The Mullica Hill Library will be inviting local comic book writer Carmen Costa to the library on Saturday, Jan. 31 at 2 p.m. to talk about indie comic books.
A resident of South Jersey and former educator, Costa turned his passion for comics into a career when he launched his own publishing company, Harpoon Creative Industries, in 2023. It launched, he said, with “two intentions.”
“First, we wanted to launch a comic that told a story about love and loss and tragedy using our favorite monsters from our favorite stories in a way that seemed uncommon in today’s comic book landscape,” Costa explained.
“Second, we wanted to set in motion a plan to bring independent publishing to the Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey area that sits juxtaposed to traditional publishing.”
The first series is “Proctor.” Written by Costa, the series is a planned six-issue run that follows Samantha Hale, a young adult with a drinking problem who is thrust into an adventure spanning the globe and different dimensions to protect a powerful staff from monsters, supernatural assassins and more.
Currently on its fifth issue, the series was made thanks to a campaign on Kickstarter, raising a total of $7,052 as of Dec. 23, compared to a goal of $2,000. The series led to Harpoon selling nearly 5,000 comic books in two years, according to the library.
“With a diverse cast of characters reflective of the communities and people surrounding contemporary readers,” the Kickstarter’s description states, “fans of the supernatural action-adventure will appreciate Sam’s world and the friends she meets on her journey.”
Costa will discuss the indie comic scene in the region at the library, as well as talk about his inspirations and what led him to create Harpoon Creative Industries.
“With a spirit deeply rooted in yesteryear’s D.I.Y. / Punk Rock scene,” said Costa, “we wanted to create a community for authors and artists to grow and learn from one another. In our eyes, this is a team sport, and we want to bring as many people along on our journey as possible.”
The event is free to attend but people are required to register in advance on the Gloucester County Library System website. Registration closes at noon on the day of the event.
