- KPB Comics Reviews Otherkin #3 — and It’s the Strongest Issue Yet
by Loren James WhealeOtherkin #3 Gets a 9/10 from KPB Comics 9 / 10 Press Coverage · February 2026 KPB Comics Reviews Otherkin #3 — and It’s the Strongest Issue Yet Reviewed by Stan West · KPB Comics We’re incredibly proud to share that Otherkin #3 received a glowing 9/10 review from KPB Comics, written by reviewer Stan… Read more: KPB Comics Reviews Otherkin #3 — and It’s the Strongest Issue Yet - Letting the Art Breathe
by Loren James WhealeAs I admittedly procrastinate on Issue Five, the final chapter that closes out this first Kitt Frost arc, I’ve found myself doing something equally important: setting the look and feel for what comes next. This pause hasn’t been idle. It’s been exploratory. While the story waits, the art keeps moving. A Shift in Visual Language… Read more: Letting the Art Breathe - Finding Kitt Frost
by Loren James WhealeThe Evolution of Kitt: Eight Months of Finding the Right Shape When I first invented Kitt on April 22nd, I had a fairly clear idea of who he was, but not yet what he needed to become. Today is December 22nd. Eight months later, Kitt looks very different from that first version. Not just visually,… Read more: Finding Kitt Frost - Otherkin Kickstarter goal reached!
by Loren James WhealeCongratulations to the entire Otherkin team! We at Derry Comics are absolutely thrilled to celebrate this major milestone with you. Hitting your campaign goal is not just an achievement – it’s a testament to the passion, creativity, and perseverance behind this incredible project. If you would like to support this project, you still have the… Read more: Otherkin Kickstarter goal reached! - The Official Launch of DerryComics.com
by Loren James WhealeThe shadows have lifted. Today, on October 1st, Derry Comics is officially live. We are here to bring you creator-owned comics that push boundaries, blend genres, and haunt your imagination long after the final panel. 🩸 Out Now All are in stock now! 👁️ Coming Soon Welcome to Derry Comics This is just the beginning.… Read more: The Official Launch of DerryComics.com - From Self-Publishing to Publishing House
by Loren James WhealeKitt Frost is officially in print! A 52-page black-and-white introduction that marks his first step into the world. We’ve already shared a handful of early copies, and the feedback has been incredible. Readers are connecting with the story, the pacing, and the energy of the universe, and that response is fueling us forward. We’ll be… Read more: From Self-Publishing to Publishing House - Closing in on Kitt Frost: Issue One
by Loren James WhealeI’m nearing the finish line on the first major issue of Kitt Frost, and it’s a big one – around 50 pages of story, worldbuilding, and character introductions. In truth, it’s more like three issues in one, but I felt it was important to start strong and give readers a full understanding of the worlds,… Read more: Closing in on Kitt Frost: Issue One - Developing Kitt Frost
by Loren James WhealeA Personal Journey into Action, Adventure, and Imagination Creating Kitt Frost has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my artistic life. At its heart, it’s a cartoon in my mind, and that’s what makes it such a blast. Letting go of the pressure to make everything as real as possible has opened a… Read more: Developing Kitt Frost - Launch readiness
by Loren James WhealeBringing Kitt Frost to life has been nothing short of a blast. From the earliest sketches to holding a painted 3D figure in my hand, the journey has been a wild blend of creativity, experimentation, and joy. I’ve been elbows-deep in everything: Designing characters, writing lore, sculpting side stories, and even planning a game mechanic… Read more: Launch readiness - Stealth mode (Musings)
by Loren James WhealeEven though we may crouch low, fluff our feathers, and mimic the cluck of a chicken, we remain, undeniably, a bear. In life, we often disguise ourselves to fit expectations, to avoid conflict, or to feel belonging, adopting mannerisms and masks that are not our own. But pretending to be something we’re not doesn’t change… Read more: Stealth mode (Musings) - Guest artist – Safe
by Loren James WhealeGuest artist series. Publication 1. By blackjackrabbit30 A silent comic about hunger, curiosity, and canned consequences. Guided by a hand-drawn map, a lone traveler reaches a house marked “Safe.” Inside: forgotten boxes, flickering lights, and something with claws that doesn’t like to share. What begins as quiet exploration twists into a surreal chase through vaults… Read more: Guest artist – Safe - At the Crossroads Again
by Loren James WhealeThe past month and a half has been a time of real movement for me — both creatively and personally. Since the end of March, I’ve published 17 pages across Psychological Horror and Teo’s Journey, averaging about a page every three days. It’s been a rewarding cadence, and I’ve found a real groove in a… Read more: At the Crossroads Again - Psychological horror – Ep. 7 – Bear-ries
