Fanbase Press has announced Shrub, an eight-issue series that they’re crowdfunding through Kickstarter, and we’re excited to share an exclusive four-page preview ahead of the publisher’s appearance at WonderCon in Anaheim this weekend.
The series follows Shrub, an aptly named sentient shrub, who joins a grieving brother and sister on a cross-country road trip to Hollywood, with pit stops, wacky plant enthusiasts and unexpected detours along the way.
Written by Emmy Award nominee Shane Portman of Tumble Leaf and Shape Island fame, and illustrated by Andy Alves (Top Shelf’s Cosmic Cadets), with colors by Sophia Du and Celia FitzGerald and lettering by Oceano Ransford.
The series draws on Portman’s own experience with the loss of his father.
“In the footsteps of E.T. or Wall-E, Shrub and their insatiable awe for everything they come in contact with — people, birds, cows, even vending machines — are the open-hearted catalyst of this story,” Portman said. “Their compassionate connection to each character is a living example of the empathy that we all need and deserve.”
The series will include essays on grief and loss from grief doula Kat Primeau, therapist Ariel Landrum and Portman’s own family, alongside a study guide, an essay by clinical psychologist and media consultant Dr. Drea Letamendi and other resources aimed at destigmatizing grief for readers of all ages.
“We were immediately taken by Shrub’s thrilling road trip adventure, but what truly made the story stand out was the compassionate way in which it engaged the reader in an empathetic conversation about how we grieve,” said Barbra Dillon, co-founder and editor-in-chief of Fanbase Press. “Given that so many of our community members of all ages have known great loss, we hope that Shrub’s story will foster a sense of collective support.”
Visit the Kickstarter campaign page for more information, and check out the preview below.
