Kelly Sue DeConnick Returning to Creator-Owned Comics with ‘FML’ for Dark Horse (Exclusive)

As a huge fan of comic books and following the industry closely, I’m beyond excited about the upcoming collaboration between Kelly Sue DeConnick and David López on their new series “FML” from Dark Horse. Their past work together on “Captain Marvel” was groundbreaking and influential in both the comics world and beyond, so it’s fitting that they are reuniting for this original, creator-owned project.


Kelly Sue DeConnick and David López worked together as the creative team behind the modern-day makeover of “Captain Marvel” comic books. Their collaboration was pivotal, contributing significantly to the series’ impact that ultimately drew in Oscar-winning actress Brie Larson to take on the lead role in the Marvel Studios film adaptation.

It’s quite natural that DeConnick and López, who haven’t collaborated in years, would begin their new project together with an origin story tracing back to the March 2019 movie premiere in Los Angeles. During dinner at the event, López proposed they should create an original comic as a team.

As a dedicated gamer looking back on my journey, it’s been five long years since those initial ideas were born over dinner. Abandoned projects along the way, but finally, our duo is bringing one of them to life. In just a few short months, you’ll find us in the comic book world with “FML,” an eight-issue series from the reputable Dark Horse Comics. Exciting times ahead!

DeConnick draws deeply from personal experiences for this book’s creation. Her teenage children served as inspirations for the unique and profoundly emotional series that explores the intricate bond between a mother and her son.

As a fan, I’d describe it this way: In the first story, I step into the shoes of Riley, a heavy metal music lover and high school student. Armed with just a ballpoint pen and notepad, I navigate through the turbulent waters of modern adolescence – from enduring active shooter drills to dealing with social anxiety.

I, as a gamer and a parent like DeConnic, find myself facing a challenge in today’s world as my son grows up. Conversations about what it means to be a man frequently include the term “toxic.” This leaves me pondering how best to support him as he embarks on his journey into adulthood. These reflections found their way into the pages of DeConnick’s book.

“DeConnick shares with The Hollywood Reporter that she hopes her kids can understand the concept that certain harmful actions have been influenced by distorted views of masculinity in the past. This isn’t about denigrating being a man.”

The family behind the creation of “FML” has mentioned that while some elements of the mom, brother, and sister characters resemble the author and her own kids, these characters are not exact representations of them.

According to DeConnick, her initial concept for the book is merely a foundation. She shares that her children are engaged in the project and expresses her intention to avoid causing unease or discomfort with any content, even if it may not directly represent you.

DeConnick and López collaborate with colorist Cris Peter and letterer Clayton Cowles once again. Both artists previously worked with DeConnick on her latest self-owned project, “Bitch Planet,” which was published from 2014 to 2017.

In the past ten years, the comic book scene has undergone significant transformations, making it more challenging than before for a scribe like DeConnick to attract attention to her projects. To capture readers’ interest, she’s trying out innovative methods. For instance, she hid Easter eggs in her newsletters, one of which led fans to a website for a band featured in “FML.” A clever fan even contacted the band about performing at their wedding. DeConnick is also investigating opportunities on true crime podcasts due to the connection between her work and that genre.

I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to collaborate with López once more. He seems to draw at a pace that outpaces my writing, and he doesn’t shy away from eliminating his favorite parts if new and improved ideas emerge. According to DeConnick, López is unafraid to jettison pages in pursuit of artistic perfection.

Take a look at the alternate cover art for FML, created by artists Alvaro Martinez Bueno, David LaFuente, Nicola Scott, and Pepe Larraz.

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2024-07-19 19:55