by Loren James WhealeA stroll. A question. An apple.What grows in the woods… might be you. A three-page psychological horror comic.Cute. Creepy. Absolutely rotten. Read it now—before the owl finds you first. - Psychological horror – Ep. 6 –Hunger Wakes at Sunset
by Loren James WhealeWhen the sun sets over the woods, an ancient hunger stirs. In this bold new episode of Derry Bears, a shadowy figure emerges through a portal of flame, armed with a wooden stake and fierce determination. What follows is a suspenseful hunt, a heart-pounding confrontation, and a dramatic showdown with a creature of the night.… Read more: Psychological horror – Ep. 6 –Hunger Wakes at Sunset - Psychological horror – Ep. 5 – Atzi, He Whispered
by Loren James WhealeIn the quiet heart of the forest, a Father bear sits alone, stitching life into something small and strange. With one final pull of thread and a whispered name, a creature stirs—and bolts into the unknown. What was meant to be a moment of connection to his murdered daughter turns into a heartbreaking loss, leaving only silence and unfinished work behind. But some magic and hope runs deeper than fear. When a forgotten creation stirs once more, the story shifts—gently, unexpectedly—toward something beautiful. This story is stitched from grief, hope, and the power of reconnection. This chapter, “Atzi, he whispered,” is one of its most tender yet. Strange and sweet, quiet and full of feeling, it invites you into a world where even stuffed things can find a voice to help solve their murder. - Psychological horror – Ep. 4 – I Keep The One
by Loren James WhealeA group of adventurous young bears sneaks out during a slumber party—what starts as harmless mischief turns into chaos when one of them is dragged into a cabin by a monstrous, unseen force. Panic spreads. Fear takes hold. And now, someone has to go back in. This episode delivers real suspense with clean, expressive art… Read more: Psychological horror – Ep. 4 – I Keep The One - Teo’s Journey #4
by Loren James WhealeIn the shadows of the old mill, something sinister awaits… Teo has encountered an eerie force unlike any he’s faced before. Captured, alone, and fighting for his life, he discovers the haunting legend of MollKhata—a being bound to the dark corners of Derry’s past, whose hunger is unending. Trapped and desperate, Teo must navigate the… Read more: Teo’s Journey #4 - Full steam ahead!
by Loren James WhealeI’ve been doing a lot of studies for the next chapter of Teo’s Journey. Recently, I shared a reflection on whether to revisit and refine previous work or to boldly push ahead. It became clear that my indecision was precisely what held me back, creating an invisible barrier against the very progress I aimed to… Read more: Full steam ahead! - Philosophy of Progress
by Loren James WhealeTwo prevailing philosophies shape how comic artists approach their work: At first glance, these seem contradictory. The first urges creators to dive in, embrace imperfection, and let experience be the teacher. The second warns against revisiting the past, urging continuous forward motion rather than getting trapped in a loop of endless revision. Both ideas have… Read more: Philosophy of Progress - Psychological horror – Ep. 3 – Glow of the Damned
by Loren James WhealeStep into the eerie world of Derry Bears: Glow of the Damned, a dark yet whimsical journey through the haunted forests of Eversands Derry. When an innocent traveler accepts a mysterious lantern from a hooded figure, they embark on a path filled with lurking shadows, spectral figures, and unsettling whispers in the trees. As the… Read more: Psychological horror – Ep. 3 – Glow of the Damned - Teo: The Unintended Protagonist and the Weight of Becoming
by Loren James WhealeTeo’s journey was always meant to dance along the edge of something darker, something unsettling. His innocence, his supposed cuteness, is not a shield but a contrast—a lens through which the creeping weight of his reality becomes more pronounced. I never expected to invest so much into him, and yet, here he stands, commanding more… Read more: Teo: The Unintended Protagonist and the Weight of Becoming - Psychological horror – Ep. 2 – Jobu’s game
by Loren James WhealeWhat starts as an innocent game of catch quickly warps into something far more sinister in Derry Bears: Jobu’s Game. Beneath the charming, cartoonish exterior lies a creeping dread—an unsettling realization that this is no ordinary competition. The stakes? Identity, willpower, and survival. As a young innocent Derry Bear enters the game unwittingly, only to… Read more: Psychological horror – Ep. 2 – Jobu’s game - Reflections on the Journey by a comic artist
by Loren James WhealeThe beginning of any journey is often an enigma, an unfolding narrative that seems to have always existed in the periphery of thought. My journey with the Derry Bears was no different. The idea took root on October 17th, my wedding day, when my wife’s simple yet profound suggestion – “write about what you don’t… Read more: Reflections on the Journey by a comic artist - Teo’s Journey #3
by Loren James WhealeOur fearless Derry Bear has braved the storm, ventured into the unknown, and found shelter in Taylor’s Mill. But the real adventure is just beginning! - How it defines us?
