ON THE HUSH QUARTERLY #9: Around ’25 - Part 1

Hello there, it’s been a minute. Usually this newsletter is a quarterly round-up, sent out seasonally, with a focus on what I’m working on, listening to and distracted by. This year has however has been one of upheaval, both globally and personally, so I’ve fallen somewhat behind. To get back up to speed for the new year this will be a two-part round up of the many happenings of ‘25. I’m leaving the politics behind (as we’re all done in I’m sure) and instead highlighting some positive happenings, my work that’s out now and what’s coming up plus a recommend here and there. Grab a cuppa, get cosy and let’s dive in…

Back in April, I had the opportunity to be part of an event at the Houses of Parliament along with Kat Chapman & Ricky Miller from Avery Hill and my agent James Spackman (BKS Agency) as well as fellow creators Isabel Greenberg, Sean Phillips, Bobby Joseph and many more. The launch was a duel event - LICAF’s new initiative ‘UK National Development Agency for Comics’ based in Barrow-on-Furness and Comicbook UK, a lobbying body for comics in Westminster - inviting MPs, Parliamentary staff and Lords from across the political spectrum to engage with UK Comics. Julie Tait from LICAF gave a passionate speech espousing the positive impacts of comics in schools, prisons and beyond whilst imploring for support, enthusiasm and funding across the country.

I chatted to a number of parliamentarians who were interested in hearing about graphic medicine and using local history in comics. It helped that I could gesture to the hospital across the Thames and speak of my friend’s experience being sectioned there. Point to the various locations I set BARKING along Southbank. Then onto the Shell Centre where my new character Pegi works as a night cleaner in Mothers Ruin. London runs through my blood and therefore my comics so it was a useful way to explain the wealth of stories and topics our medium has to offer. It was such a grand building and really does feel extraordinary but clearly remains a playground for many working there who should be helping this country off its knees. I hope the ventures launched that day are successful. I can’t help but feel we have a long way to go before comics are taken seriously, recognised as they should be and get, the much needed, government support.

Fortunately my spirits were lightened by Hole by my friend and fellow comic creator, AJ O’Neill, who took the discovery of a void under the back of my London home into an entirely new dimension. Literally. AJ has an incredible touch for natural dialogue and a fresh style of art. They are a new voice to comics but a creative from way back when. I strongly suggest you grab a copy and look forward to bragging rights when AJ is talk of the (comics) town.

In and around trying to clear my house I got to work on my next book during May. As mentioned in my previous newsletter, OTHQ #8, Mothers Ruin continues in the world of SHELTER and follows on directly from Early Doors.

It’s the dawn of 1970, the world is shifting but old ties are reappearing for local matriarch Mammy Magee. In the opening chapter, Earrach / Spring, we get to know a bit more of Mammy’s background whilst being introduced to new locals, Pegi Lynch, her wayward husband Donal and their son Jamie. All is not run-of-the-mill with the Lynchs or Mammy and her girls. As before the story is awash with Celtic Folklore and unsettling happenings amongst the hubbub of West London.

I’ve started a new process in making this section of sketching thumbnails and writing the script at the same time. I used to separate the two disciplines but then spent time bringing them together which seemed a waste. Instead I now flit between with a sketchbook at my writing desk to scribble out layout ideas and figure out character looks. It’s been a fruitful approach and one I plan to continue for the rest of the story. I handed over the dummy book & script for Spring along with the full outline to my editor and awaiting our first chat about the story so far. Avery Hill recently announced they will be publishing Mothers Ruin in fall 2027. It seems a long way off yet but as the 1st chapter is already longer than the whole of Early Doors… Suffice to say I have my work cut out. I’m still planning to produce the book in watercolours but leaning hard to using ink on top to give myself some greater control. I’ve resisted it as a medium for a long time as I’m such clumsy artist and usually end up making a right old mess. I think the art needs a clearer line so floors be damned. I’ll be focusing on making the book for all of ’26 so will be updating seasonally on it here.

In between my scribbling I had the absolute delight of a studio visit by scenic artist and photographer Rah Petherbridge. I met Rah through our mutual pal Sofie Dodgson (Golden Rage / Acid Box) and took up an opportunity to get some photos taken whilst we chatted about all things creating, parenting and the making of comics. It was such a lovely afternoon and a pleasure to meet a fellow creator making their way in a difficult industry. Rah has a poetic, energetic and sympathetic eye for photography. You can follow her work on Instagram or better yet join her Patreon where every month Rah gives away donations from her portrait subjects and delights with her exceptional escapades. Quality follow for you there.

The month also brought my 1st time tailing at MCM London. Although I’ve visited with my kid a number of times this was my first attempt at seeing if my comics would land with the Comic Con crowd. Mostly it was a very positive experience. The crowd are some of the nicest and most engaged punters I’ve met yet. I have never been asked so much about techniques, creating comics and working as both writer and artist. This may be due to MCM goers being somewhat new to comics. It’s a fan event in the main with a big focus on merch, toys, gaming and collectibles. The predominance of artist alley was fan-art based and associated merch but there was a definite interest for comics and I found many came to talk to me specifically due to me having comics only on my table. I do recommend giving it a go as an exhibitor, sales are excellent. It’s also a lot of fun as a punter but your wallet will take a pounding. Especially, if like me, you have a manga / merch lover in tow.

