John Lees
@johnlees.bsky.social
I write comics! ORLA!, SINK, GRAWLGORE & SHANKS, THE NASTY, THE CRIMSON CAGE, AND THEN EMILY WAS GONE, MOUNTAINHEAD, HOTELL.
Website/newsletter: johnleescomics.com
Online shop: johnleescomics.bigcartel.com
Patreon: patreon.com/johnlees
Website/newsletter: johnleescomics.com
Online shop: johnleescomics.bigcartel.com
Patreon: patreon.com/johnlees
Pinned
John Lees
@johnlees.bsky.social
· Nov 8
I see we're doing (re)intros here as more comics folk migrate to BlueSky, so here goes. I'm John Lees. I'm a writer based in Glasgow, Scotland. Credits include Sink, And Then Emily Was Gone, Hotell, The Crimson Cage, Mountainhead, The Standard, Oxymoron: The Loveliest Nightmare, TMNT and The Nasty.
Reposted by John Lees
This is madness.
All books by Normal People and Conversations with Friends author Sally Rooney set to be withdrawn from sale.
The 34-year-old Irish author says: “The disappearance of my work from bookshops would mark a truly extreme incursion by the state into the realm of artistic expression.”
All books by Normal People and Conversations with Friends author Sally Rooney set to be withdrawn from sale.
The 34-year-old Irish author says: “The disappearance of my work from bookshops would mark a truly extreme incursion by the state into the realm of artistic expression.”
Sally Rooney books may be withdrawn from UK sale over Palestine Action ban, court told
Rooney has said she intended to use royalties from her work "to go on supporting Palestine Action."
www.bbc.com
November 29, 2025 at 10:38 AM
This is madness.
All books by Normal People and Conversations with Friends author Sally Rooney set to be withdrawn from sale.
The 34-year-old Irish author says: “The disappearance of my work from bookshops would mark a truly extreme incursion by the state into the realm of artistic expression.”
All books by Normal People and Conversations with Friends author Sally Rooney set to be withdrawn from sale.
The 34-year-old Irish author says: “The disappearance of my work from bookshops would mark a truly extreme incursion by the state into the realm of artistic expression.”
Reposted by John Lees
[observing someone’s obsessive passion project] wow i really like whatever’s wrong with that guy
November 28, 2025 at 11:40 PM
[observing someone’s obsessive passion project] wow i really like whatever’s wrong with that guy
Reposted by John Lees
Pretty much what I’m doing now, but I’d have the means to take more time and care with my projects, reduce the stress caused by financial insecurity, invest in my health, family and business instead of working in survival mode so much of the time and be able to share more of what I have with others.
Honest question: If everyone got Universal Basic Income, no strings attached, what would YOU do with it?
Re-post with your quote or drop your take below.
Re-post with your quote or drop your take below.
November 28, 2025 at 11:23 PM
Pretty much what I’m doing now, but I’d have the means to take more time and care with my projects, reduce the stress caused by financial insecurity, invest in my health, family and business instead of working in survival mode so much of the time and be able to share more of what I have with others.
I don’t know about “no one noticed,” but as someone who’s not an avid Doctor Who viewer, this remains by a wide margin the best episode of the series I’ve ever seen.
November 29, 2025 at 10:45 AM
I don’t know about “no one noticed,” but as someone who’s not an avid Doctor Who viewer, this remains by a wide margin the best episode of the series I’ve ever seen.
Reposted by John Lees
incredible quote lol
November 28, 2025 at 8:21 PM
incredible quote lol
Such a grim thread, I recommend reading the whole thing for the bleak picture it paints. Why even go to university to study a subject if you have zero interest or capability in, you know, studying that subject?
An issue we're seeing at all levels of university is that many students are simply refusing to do *anything*. They aren't reading the syllabus, aren't following assignment guidelines, aren't engaging with material, ignoring deadlines. And this might seem like old news, but it truly has ramped up.
November 29, 2025 at 10:07 AM
Such a grim thread, I recommend reading the whole thing for the bleak picture it paints. Why even go to university to study a subject if you have zero interest or capability in, you know, studying that subject?
Reposted by John Lees
NEW EPISODE! 🎧
This week, I have 17 (!) interviews (yes, you read that right!) directly from an awesome array of epic comic creators, during the amazing weekend of @thoughtbubbleuk.bsky.social 2025!
Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & more, I hope you enjoy.
open.spotify.com/episode/2e1Z...
This week, I have 17 (!) interviews (yes, you read that right!) directly from an awesome array of epic comic creators, during the amazing weekend of @thoughtbubbleuk.bsky.social 2025!
Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & more, I hope you enjoy.
open.spotify.com/episode/2e1Z...
November 28, 2025 at 4:32 PM
NEW EPISODE! 🎧
This week, I have 17 (!) interviews (yes, you read that right!) directly from an awesome array of epic comic creators, during the amazing weekend of @thoughtbubbleuk.bsky.social 2025!
Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & more, I hope you enjoy.
open.spotify.com/episode/2e1Z...
