The Path to Completion
Welcome, Hellsville Heretics!
It’s time for this week’s update and Hellsville is moving forward at a steady pace, and I’ve recently made a key decision about how I’m tackling the production process for the graphic novel.
Instead of completing the pages one at a time as per my usual process (lineart, colouring, etc.), I’m shifting gears to focus exclusively on linearting the entire book to completion. Why? Because this approach allows me to fully visualise the complete body of work before diving into the colouring stage. It’s a big task, as it kills me to leave panels uncoloured but it feels like the most efficient way to ensure the flow and storytelling stay consistent across every page, and in the long run means less editing, which in turn means the complete product should be with you sooner.
Once the lineart is wrapped up, I’ll evaluate how much time I have left before the deadline. Depending on the timeline, I may consider bringing in a comic book flatter to handle the initial colouring work, which will save me time and allow me to focus on the final touches and details. However, for now, the goal is to get the entire lineart stage complete before making that call.
This new approach is definitely a challenge, but I’m enjoying seeing the full scope of Hellsville take shape. There’s something deeply satisfying about watching the world and characters come to life in black-and-white form. It’s almost like piecing together a puzzle before adding the final splash of colour to bring it all together.
Thank you for the support!
As we dive deeper into bringing Hellsville to life, I want to take a moment to express how much I value you, the fans of horror and supporters of my art style and to everyone who's been following along, I want to say a heartfelt thank you. Your enthusiasm and encouragement mean the world to me, and it’s incredible to see the love for Hellsville growing. Hellsville has always been a labour of love, born from a passion for stories and creepy, offbeat characters. But the truth is, a project like this doesn’t just thrive in isolation - it’s all of you who keep the fire burning.
As Hellsville is still in its early stages on social media (just over a year since I started sharing this journey), our following is still pretty small - but that’s where you come in!
If you’ve been enjoying the updates, the character spotlights, or even just the sneak peeks into this twisted little world, there are some simple ways you can help Hellsville gain momentum. Sharing posts, tagging friends who love horror or indie comics, and following along on platforms all make a huge difference in spreading awareness. Every repost, every comment, and every recommendation doesn’t just spread the word - it helps build a community around Hellsville and when you share Hellsville with your friends or repost my work, it’s like opening the door for someone else to discover this weird little world. And when you follow along with the journey, you’re directly helping to shape the future of Hellsville and supporting me as an artist.
So, thank you for being here, for your enthusiasm, and for being part of this story. You’re all helping make Hellsville a reality—and I can’t wait to share the finished work with every single one of you.
Character Spotlight: Molly
Molly is chaos personified, the last person you’d expect to survive in a place like Hellsville - and yet, she thrives. The only human resident of the eerie town, Molly is a force to be reckoned with. With a perpetually lit cigarette dangling from her lips and an attitude as sharp as her wit, she’s unapologetically brash, headstrong, and always ready for a fight.
Her stubborn streak and fiery personality often put her at odds with her Vampire best friend, Alis de Rais. While Alis may have the natural charisma of a leader, Molly’s defiance and refusal to follow anyone’s rules - not even her own - often lead to clashes between the two.
Molly often throws herself headfirst into danger, not out of bravery but because she refuses to let anything - living, dead, or otherwise - intimidate her. Her recklessness often sets off chain reactions that the group must deal with, but it’s also what makes her such a vital part of the story.
Role in the Graphic Novel
Molly doesn’t just survive in Hellsville - she owns it. Her unpredictable nature and relentless energy make her a standout in the town’s supernatural chaos, bringing a grit to the dark, twisted world around her. She’s not just a resident of Hellsville; she’s its defiant heartbeat.
Molly holds a special place in the heart of Hellsville, as she was the very first character conceived for this universe back in the early 2000s. I thought the idea of a human navigating a town teeming with monsters could be pretty funny - especially if that human turned out to be the true nightmare among them. This concept became the cornerstone upon which Hellsville was built, gradually evolving into the world it is today!
Like most Hellsville’s characters, Molly’s design (and name) has changed over time - here are some designs running from 2002-2013!
