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
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.
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.
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.
I’d just like to take a moment to declare that @letteringbear.bsky.social is a wizard of visual storytelling. His intuitive, immersive approach to the letters makes me feel like I’m reading my own story for the first time.
Art by @sallycantirino.bsky.social, colours by @dearbhlala.bsky.social.
Art by @sallycantirino.bsky.social, colours by @dearbhlala.bsky.social.
November 25, 2025 at 12:50 PM
I’d just like to take a moment to declare that @letteringbear.bsky.social is a wizard of visual storytelling. His intuitive, immersive approach to the letters makes me feel like I’m reading my own story for the first time.
Art by @sallycantirino.bsky.social, colours by @dearbhlala.bsky.social.
Art by @sallycantirino.bsky.social, colours by @dearbhlala.bsky.social.
I've just updated my online shop to reflect the stock I cleared at Thought Bubble. I now only have a couple each of Orla! #2 and #3 left in my inventory, so if you'd like signed copies from me, get your orders in now before they're gone!
johnleescomics.bigcartel.com
johnleescomics.bigcartel.com
November 24, 2025 at 3:55 PM
I've just updated my online shop to reflect the stock I cleared at Thought Bubble. I now only have a couple each of Orla! #2 and #3 left in my inventory, so if you'd like signed copies from me, get your orders in now before they're gone!
johnleescomics.bigcartel.com
johnleescomics.bigcartel.com
ORLA! #4, from me, @sallycantirino.bsky.social, @dearbhlala.bsky.social, @letteringbear.bsky.social & @madcavestudios.com, is out this week! If you don’t mind SPOILERS for last issue’s shock cliffhanger ending, here’s a preview of the opening pages…
November 24, 2025 at 2:14 PM
ORLA! #4, from me, @sallycantirino.bsky.social, @dearbhlala.bsky.social, @letteringbear.bsky.social & @madcavestudios.com, is out this week! If you don’t mind SPOILERS for last issue’s shock cliffhanger ending, here’s a preview of the opening pages…
Rick Holester is a misogynist influencer who uses his platform to warp the minds of young men. He makes the world a worse place. Would it really be so bad if someone came along and ate him?
ORLA! #4 is out on 26th November.
Art by @sallycantirino.bsky.social, colours by @dearbhlala.bsky.social.
ORLA! #4 is out on 26th November.
Art by @sallycantirino.bsky.social, colours by @dearbhlala.bsky.social.
November 21, 2025 at 1:50 PM
Rick Holester is a misogynist influencer who uses his platform to warp the minds of young men. He makes the world a worse place. Would it really be so bad if someone came along and ate him?
ORLA! #4 is out on 26th November.
Art by @sallycantirino.bsky.social, colours by @dearbhlala.bsky.social.
ORLA! #4 is out on 26th November.
Art by @sallycantirino.bsky.social, colours by @dearbhlala.bsky.social.
Thought Bubble Reads: Cold Chips
I loved this. A simple tale of a moody teenager forced to look after his younger brother, @chriskingart.bsky.social does so much with his visual storytelling to convey both a strong sense of place with the seaside town and the dynamic between the brothers.
I loved this. A simple tale of a moody teenager forced to look after his younger brother, @chriskingart.bsky.social does so much with his visual storytelling to convey both a strong sense of place with the seaside town and the dynamic between the brothers.
November 20, 2025 at 10:14 PM
Thought Bubble Reads: Cold Chips
I loved this. A simple tale of a moody teenager forced to look after his younger brother, @chriskingart.bsky.social does so much with his visual storytelling to convey both a strong sense of place with the seaside town and the dynamic between the brothers.
I loved this. A simple tale of a moody teenager forced to look after his younger brother, @chriskingart.bsky.social does so much with his visual storytelling to convey both a strong sense of place with the seaside town and the dynamic between the brothers.
Weather has got so cold that it could be time to break out the big guns for walking the dog.
November 20, 2025 at 7:21 PM
Weather has got so cold that it could be time to break out the big guns for walking the dog.
Attention Kickstarter backers! Digital copies of Grawlgore & Shanks Book One, from me, @joemulv.bsky.social, @kmike.bsky.social, @jpjordan.bsky.social, @robutoid.bsky.social and the team at ComixTribe, have now landed in your inbox. If you check it out, please be sure to share your thoughts!
