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