Thank you once again for being part of this journey - there's so much more to come, and I can’t wait to share it with you.
Until next time, stay spooky!
Enter the Darkness – Joanna and the O.W.O Join the Fray
Hello, Hellsville Heretics!
As the air grows chillier and the nights stretch longer, we’ve been hard at work bringing the eerie world of Hellsville to life. The graphic novel continues to move forward steadily, with each new page taking us deeper into our creepy little world.
As part of my new years resolutions, moving forward I’ll be aiming to share more of my creative process on my socials. From initial sketches and storyboarding to how I bring my characters to life with my colouring techniques, you’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at how Hellsville comes together. I figure It’s a chance to dive deeper into the artistry and storytelling, and I can’t wait to share this journey with you all.
Big news in case you missed the last update - the Hellsville merch store is officially open! You can now grab some spooky swag and other ghoulish goodies. Your support in the store helps bring Hellsville to life, and I’m incredibly grateful for it! Plus, there’s more on the way, so keep an eye out for new designs and products.
Character Spotlight: Joanna Falkner
If you’ve been following along with our character profiles, you’ll know that Hellsville is packed with unforgettable faces. We’ve just unveiled a brand-new addition to the profiles section—a character whose chilling presence will send shivers down your spine.
This update’s spotlight is on Joanna, the mysterious and fearsome antagonist at the heart of Hellsville. As the Knight Commander of the Old World Order, Joanna is a force to be reckoned with—relentless, disciplined, and utterly brutal in her mission to eradicate all supernatural beings.
Clad in tactical clothing and a ceremonial cloak, like all members of the O.W.O. she is never seen without her haunting skull mask, rumoured to be fashioned from a vampire’s remains - possibly her own mother’s. Her weapons of choice - a handgun and an ancient sword - add to her lethal aura, but it’s her unwavering prejudice and sharp intellect that make her a formidable foe.
Joanna’s presence not only raises the stakes but forces our protagonists to question their own values in the face of such merciless opposition. Who is truly the monster?
Role in the Graphic Novel:
Joanna serves as the primary antagonist of Hellsville, embodying the oppressive force of the Old World Order (O.W.O.). As the Knight Commander, she is tasked with enforcing the organisation's brutal agenda: the eradication of supernatural beings and the restoration of a "pure" world under human dominance. Her unwavering prejudice and militaristic efficiency make her a relentless threat to the protagonists, driving much of the story's conflict.
Join the Hellsville Community
Your support has been incredible, and it means the world to have you along for this journey. Whether it’s subscribing, sharing the project with friends, or snagging something from the merch store, every little bit helps us build this dark little corner of horror together.
Stay tuned for more updates, character spotlights, and sneak peeks into the Hellsville universe. And as always, let us know what you think—what do you make of Joanna and the O.W.O?
Until next time, stay spooky,
JS Comics
Monsters, Mayhem, and Merry Wishes: A Hellsville Holiday Update
It’s been a busy couple of months here at Hellsville HQ! Between juggling commission work, family life, and pouring every spare moment into the graphic novel, progress has been steady—and I’m thrilled to see the story coming to life, page by page. Despite the chaos, we’re making great strides, and the excitement of building this world and seeing the positive reactions and feedback to my little horror world is keeping me motivated!
Merch Store
In other exciting news, the Hellsville store is officially open! We’ve launched with a few clothing designs, including fan favourites like the Dylan rubber hose tee, Alis headshot t-shirt, and the bold "Deadrich" sweater repping the Crossroadman Demon’s iconic logo. But that’s just the beginning—more designs are in the works, along with stickers, comic bookmarks and more, so keep your eyes peeled for fresh drops in the new year.
Character Spotlight: Carys
This week’s Character Spotlight shines on Carys, our beloved zombie with a heart of gold. Carys’ bubbly personality and unwavering optimism make her the glue that holds her group of chaotic friends together. But don’t be fooled—beneath her sunny exterior lies a fierce loyalty and an undeniable knack for mischief.