I also had the chance at MCM to be a part of Sarah Miles’ panel on Networks for Creators alongside Alison Sampson, Rachael Smith, Meghan Fitzmartin and Alex Moore. It was great to share our co-supportive friendships with the audience and discuss how vital that can be for freelancers. Sarah is a superb panel host and the chat was such fun to do. It’s well worth seeking these panels out if you visit as they are often full of great advice.

June kicked off with another first as a guest at Hastings Comic Con. It was a wonderful weekend of chatting with visitors and catching up with fellow creators. The line-up included Karrie Fransman, Sarah Gordon, Colleen Douglas, Russell M Olson, Dennis Menheere, Warrick Johnson-Cadwell, Norm Konyu and Ant Williams. All organised by the lovely David Baillie. We had an incredible view of the beach and pier looking out across Hastings whilst getting to know the locals. The event is big on Doctor Who with a couple of Doctors in attendance. It’s a chatty, friendly con and one to look out for next year.

The heat of Summer was in full swing when a gaggle of comic creators coalesced at Gosh to celebrate Colossive Cartographies 5th Birthday. We braved the sweltering tube to come together and thank Tom & Jane of Colossive Press for inviting so many of us to contribute to this fantastic zine series. If you’ve yet to grab a set the Cartographies are 1 page zines, each designed by an artist and folded (by Tom) in a glorious Turkish fold.

There are audible OOOHHS when you unfold one of these beauties and I’m delighted to be a contributor to Series 1. That night we celebrated the 66th zine, by my good pal Davidt Dunlop, based on his actual death and return. No he’s not a messiah but he is an excellent creator and I am very glad he came back. There are now 71 zines in the collection with one more to be announced imminently. Many of the zines, including mine, donate all profits to charities so fill your zine boots now and get Colossive.

On a far-too-early Sunday morning, I was back in the West End to watch the Cast & Crew screening of THE THING WITH FEATHERS. This was the first time I saw the finished film on a cinema screen and my artwork at a scale I’d never imagined. I knew much of the storyline and how emotional a film it was so it was a great relief to find myself sat next to our Production Designer Suzie Davies. Suzie is renowned for her craft and skill, having designed films such as Conclave, Saltburn, Mr Turner and many more. Luckily she was also deeply affected by the film so, after admitting to each other we would probably cry, we settled in to watch.

It’s an extraordinary thing to be in a room full of people who worked cheek by jowl with each other to collectively create a work and yet forget everyone in the cinema and be drawn into the story. I found it a deeply moving and darkly funny film. It’s unlike anything really so it’s hard to put into a single genre or summarise. It’s an experience. I would say see it with as little knowledge as possible. Keep your heart open and opinions until the closing credits. It’s been in only a selection of cinemas as it is a low budget film, despite the A-List lead, but is also now available to stream on select platforms. I hope you get to see it.

You can also listen to FEATHERS Director/ Screenwriter, Dylan Southern & myself chatting with Alex Fitch at Cartoon County about the film and collaborating on the art for Cumberbatch’s character DAD over on Panel Borders: https://panelborders.wordpress.com/2025/11/20/panel-borders-creepy-adaptations/

June closed with the much needed return of Gosh / Broken Frontier Drink & Draw - IN PERSON! I was invited as a guest artist alongside Dominique Doung and Mark Stafford to brave the heat and assemble for some sketching at The Royal George. Guest Artists chose a theme for each round and we sketched, chatted and celebrated the chosen winners. It was really lovely to see lots of friendly London comic faces and be reminded of what a brilliant scene it is. A touch of sadness there as my family were soon to leave the city for Brighton but what a lovely send off it was.

July was a bit of a break as we moved house and got to grips with our new city by the seaside. I had a week long celebration of BARKING with a take-over of Avery Hill’s Instagram. It’s a complicated thing to reflect on your past work, particularly as it was a difficult book to create. It will probably always be my rawest and most personal comic. I’m not sure I could do that level of exorcising again. I’m glad I did it and when I did and that it still can find new readers is really quite remarkable. There may be some news on it’s future soon too but that’s for another time.

As the heat ramped up again I hit the road for the return of CAPTION in Oxford. It was another first for me having missed the long running Small Press festival in its previous incarnation. I was fascinated by the concept of focusing on panels, presentations and workshops whilst eschewing exhibiting with a communal table that Caption would man for you. It sounded and was brilliant. I got to hear Bobby Jospeh talk on Diversity, Hannah Berry interview Darryl Cunningham on his new Elon Musk book and be part of two panels myself whilst catching up with pals of old and making new ones. All the while my sales ticked along as good as any festival when I’ve worked a table for 7hrs. It was great to see this format can work so well and allow everyone to be better involved in aspects of the industry that need investigation, pondering and discussion.

As Summer closes so too finishes Part 1 of this update. I’ll be back very soon with Autumn/ Winter happenings, a chat about my plans for next year and my new book MOTHERS RUIN. Please rejoin me and until then leave a dram out for your local faeries or they’ll whisk you away one dark evening.

Sláinte! Lucy