Living on an island can have its perks, and its downsides. This What's Trending list contains strange local mythologies, underwater cities, sirens, lemurs, and vikings! We hope you like the smell of saltwater, featuring:
1. Godsbane • 祟り神, 25 pages - Published by Art Crumbs, (cc/ @ArtCrumbs)
In 1891, Aros, a village doctor, sells his soul attempting to revive a colleague who can save them from apocalypse. Too bad she wants to stay dead and doesn't want to help! Now Aros must balance life as a healer and a killer in order to save his island from being burned to the ground.
Story and Art by Art Crumbs
2. Rai (2014), 1364 pages - Published by Valiant, (cc/ @Valiant)
The year is 4001 A.D. – led by the artificial intelligence called “Father,” the island nation of Japan has expanded out of the Pacific and into geosynchronous orbit with the ravaged Earth below. With billions to feed and protect, it has fallen to one solitary guardian to enforce the law of Father’s empire – the mysterious folk hero known as Rai. They say he can appear out of nowhere. They say he is a spirit…the ghost of Japan. But when the first murder in a thousand years threatens to topple Father’s benevolent reign, Rai will be forced to confront the true face of a nation.
Story and Art by Clayton Crain and Matt Kindt
3. The Siren's Mistress, 46 pages - Published by Dolly Nightmare, (cc/ @dollynightmare)
Young women of the island of Gimgar have one wish, they long to be the next bride of the sea, an age-old tradition of the village dating back to the first settling. The chosen is to wed a God, a Siren. Being selected is an honor to oneself and family, and when the elders choose Mayme, she is elated she will live amongst the Gods by the end of autumn. Mayme couldn’t be luckier, Como her husband to be is beautiful and benevolent, or so he seems. Grand celebration, festivities… and death follows.
Story and Art by Dolly Nightmare
4. HAPPY SODA DAZE!, 157 pages - Published by Joshua A.L., (cc/ @joshuaal)
A monthly comedy/ slice-of-life series following the daily lives of a group of first-years at a high school called Shark Bait Academy, situated on a group of islands. Uploads around the middle of every month, always on a Friday!
Story and Art by Joshua A.L.
5. Lemurian Dreamer, 27 pages - Published by Lovelyyufo Productions, (cc/ @Lovelyufo)
Having washed up in a beach in Madagascar in unknown vessels, Olesia and other Lemurs have suffered amnesia and can't remember where they came from, knowing only their names but nothing more. The Fossas that live on the island quickly take notice of their presence and approach with weapons raised, no one knows why they were brought here but they're all anxious that there may be a reason.
Story and Art by Lovelyyufo Productions
6. Beorn, 80 pages - Published by Red 5 Comics, (cc/ @joshuastarnes)
As featured on Free Comic Book Day! Beorn's world is big, full of living myths and fairy tales, but that won't stop the littlest Viking from living a legendary life! After Beorn finds his way to an uncharted island, he wastes no time launching headfirst on his quest for adventure... or at the very least, his quest to find a sandwich! What perils await young Beorn in this new land, and will the littlest Viking be big enough to rise above the dangers coming his way?
Story and Art by Red 5 Comics