Background:
Carys is a zombie with a perpetual limp and an indomitable spirit. She became one of the undead during the infamous 1998 biohazard outbreak, bitten by her father while trying to escape a horde that had overrun her family’s isolated farmhouse. Her injury—a broken leg sustained during the frantic escape—never fully healed, leaving her with a distinctive shuffle that has become part of her character.
Despite her grim transformation, Carys exudes an infectious charm. She’s bubbly, humorous, and unapologetically herself. Her cheerful demeanour often catches others off guard, contrasting with her macabre undead appearance.
Carys doesn’t let her undead state define her; she embraces it with a unique blend of self-deprecation and unshakeable confidence. Her resourcefulness and resilience make her stand out in Hellsville's chaotic landscape, showing that even in undeath, there’s plenty of room for personality and flair.
Though prone to daydreaming and the occasional ditzy moment, Carys is no lightweight. She’s a survivor through and through, with a knack for finding creative solutions to even the grimmest problems. With her ability to laugh in the face of adversity, Carys embodies the idea that life—or undeath—is all about attitude.
Role in the Graphic Novel:
In Welcome to Hellsville, Carys serves as the emotional heart of the group, bringing levity and warmth to the darker undertones of the graphic novel. Her humour and optimism provide a crucial counterbalance to the tension and horror that often pervade the story.
While she may not be the natural leader or the most combat-ready of the group, her resilience and unwavering cheerfulness shine through. Carys acts as a grounding force, reminding her friends—and the audience—that even in a world overrun by the supernatural, there’s room for humour and connection. Her arc in the story highlights themes of adaptation and finding joy in the face of adversity, making her an endearing figure amidst the madness of Hellsville.
Join the Hellsville Community
As we wrap up another year in Hellsville, I just want to take a moment to thank you all for your continued support. Whether you’ve subscribed, shared the project, snagged some merch, or simply followed along with the journey, it means the world to me. With Christmas just around the corner, I want to wish everyone a very Happy Horrordays from Hellsville!
Here’s to more spooky stories, artwork, and building this community together in 2025. Don’t forget to subscribe to stay updated, and be sure to check out the store for some unique gifts for the horror fan in your life!
Stay spooky,
JS Comics
Get Ready for Spooky Season: Hellsville Merch Arrives This Halloween!
As the air turns crisp and the shadows grow longer, we find ourselves a few more pages deeper towards completing the first act of the graphic novel. The world of Hellsville is unfolding splendidly, and we can't wait for you to experience the eerie adventures that await.
Get Ready for the Hellsville Store Launch!
In perfect timing with the spooky season, we're excited to announce that the official Hellsville store will be launching just in time for Halloween! We've been hard at work crafting a selection of exclusive merchandise to bring a piece of Hellsville into your world.
Stickers: Adorn your belongings with our range of Hellsville stickers. Whether you're a fan of Dylan the Demon, food-based monsters or any of our other unique characters, there's something for everyone..
Comic Bookmarks: Keep your place in style with our specially designed bookmarks featuring artwork straight from the graphic novel.
More Spooky Goodies: From prints to apparel, we'll have a variety of spooky stuff to satisfy your Halloween cravings.
Keep an eye out for sneak peeks and updates as we get closer to the launch. Your support means the world to us, and we hope you'll help spread the word. Let's make this Halloween one to remember!
Character Spotlight: Alis
This week, we’re turning the spotlight on Alis, one of Hellsville’s most powerful and intriguing characters. She’s one half of the immortal vampire twins, but don’t mistake her beauty for weakness—Alis is a force to be reckoned with.
Backstory:
Alis and her twin sister Lucy were turned into vampires in 1886 by the mysterious and ancient Vampire Overlord, "The Baron." Raised in the shadows of Hellsville, they learned the ways of the night, adapting to each era with the cunning and grace that comes from centuries of immortality.
While Lucy is the more carefree of the two, Alis has embraced her role as the calculated, sharp-witted leader of their group. She carries an aura of authority that commands attention, even in a town full of supernatural creatures. Her presence is undeniably magnetic, and while she doesn’t seek leadership, it’s something that naturally falls into place around her. Alis thrives on control, and those around her often find themselves following her lead—whether they realise it or not.