by Loren James WhealeAs I expand the lore of Derry Bears and venture beyond the wholesome realm of a children’s cartoon, I find myself drawn to an unexpected duality—one that some fans seem eager to explore. There’s a peculiar fascination with the juxtaposition of innocence against adversity, of something pure and endearing facing impossible odds or even existential… Read more: How it defines us? - Psychological horror – Ep. 1 – Creator’s Requiem.
by Loren James WhealeStep into the eerie psychological horror where the thin line between creator and creation blurs into oblivion. In this chilling first episode, journey to the haunting Derry Forest of Eversands—a realm where reality and imagination lurks in the shadows. A lone Derry Bear confronts the eerie whispers of his past creations, faceless figures that demand… Read more: Psychological horror – Ep. 1 – Creator’s Requiem. - Teo’s Journey: From Curious Bear to Stoic Enchanter
by Loren James WhealeWhen I develop a character, I like to start at the end—who they become, their traits, demeanor, and how they respond to the world. Then, I work backward to shape their starting point. How would they react to a situation now? How would they have reacted at the beginning of the story? And what key… Read more: Teo’s Journey: From Curious Bear to Stoic Enchanter - Teo’s Journey #2
by Loren James WhealeEmbark on an epic adventure with Teo, the lovable and determined Derry Bear, ventures deep into the heart of Ballard Pond, a mysterious and treacherous realm filled with dark forces and hidden wonders. Armed with his enchanted wand and unshakable spirit, Teo faces a formidable foe lurking beneath the surface, as wellas, encounters mystical allies,… Read more: Teo’s Journey #2 - True warmth (musings)
by Loren James WhealeTrue warmth comes from being there, not fixing. - Snow Angel (Comic 8)
by Loren James WhealeThis comic holds a special place in my heart because it brings back memories of a snowy trip to Oregon with my children. We were pulling a 28-foot travel trailer through the snow—a challenging but exciting adventure. Along the way, we would stop in Walmart parking lots, and the kids would draw massive pictures in… Read more: Snow Angel (Comic 8) - Navigating Reddit and Embracing the Creative Process
by Loren James WhealeAs I approach month two of my journey as a comic book writer and artist, I find myself navigating new waters, particularly the world of Reddit. It’s an interesting space, to say the least. Everyone here is incredibly opinionated—and I don’t mean that negatively at all. In fact, I’ve come to realize that Reddit is… Read more: Navigating Reddit and Embracing the Creative Process - Ballard Forest Vole (Illustration 5)
by Loren James WhealeExploring the forests of Derry with family is an experience steeped in wonder and connection. Wandering through the lush woodlands, you might spot groundhogs lazily sunbathing near their burrows or tiny voles darting across the forest floor. The cheerful chirps of birds and the rustling of leaves in the wind create a calming symphony of… Read more: Ballard Forest Vole (Illustration 5) - The Brave Little Bear (Musings)
by Loren James WhealeThe light often feels like a comforting veil, a reassurance that what is visible can be trusted, while the dark becomes the embodiment of uncertainty and fear. Yet, the truth is more complex. The light does not guarantee safety any more than darkness promises danger. Both are environments shaped by our perception, not their inherent… Read more: The Brave Little Bear (Musings) - Teo’s Journey #1
by Loren James WhealeEmbark on an enchanting adventure with “Teo’s Journey #1,” the inaugural comic from DerryBears. Follow Teo, a courageous bear, as he ventures through the picturesque landscapes of Derry, New Hampshire, encountering captivating characters and overcoming thrilling challenges. This beautifully illustrated tale is perfect for readers of all ages, blending heartwarming storytelling with the rich history… Read more: Teo’s Journey #1 - Snow Flakes Choice (Musings)
by Loren James WhealeThe question of choice, if extended to the snow, becomes a reflection of human nature itself. Would we, like snowflakes, embrace the grounding inevitability of change, where our presence shapes the earth, however briefly? Or would we yearn for the ethereal comfort of the clouds, where we remain untouched but distant from the world below?… Read more: Snow Flakes Choice (Musings) - Snowflake’s Journey (Musings)
by Loren James WhealeThe snowflake’s journey, like life itself, is a delicate dance of purpose and chance. Each flake drifts, shaped by unseen forces, destined to land where it may. The question of whether its journey is sad or fulfilled mirrors our own search for meaning—do we find purpose in the act of striving, or in the place… Read more: Snowflake’s Journey (Musings) - Ice fishing 2 of 2 (Comic 7)
