Launching on May 19th, the black-and-white comic anthology series is devoted to extreme horror and bringing new voices into comics. You can click here to get notified when the launch is live.
The launch of The Darkest Depths Anthology had been planned for 2023 as a joint project among Crystal Lake Publishing, Bram Stoker award winner James Aquilone, and acclaimed horror author and producer Taylor Grant. Sadly, after Taylor fell ill, but the campaign was put on hold. Taylor, who was a development executive at Stan Lee Media and Head of Global Animation at Wattpad WEBTOON Studios, ultimately passed away from cancer in September 2024.
Now The Darkest Depths Anthology will serve as a tribute to Taylor and feature the last comic story he wrote, “It Lives in Darkness.” Additionally, profits from this crowdfunding campaign will be donated to his son.
Taylor believed in helping others and DARKEST DEPTHS will continue his legacy of mentorship by giving writers the opportunity to break into the comic book industry. Following the campaign, submissions will open for additional stories, the number depending on the campaign’s final funding level. It is our hope that the DARKEST DEPTHS series will be the launching pad for many aspiring comic book writers.
The first volume of the anthology already boasts a stellar lineup — including Nick Roberts (The Exorcist House), Candace Nola (Bishop), John Durgin (The Cursed Among Us), and James Aquilone (Kolchak: The Night Stalker 50th Anniversary).
Artists include J.K. Woodward (Star Trek, Kolchak), Robert Hack (Doctor Who, Chilling Adventures of Sabrina), Vanessa Cardinali (The Golem of Venice Beach), EV Cantada (Joe Ledger), and Zac Atkinson (Teen Justice, The Omega Eleven).
DARKEST DEPTHS, which will feature unflinching horror stories, will be available in a trade paperback and a digital edition.
“Taylor Grant was an inspiration to me and a good friend,” said Aquilone, who will edit the series. “We shared a love of horror comics so I’m very excited to be launching this project, which will not only benefit his son Zane but also give writers a chance to break into the industry.”
Monstrous Books and Crystal Lake Publishing are urging fans of horror and comic books to follow the Kickstarter campaign page.
DARKEST DEPTHS launches May 19th on Kickstarter.