Personality:
Alis is confident, strategic, and unafraid to challenge the world around her. She’s fiercely independent, valuing her own instincts and intellect above most. Her leadership style isn’t about care or nurturing; it’s about decisiveness and having the vision to see what needs to be done, regardless of how others feel about it. This often places her at odds with her stubborn best friend, Molly, who is equally headstrong. Their clashes are frequent, with Molly pushing against Alis’ authority, leading to heated confrontations.
While she has no issue making tough decisions, Alis can also be dismissive, viewing many around her as lesser or irrelevant. Her confidence sometimes tips into arrogance, but it’s hard to argue with the results she gets. She’s a natural leader not because she seeks control, but because she exudes the type of authority and certainty that others instinctively follow.
Role in the Graphic Novel:
In Welcome to Hellsville, Alis’s role is pivotal, though not in the traditional sense of a "protector." Her authority and ability to stay composed in tense situations make her the group’s de facto leader. Her clashes with Molly add depth and complexity to their dynamic, with both characters fighting to assert their will. Alis’ sharp mind and eons of unyielding confidence drive much of the plot forward, particularly as the group uncovers the dangerous secrets of the ancient artefact they’ve stumbled upon. Her individual struggles with anger, authority, and loyalty serve as central themes shaping the narrative and the evolution of the group of friends.
The different stages of Alis' design from 2005-2013
Join the Hellsville Community
As we continue to bring Welcome to Hellsville to life, your support is incredibly important. If you haven’t already, please subscribe to stay updated with the latest news, progress, and sneak peeks. You can also follow us on social media for behind-the-scenes content and to get the latest updates on the store launch and more. Every share, repost, and like helps us grow this dark little corner of the fandom into something truly special.
Thank you again for being part of this journey. Together, let’s continue building the world of Hellsville, one page at a time.
Stay spooky,
JS Comics
Building Our Dark World, One Page at a Time
Hey Hellsville heretics!
So we’re now about a quarter of the way through the first act, and every day, Hellsville is becoming more vivid and alive and I’m grateful to have you all on this journey with me.
As we push forward, your support is more important than ever. If you haven’t done so yet, please consider subscribing to stay updated with our progress. Your subscription helps build our community, and sharing Hellsville with your friends and fellow horror lovers helps spread the word even further. You can also follow me on social media to catch sneak peeks of character art. Every repost or share helps us reach a wider audience and grow this dark little corner into a thriving fan community.
Looking ahead, I’m excited to announce the upcoming release of some exclusive Hellsville sticker sets. These will feature some of the most iconic characters from the novel as well as some spooky conjuring’s that aren’t, and they’re perfect for adding a bit of Hellsville flair to your belongings. And just in time for Halloween, we’ll be launching the official Hellsville merch store! Expect some eerie gear that’s not just perfect for the spooky season but also for any horror fan looking to represent Hellsville year-round.
Now, for our new feature: the weekly character spotlight. With each update, we’ll shine a light on one of the unique characters from Hellsville, diving into their backstory, personality, and role in the graphic novel. It’s a chance to get to know the residents of Hellsville on a deeper level and see how they fit into the eerie world we're building. Along with detailed insights, we’ll also share concept drawings and some of their earliest incarnations, offering a glimpse into how these characters evolved from initial ideas to the final designs. Whether it’s a fan-favorite or a lesser-known character, the spotlight will give you a closer look at what makes them tick and why they’re an essential part of the story.
This week, we dive into the quirky world of Loonis, a uniquely endearing character from Hellsville. Known for the paper bag he wears over his head, Loonis is not just a small mutant with a mysterious facade; he's also the indispensable sidekick to Eek the bat. Together, they're known for their mischievous antics and chaotic adventures, bringing humour and unpredictability to the dark corners of Hellsville.
A small webcomic panel from 2005, capturing Loonis’ very first appearance, and my very early attempts at Photoshop effects. 🤦🏻♂️
An updated version from 2013, which showcases how Loonis' design (and my Photoshop skills) slowly matured over the years.