November 20, 2025 at 2:37 PM
Attention Kickstarter backers! Digital copies of Grawlgore & Shanks Book One, from me, @joemulv.bsky.social, @kmike.bsky.social, @jpjordan.bsky.social, @robutoid.bsky.social and the team at ComixTribe, have now landed in your inbox. If you check it out, please be sure to share your thoughts!
Don’t forget, the ORLA! collected graphic novel is out on 3rd March 2026! You can pre-order direct from @madcavestudios.com:
madcavestudios.com/product/orla...
If you’re in the UK, you can pre-order from @okcomics.bsky.social:
okcomics.co.uk/products/pre...
Or pre-order at bookshop.org!
madcavestudios.com/product/orla...
If you’re in the UK, you can pre-order from @okcomics.bsky.social:
okcomics.co.uk/products/pre...
Or pre-order at bookshop.org!
November 20, 2025 at 2:20 PM
Don’t forget, the ORLA! collected graphic novel is out on 3rd March 2026! You can pre-order direct from @madcavestudios.com:
madcavestudios.com/product/orla...
If you’re in the UK, you can pre-order from @okcomics.bsky.social:
okcomics.co.uk/products/pre...
Or pre-order at bookshop.org!
madcavestudios.com/product/orla...
If you’re in the UK, you can pre-order from @okcomics.bsky.social:
okcomics.co.uk/products/pre...
Or pre-order at bookshop.org!
“I’d like to think that most of us are better than the worst thing we’ve ever done.”
ORLA! #4, from me, @sallycantirino.bsky.social, @dearbhlala.bsky.social, @letteringbear.bsky.social & @madcavestudios.com, is out on 26th November, in ONE WEEK!
ORLA! #4, from me, @sallycantirino.bsky.social, @dearbhlala.bsky.social, @letteringbear.bsky.social & @madcavestudios.com, is out on 26th November, in ONE WEEK!
November 19, 2025 at 11:29 AM
“I’d like to think that most of us are better than the worst thing we’ve ever done.”
ORLA! #4, from me, @sallycantirino.bsky.social, @dearbhlala.bsky.social, @letteringbear.bsky.social & @madcavestudios.com, is out on 26th November, in ONE WEEK!
ORLA! #4, from me, @sallycantirino.bsky.social, @dearbhlala.bsky.social, @letteringbear.bsky.social & @madcavestudios.com, is out on 26th November, in ONE WEEK!
Can Orla and Gwyn’s relationship survive the revelation of Orla’s terrible secret?
Art by @sallycantirino.bsky.social, colours by @dearbhlala.bsky.social.
Art by @sallycantirino.bsky.social, colours by @dearbhlala.bsky.social.
November 18, 2025 at 3:35 PM
Can Orla and Gwyn’s relationship survive the revelation of Orla’s terrible secret?
Art by @sallycantirino.bsky.social, colours by @dearbhlala.bsky.social.
Art by @sallycantirino.bsky.social, colours by @dearbhlala.bsky.social.
I had a lovely week in Harrogate, culminating in another incredible, rewarding, inspirational Thought Bubble, but as always, the highlight of the trip was getting to spend quality time with two of my best pals, @heatherpalmer.bsky.social and @artghoul.bsky.social. I already miss you guys!
November 17, 2025 at 11:53 PM
I had a lovely week in Harrogate, culminating in another incredible, rewarding, inspirational Thought Bubble, but as always, the highlight of the trip was getting to spend quality time with two of my best pals, @heatherpalmer.bsky.social and @artghoul.bsky.social. I already miss you guys!
Great Harrogate Food #3: Domo Japanese Cuisine.
My favourite restaurant in Harrogate. Me and my friends have made returning an annual tradition. The grilled aubergine starter was great, and I look forward to the mango mochi dessert all year. But highlight for me is that chicken teriyaki.
My favourite restaurant in Harrogate. Me and my friends have made returning an annual tradition. The grilled aubergine starter was great, and I look forward to the mango mochi dessert all year. But highlight for me is that chicken teriyaki.
November 17, 2025 at 11:48 PM
Great Harrogate Food #3: Domo Japanese Cuisine.
My favourite restaurant in Harrogate. Me and my friends have made returning an annual tradition. The grilled aubergine starter was great, and I look forward to the mango mochi dessert all year. But highlight for me is that chicken teriyaki.
