the battle for the liberation of Meridian. In the end, Erend will have to face what he has been avoiding ever since Ersa’s death.

You now have a bevvy of ways to enjoy the world of Horizon” the original HORIZON ZERO DAWN game for PS4 and PC, the new (NEW!) HORIZON FORBIDDEN WEST game for PS4/5, HORIZON ZERO DAWN Vol. 1: THE SUNHAWK comic, and now HORIZON ZERO DAWN Vol. 2: LIBERATION. Hope you enjoy these riches!

 

Speaking on comics at LA Comic Con Saturday and Comic Con Revolution!

Tis the season to talk about comics! I’ll be joining a bunch of other awesome creatives in comics this Saturday at LA Comic Con and in two week at Comic Con Revolution. Want to learn more about comics writing, character development, and how to support diverse creatives? Then you’ll get two chances to do just that!

At LA Comic Con…

Who: Quentin Lee, Jayden Phoenix, Aman Chaudhaury, and Anne Toole
When: Saturday, December 4, 2021, 11:30am PST
Where: LA Comic Con, Room 408B
What: Comics writers and illustrators will discuss diversity (women, ethnicity, people of color, LGBTQ, accessibility, etc) of characters and creators in mainstream and indie comics, and how we can support and increase diversity efforts. We will also discuss how to use social media to help promote work by diverse creators.

Meanwhile, at Comic Con Revolution…

What: CCR SPOTLIGHT: PERSPECTIVE IN THE COMICS CREATIVE PROCESS
Who: Barbara Randall Kesel, Henry Barajas, Fabrice Spolsky, Anne Toole
When: Sunday, December 19, 2021, 11:30am PST
Where: Room 105, Ontario Convention Center
How creators bring perspective to characters in comics. This panel will tell you how creators’ experiences in real life shape the fictional lives of some of your favorite characters.

Hope you get a chance to check them out!

 

Writing comics: Star Wars Adventures #11 out today!

I return to the Stars Wars universe with an adventure on board Jabba’s sail barge. Star Wars Adventures #11 from IDW is out today! This Tales of Villainy issue features Jabba at his worst (or best?). With art by the endlessly talented Nick Brokenshire, our story follows Ree-Yees in search of Jabba’s pet Buboicullaar (which I will now never forget how to spell). “Done Dirty” joins another story by Cavan Scott, Manuel Bracchi, and Bracardi Curry, in which Rogue Squadron tangles with the Empire. We not only got to share an issue, but our letterer, Johanna Nattalie, as well!

If you’re looking for all ages adventure, look no further than Star Wars Adventures #11! If you pick it up at your friendly local comic book shop, let me know what you think — and which cover you got!

Horizon Zero Dawn: Liberation #1 out today!

The next Horizon Zero Dawn comic book arc begins today with Horizon Zero Dawn Liberation #1! Join Aloy and Erend as they hunt down a criminal with ties to Erend’s sister, Ersa. If you’ve played the Horizon Zero Dawn video game, you’ll hear new tales only previously hinted at. If you haven’t played yet, you’ll get a chance to learn about the world so many players have enjoyed. What have you got to lose? With five awesome covers, you’re sure to find one you like. Or all. I’m thinking all.

I enjoyed this opportunity to write and develop the story with Ben McCaw and the Guerrilla team. Our new artist, Elmer Damaso (Robotech), brought it all to life, with a host of other amazing artists adding their magic to the covers.

Artist: Elmer Damaso
Cover Artists: Peach Momoko (CVR A), Game Art (CVR B), Harvey Tolibao (CVR C), Ann Maulina (CVR D), Adrian Wilkins (CVR E), Blank Sketch (CVR F), Momoko Virgin Cover (CVR G)

Hunt down your copy of Horizon Zero Dawn: Liberation #1 at your local comic book shop, or on your digital device.

ICYMI: Writing comics and transmedia

Curious about comics navigating the wild world of other media? If you missed our conversation about comics and transmedia at LockDownCon II — like I nearly did! — It’s not too late! You can still watch it online. This past Sunday, I joined a fine assemblage of creators in comics and other media to discuss the state of comics and carrying IP and storytelling across platforms. Feel free to take a gander!

“Across the Line: Comics In a Transmedia World”
Sunday, June 27th, first panel

Comics are everywhere these days, and they are increasingly the source material from which movies and television are drawing inspiration. The writers and artists behind some of the hottest mainstream and indie comics chime in with their thoughts about the pervasive influence of sequential storytelling and how it may, or may not, have altered the way they create their works.
Geoffrey Thorne (Green Lantern), Anne Toole (Horizon Zero Dawn), Nancy Holder (Mary Shelley Presents Tales of the Supernatural), Kayden Phoenix (A La Brava, Universe of Latina Superheroes)​, John Zuur Platten (St. Mercy)