Backstory: Loonis' origins are shrouded in mystery and mutation. As the lore goes, he was born under the toxic shadows of Hellsville's darkest sewers. Emerging from the unintended consequences of hazardous waste, his creation was less of an evolution and more of an accident. From the beginning, Loonis was an outlier; his peculiar appearance marked by the paper bag he wears to hide his face, a symbol both of his origins and his desire to blend into the shadows from which he came.
His first encounter with Eek, the large anthropomorphic bat, was a turning point. It marked the beginning of a legendary partnership, turning two misfits into the heart of Hellsville's mischief and mayhem.
Early comic art from 2007 that features him alongside Eek the bat, illustrating the development of their dynamic as Hellsville’s most notorious duo.
Personality: Loonis is much more than his eccentric appearance suggests. Beneath the paper bag he possesses a brilliant mind, he is nervously witty, always quick with a quip, yet his humour often belies a deep-seated anxiety about his place in the world. Despite his fears, Loonis is incredibly resourceful, able to improvise and manipulate his way out of even the stickiest situations. His intelligence is his superpower, making him indispensable to his more brazen partner, Eek.
Role in the Graphic Novel: In the wider world of Hellsville and the graphic novel, Loonis serves as both comic relief and the emotional anchor of his duo with Eek. While Eek dives headfirst into chaos, Loonis is the strategist, often pulling them out of self-made disasters with his quick thinking and inventive solutions. His role extends beyond just supporting Eek; Loonis often acts as the voice of reason in their duo, his cautious nature tempering Eek’s impulsiveness.
Their escapades serve as crucial comic interludes that provide relief from more intense moments in the main storyline. Yet, Loonis' contributions aren’t merely for laughs. His actions often lead to significant plot developments, making him a key player in the unfolding drama of Hellsville. His unique perspective as a mutant who is neither fully supernatural nor entirely natural gives him—and by extension, the reader—a unique viewpoint on the events that shake their world.
Loonis’ journey through the graphic novel is also one of personal growth. His adventures with Eek challenge him to confront his insecurities and embrace his identity, paper bag and all. Through each challenge, Loonis learns to wield his intellect not just for survival, but for the betterment of those around him, proving that true heroism comes in many forms—even in the most unassuming.
Check out Loonis and other character lore over at the Character Profile section of the site
If you have subscribed to the mailing list make sure to reply with who you’d like to see as next week’s character spotlight!
Thank you all once again for being part of this journey. Your support, enthusiasm, and passion for Welcome to Hellsville and it’s characters are deeply appreciated and I look forward to updating everyone on progress next week!
Stay Spooky!
JS Comics
A Dark Journey Begins
A Dark Journey Begins
Greetings, Hellsville heretics!
We’re excited to share the latest news from the twisted world of Hellsville. Our graphic novel is officially in motion, and we’re thrilled to bring you along on this dark journey. We’ve recently completed the full script and have finalized the opening scene—setting the stage for the eerie adventures that lie ahead.
As we speak, work on the first act is set to begin this week, and we can’t wait to dive into the detailed artwork and storytelling that will bring Hellsville to life. This is just the beginning, but we’re already seeing the vision take shape, and it’s more thrilling (and chilling) than we could have imagined.
In even more thrilling news, we are incredibly fortunate to have signed with one of the UK's biggest comic book publishers, Markosia Enterprises. Their support is a major milestone for us and will help ensure that Hellsville reaches its full potential. We can’t wait for you to experience the dark, immersive world we’re creating with their help.
We’ve also launched our brand-new website! This very one right here! It’s your one-stop destination for everything related to Hellsville, including character profiles, updates, and more. Be sure to explore the site, check out our new content, and let us know what you think on our socials - every like and share means the world to us and helps get Hellsville out there!
As we move forward, we’ll be posting weekly progress reports to keep you in the loop with all things Hellsville. Don’t miss out on any updates—subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed, support our journey, and be the first to know about new developments, sneak peeks, and more.
Thank you for being part of the Hellsville community. The darkness is just beginning to unfold, and we’re glad to have you with us.
Stay spooky,
JS Comics