My favourite restaurant in Harrogate. Me and my friends have made returning an annual tradition. The grilled aubergine starter was great, and I look forward to the mango mochi dessert all year. But highlight for me is that chicken teriyaki.
I really felt the love for The Nasty at Thought Bubble this weekend, being gifted this gorgeous fan art from Andrew Minton and getting to see a fantastic VHS-style custom binding of the eight issues from @robellis.bsky.social.
November 17, 2025 at 11:40 PM
I really felt the love for The Nasty at Thought Bubble this weekend, being gifted this gorgeous fan art from Andrew Minton and getting to see a fantastic VHS-style custom binding of the eight issues from @robellis.bsky.social.
Great Harrogate Food #2: Phranakhon Thai Tapas.
After set-up for Thought Bubble on Friday night, I visited this awesome spot right around the corner from the venue. I got chicken satay and crispy pork belly, but there were so many other small plate options to try that I was left with FOMO!
After set-up for Thought Bubble on Friday night, I visited this awesome spot right around the corner from the venue. I got chicken satay and crispy pork belly, but there were so many other small plate options to try that I was left with FOMO!
November 17, 2025 at 11:33 PM
Great Harrogate Food #2: Phranakhon Thai Tapas.
After set-up for Thought Bubble on Friday night, I visited this awesome spot right around the corner from the venue. I got chicken satay and crispy pork belly, but there were so many other small plate options to try that I was left with FOMO!
After set-up for Thought Bubble on Friday night, I visited this awesome spot right around the corner from the venue. I got chicken satay and crispy pork belly, but there were so many other small plate options to try that I was left with FOMO!
Great Harrogate Food #1: Bakeri Baltzersen.
This Scandinavian bakery drew us inside with the smell of enticing fresh-baked bread on display out front, and we ended up going inside for lunch. I had a delicious halloumi and avocado bagel and a cinnamon bun from their expansive range of pastries.
This Scandinavian bakery drew us inside with the smell of enticing fresh-baked bread on display out front, and we ended up going inside for lunch. I had a delicious halloumi and avocado bagel and a cinnamon bun from their expansive range of pastries.
November 17, 2025 at 11:28 PM
Great Harrogate Food #1: Bakeri Baltzersen.
This Scandinavian bakery drew us inside with the smell of enticing fresh-baked bread on display out front, and we ended up going inside for lunch. I had a delicious halloumi and avocado bagel and a cinnamon bun from their expansive range of pastries.
This Scandinavian bakery drew us inside with the smell of enticing fresh-baked bread on display out front, and we ended up going inside for lunch. I had a delicious halloumi and avocado bagel and a cinnamon bun from their expansive range of pastries.
The centrepiece of our day trip to Leeds was a trip to the Royal Armouries. Once the location of Thought Bubble, it was fun to actually go into the museum itself for the first time and explore its vast, sprawling collection of weapons and wartime artefacts.
November 17, 2025 at 11:19 PM
The centrepiece of our day trip to Leeds was a trip to the Royal Armouries. Once the location of Thought Bubble, it was fun to actually go into the museum itself for the first time and explore its vast, sprawling collection of weapons and wartime artefacts.
I should maybe attempt to try posting some of the pics I took during my week in Harrogate for Thought Bubble! One highlight of our extended stay was a day trip out to Leeds. I remain gutted I missed OK Comics, but I still had a nice time!
November 17, 2025 at 11:10 PM
I should maybe attempt to try posting some of the pics I took during my week in Harrogate for Thought Bubble! One highlight of our extended stay was a day trip out to Leeds. I remain gutted I missed OK Comics, but I still had a nice time!
Thought Bubble was a blast! I’m down to my last few copies of Orla! #2 and #3, so if you missed the show and want signed copies from me, hit up my online shop at johnleescomics.bigcartel.com!
November 17, 2025 at 1:25 PM
Thought Bubble was a blast! I’m down to my last few copies of Orla! #2 and #3, so if you missed the show and want signed copies from me, hit up my online shop at johnleescomics.bigcartel.com!
The obligatory Thought Bubble haul. I picked up less this year than I do normally, largely due to being so busy I struggled to get away from my table, but there are still some gems here!
November 17, 2025 at 2:14 AM
The obligatory Thought Bubble haul. I picked up less this year than I do normally, largely due to being so busy I struggled to get away from my table, but there are still some gems here!