This week, I have 17 (!) interviews (yes, you read that right!) directly from an awesome array of epic comic creators, during the amazing weekend of @thoughtbubbleuk.bsky.social 2025!
Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & more, I hope you enjoy.
open.spotify.com/episode/2e1Z...
Reposted by John Lees
I don’t get it, why does making art become unsatisfying when you remove the part where your brain works and is rewarded with a sense of accomplishment
November 28, 2025 at 3:27 PM
I don’t get it, why does making art become unsatisfying when you remove the part where your brain works and is rewarded with a sense of accomplishment
Reposted by John Lees
"The day you lose someone isn't the worst; at least you have something to do. It's all the days they stay dead," is the truest thing to ever come out of Dr. Who.
You wouldn't think such a silly show would have something like that to say, and it rings in your ears for the rest of your fucking life.
You wouldn't think such a silly show would have something like that to say, and it rings in your ears for the rest of your fucking life.
November 28, 2025 at 2:43 PM
"The day you lose someone isn't the worst; at least you have something to do. It's all the days they stay dead," is the truest thing to ever come out of Dr. Who.
You wouldn't think such a silly show would have something like that to say, and it rings in your ears for the rest of your fucking life.
You wouldn't think such a silly show would have something like that to say, and it rings in your ears for the rest of your fucking life.
Reposted by John Lees
"All I did was embolden a series of anti-queer, right-wing and anti-trans hate groups, and now there are more anti-queer hate crimes! I am appalled"
metro.co.uk/2025/11/26/k...
metro.co.uk/2025/11/26/k...
Keir Starmer's fury after niece and wife 'beaten by blokes for holding hands'
'I thought the days of beating up people because they were gay were well behind us.'
metro.co.uk
November 28, 2025 at 11:02 AM
"All I did was embolden a series of anti-queer, right-wing and anti-trans hate groups, and now there are more anti-queer hate crimes! I am appalled"
metro.co.uk/2025/11/26/k...
metro.co.uk/2025/11/26/k...
In this week’s newsletter, going out later today, I’ll be talking about Night Cries, possibly the darkest Batman story. If you’d like my thoughts dropped right in your inbox, you can subscribe at johnleescomics.com.
November 28, 2025 at 2:16 PM
In this week’s newsletter, going out later today, I’ll be talking about Night Cries, possibly the darkest Batman story. If you’d like my thoughts dropped right in your inbox, you can subscribe at johnleescomics.com.
The final issue of ORLA! has gone to print, meaning active production from me, @sallycantirino.bsky.social, @dearbhlala.bsky.social & @letteringbear.bsky.social is now complete. It’s a bittersweet feeling, but I’m so proud of the work we’ve done, and can’t wait for you to see how the story ends.
November 28, 2025 at 2:02 PM
The final issue of ORLA! has gone to print, meaning active production from me, @sallycantirino.bsky.social, @dearbhlala.bsky.social & @letteringbear.bsky.social is now complete. It’s a bittersweet feeling, but I’m so proud of the work we’ve done, and can’t wait for you to see how the story ends.
I’m very behind on my comics reading and doing some catch-up, but man this title page from Batman: Dark Patterns #11 is a banger. @cleanlined.bsky.social and @treecolour.bsky.social on the next level with this book.
November 28, 2025 at 10:12 AM
I’m very behind on my comics reading and doing some catch-up, but man this title page from Batman: Dark Patterns #11 is a banger. @cleanlined.bsky.social and @treecolour.bsky.social on the next level with this book.
I finally got round to reading The Pedestrian by @joeyesposito.bsky.social & @seanvongorman.bsky.social, and it’s great. An offbeat superhero tale with less of a focus on the superheroics than the butterfly effect on regular people, it pulls off being funny while admirably snark-free and heartfelt.
November 28, 2025 at 10:00 AM
I finally got round to reading The Pedestrian by @joeyesposito.bsky.social & @seanvongorman.bsky.social, and it’s great. An offbeat superhero tale with less of a focus on the superheroics than the butterfly effect on regular people, it pulls off being funny while admirably snark-free and heartfelt.
Reposted by John Lees
Anytime an animated film/tv show hits this level of cultural explosion, I just feel SO proud & so much love for animation & the community. Congrats to the entire KPDH team! 😭😭😭
Okay, the crowd going nuts like someone just scored a touchdown at the Super Bowl all *through* the KDH performance is a hell of a thing to see hear/see:
November 28, 2025 at 5:50 AM
Anytime an animated film/tv show hits this level of cultural explosion, I just feel SO proud & so much love for animation & the community. Congrats to the entire KPDH team! 😭😭😭
Reposted by John Lees
Flippin heck that's the Christmas spirit we need. Starts out "ooh, this seems a bit cringe" ends "no that is just dust in my eye shutuuup!!"
Hope is here.
Help us beat Reform in May. Donate today ⤵️
Help us beat Reform in May. Donate today ⤵️
November 28, 2025 at 8:32 AM
Flippin heck that's the Christmas spirit we need. Starts out "ooh, this seems a bit cringe" ends "no that is just dust in my eye shutuuup!!"
