Fraser Campbell Storyteller Spotlight

I first encountered Fraser Campbell's writing in COMIC SCENE 2021 ANNUAL from the November 2020 Kickstarter campaign, with the above "The Many Minds of Alex Automatic" drawn by the incredible James Corcoran. The story itself is almost an anti-narrative, where you aren't really sure where reality begins and ends. I was all in on anything by Campbell I came across in the future.

ALEX AUTOMATIC VOLUME ONE Print PDF

In 2021, Fraser Campbell and James Corcoran brought us pretty much the complete Alex Automatic series (to date) through another Kickstarter which I couldn't resist. As great as that is, the best part of the Kickstarter was a digital bundle of four of his earlier books: SLEEPING DOGS, THE EDGE OFF, HOUSE OF SWEETS, and the classic IND-XED.

SLEEPING DOGS first comic, self-financed. 2015 PDF Print (sold out)

Fraser Campbell's first comic also happens to be his only superhero story, with a suitably brilliant open ending. The artist Lautaro Capristo didn't do a lot of English-language comics, I believe, a pity because he's perfect for this story.

THE EDGE OFF 2018 Print PDF

This fever dream of a crime comic is the first of three collaborations between Campbell and perfect partner in comics crime, Iain Laurie! Like that first Alex Automatic story above the main character can't distinguish between fantasy and reality. Or can he?

HEART OF STEAL #1 2019* Print PDF

A science fiction story about a cat burglar who steals from the wrong people to save her brother. Very nice clear line art by Katie Fleming.

HOUSE OF SWEETS early 2020 Print PDF

The second collaboration between Campbell and Iain Laurie shows a remarkably restrained side of Laurie's art to begin with, but as the story and the characters unravel so does the art. Campbell shows himself to be a master at horror.

KNOCKOUT & TIGERSTYLE (Adam Falp artist/publisher) mid 2020* Adam Falp: Twitter Instagram Strangers Fanzine

I just had to list this "lost" comic as Adam Falp is a name I recognized from around the alternative comics scene. Maybe this will come back in print someday, I'd love to see more than the samples on the Kickstarter page. This is also a rare instance of Fraser Campbell not self-publishing his stories.

IND-XED late 2020 Print PDF

This is so utterly brilliant, a tight dystopian story and the art by Lucy Sullivan that flows like a quick and steady stream carrying the story along to the unexpected ending. This is my favorite Fraser Campbell comic and one I would recommend.

CORE DISPATCHES early 2022 PDF only

You really have to do some digging to find this most recent collaboration between Campbell and Iain Laurie, which is not technically a comic but a HR pamphlet for a  company from Hell. Campbell's slow burn from slightly weird to eye-bleedingly disturbing is perfectly matched with Laurie's bad acid trip art.

NIGHTMARE FUEL #1 early 2022 PDF                                                                                     

              I love this more adventure oriented story, it's a great concept with monster hunters, evil corporations, and a character with a secret. The art by Norrie Millar is very well done, I can't wait for future issues!                                                                         

MONSTER MATES #1 late 2022* Print PDF

This just funded on Kickstarter recently, and seems like a more humor-oriented effort with yet another new collaborator Steve Gregson. Looking forward to getting a copy from Campbell's shop.

* = I don't own a copy yet.

UPCOMING:

Like any good comics writer Fraser Campbell has a lot of irons in the fire to look forward to in the future. Subscribe to his Automatic Writing newsletter (link in his Twitter bio) for regular updates.

ALEX AUTOMATIC #6 with James Corcoran

ALEX AUTOMATIC #7 with James Corcoran

THE 'BERG

from Automatic Writing #19

THE 'BERG co-written w/Sarah Peploe and with Gavin Mitchell

HEART OF STEAL GRAPHIC NOVEL

from Automatic Writing #14

HEART OF STEAL GRAPHIC NOVEL with Katie Fleming

NIGHTMARE FUEL #2 with Norrie Millar

NIGHTMARE FUEL #3 with Norrie Millar

STARCROSSED

from Automatic Writing #13

STARCROSSED

from Automatic Writing #19

STARCROSSED with Alfie Gallagher

VAN HELSING '58

from Automatic Writing #13

VAN HELSING '58 with James Corcoran

Well, that's it for this tribute to one of the most independent comics writers working today, I highly recommend you follow the links to his store if any of these comics interests you (they are all still available in at least digital form). Check out Fraser Campbell's Twitter profile for links to all his social media, newsletter, and store.