The post I keep seeing popping up about how each PM being more hated than the last shows the electorate is impossible to please and we’re inclined to hate governments no matter what feels a bit disingenuous. Maybe we just hate the specific type of craven, bigot-courting government we keep getting.
November 28, 2025 at 8:58 AM
The post I keep seeing popping up about how each PM being more hated than the last shows the electorate is impossible to please and we’re inclined to hate governments no matter what feels a bit disingenuous. Maybe we just hate the specific type of craven, bigot-courting government we keep getting.
Reposted by John Lees
HAPPY GAMERA DAY! 60th anniversary!!! The first Gamera movie, directed by Noriaki Yuasa, came out on this day in 1965.
November 27, 2025 at 6:49 PM
HAPPY GAMERA DAY! 60th anniversary!!! The first Gamera movie, directed by Noriaki Yuasa, came out on this day in 1965.
Reposted by John Lees
Happy Thanksgiving from Team Orla! I’m thankful for @sallycantirino.bsky.social, @dearbhlala.bsky.social, @letteringbear.bsky.social, all the team at @madcavestudios.com and everyone who has read and supported our comic.
November 27, 2025 at 2:16 PM
Happy Thanksgiving from Team Orla! I’m thankful for @sallycantirino.bsky.social, @dearbhlala.bsky.social, @letteringbear.bsky.social, all the team at @madcavestudios.com and everyone who has read and supported our comic.
Reposted by John Lees
Good morning world.
I just learnt that ‘Callipygian’ means “beautiful buttocks”.
Though you’d all enjoy that.
I just learnt that ‘Callipygian’ means “beautiful buttocks”.
Though you’d all enjoy that.
November 27, 2025 at 9:12 AM
Good morning world.
I just learnt that ‘Callipygian’ means “beautiful buttocks”.
Though you’d all enjoy that.
I just learnt that ‘Callipygian’ means “beautiful buttocks”.
Though you’d all enjoy that.
Reposted by John Lees
If you thought the end of ORLA! #3 was wild, just wait 'til you read today's issue from @johnlees.bsky.social & @sallycantirino.bsky.social @madcavestudios.com 👀
November 26, 2025 at 3:42 PM
If you thought the end of ORLA! #3 was wild, just wait 'til you read today's issue from @johnlees.bsky.social & @sallycantirino.bsky.social @madcavestudios.com 👀
ORLA! #4, from me, @sallycantirino.bsky.social, @dearbhlala.bsky.social, @letteringbear.bsky.social & @madcavestudios.com, is out NOW! If you pick up a copy today, let us know what comic shop you got it from, and please do share your thoughts.
November 26, 2025 at 1:31 PM
ORLA! #4, from me, @sallycantirino.bsky.social, @dearbhlala.bsky.social, @letteringbear.bsky.social & @madcavestudios.com, is out NOW! If you pick up a copy today, let us know what comic shop you got it from, and please do share your thoughts.
Reposted by John Lees
This. You can work non-stop and have all the talent and still not see a dime from that effort. It's not a complaint - just a feature of what it means to create art. For most people art is the journey not the eyes that experience it afterwards. This is ok but should also set your expectations.
Some close friends to be get a little frustrated in my tendency to priortise luck in my own career, as they know how I work. I try to explain that work just is buying a lottery ticket. It's necessary, but certainly not sufficient. I know many folks who've worked as hard but the dice have been cruel.
November 26, 2025 at 8:10 AM
This. You can work non-stop and have all the talent and still not see a dime from that effort. It's not a complaint - just a feature of what it means to create art. For most people art is the journey not the eyes that experience it afterwards. This is ok but should also set your expectations.
Reposted by John Lees
ORLA! #4 @madcavestudios.com @johnlees.bsky.social
@sallycantirino.bsky.social @dearbhlala.bsky.social
@robutoid.bsky.social @letteringbear.bsky.social @jerderferster.bsky.social is out & revealing some emotions! A cool #comic series to check out
-A fan animation I made based on the cv/interior
@sallycantirino.bsky.social @dearbhlala.bsky.social
@robutoid.bsky.social @letteringbear.bsky.social @jerderferster.bsky.social is out & revealing some emotions! A cool #comic series to check out
-A fan animation I made based on the cv/interior
November 26, 2025 at 9:50 AM
ORLA! #4 @madcavestudios.com @johnlees.bsky.social
@sallycantirino.bsky.social @dearbhlala.bsky.social
@robutoid.bsky.social @letteringbear.bsky.social @jerderferster.bsky.social is out & revealing some emotions! A cool #comic series to check out
-A fan animation I made based on the cv/interior
@sallycantirino.bsky.social @dearbhlala.bsky.social
@robutoid.bsky.social @letteringbear.bsky.social @jerderferster.bsky.social is out & revealing some emotions! A cool #comic series to check out
-A fan animation I made based on the cv/interior