by Loren James WhealeAbout There’s something profound about the balance between introducing children to new experiences and their natural resistance, especially when those activities seem slow or uneventful. It speaks to the universal challenge of cultivating patience and presence in a world that often prioritizes instant gratification. These moments of perceived “boredom” offer a lens into how children… Read more: Ice fishing 2 of 2 (Comic 7) - Winter’s flight (Musings)
by Loren James WhealeWhat is the nature of belonging? The snow falls gently, each flake a traveler from the clouds, finding a fleeting home upon the earth. Yet, if given a choice, would the snow embrace its temporary grounding, blending into the world below, or yearn to return to the sky, where it was once part of something… Read more: Winter’s flight (Musings) - Ice fishing 1 of 2 (Comic 6)
by Loren James WhealeAbout The lakes of Derry, NH, transform into vibrant hubs of activity during the winter season. Unlike my experiences growing up in California, where lakes like Tahoe are renowned but lack that intimate, communal buzz, the lakes here seem to embody a seasonal culture of their own. Whether it’s ice fishing, skating, or snowmobiling, the… Read more: Ice fishing 1 of 2 (Comic 6) - Stillness of snow (Musings)
by Loren James WhealeIn the stillness of a snowy landscape, where sound is muffled by the gentle embrace of winter’s blanket, we are reminded of the profound paradox of silence. It is in these quiet moments that the world’s true voice is heard—not in the clamor of noise, but in the whisper of falling snow, the rhythm of… Read more: Stillness of snow (Musings) - Christmas morning 2024 (Comic)
by Loren James WhealeAbout Christmas is a season where magic comes to life, filling homes and hearts with wonder. For children, the thrill of Santa’s visit, marked by half-eaten cookies and reindeer nibbles on the porch, creates a world where the impossible feels real. The evidence left behind—crumbs, an empty glass, and chewed carrot bits—is more than a… Read more: Christmas morning 2024 (Comic) - Night Before Christmas 2024 (Comic)
by Loren James WhealeAbout Every year, our three children eagerly prepare for Santa’s arrival, their excitement bubbling over like a perfectly warm cup of cocoa. The cookies are set with care, the milk chilled just right, and the stockings wait patiently by the fireplace. With eyes wide and hopeful, they whisper that this year will be different—they’ll stay… Read more: Night Before Christmas 2024 (Comic) - Forest’s memory (Musings)
by Loren James WhealeAs Mik gazes back into the heart of the forest, he is caught in the quiet tension between belonging and becoming. The trees that once whispered his name, the paths he carved with curious steps, and the shadows that stretched with his laughter seem alive with memory. Yet, he wonders: does the forest hold its… Read more: Forest’s memory (Musings) - Perfect Tree (Comic 5)
by Loren James WhealeAbout Every year, my family makes a special trip to Noel Tree Farms in Litchfield, NH to find our perfect Christmas tree. It’s become a cherished tradition since we moved to New Hampshire three years ago, bringing joy, warmth, and plenty of laughter to the holiday season. Before moving, we lived in California, where “cut-your-own”… Read more: Perfect Tree (Comic 5) - Reflections of a Comic Strip Artist
by Loren James WhealeI’m not a comic strip artist by trade. By day, I’m an enterprise software architect. But in truth, I’ve spent my life torn between two loves: coding and art. From the time I could hold a crayon, I was drawing. By age eight, I was writing my first lines of code on the single computer… Read more: Reflections of a Comic Strip Artist - A Quiet Kind Of Joy (Illustration 4)
by Loren James WhealeTake Heart. Sometimes, sitting in stillness with yourself—without the noise of expectations, without needing to perform happiness—can bring the quiet kind of joy that heals the soul. It’s okay to pause. To not always have the energy for others. To let yourself simply be. There’s strength in allowing the messiness to exist without judgment. For… Read more: A Quiet Kind Of Joy (Illustration 4) - Little masterpieces (Illustration 3)
by Loren James WhealeAbout The smudges on car windows have always been a source of mild annoyance for me, but they also hold a special kind of magic. When my children were younger, they loved leaving little messages on the inside of the car windows. Back in California, they’d need a little help to fog up the glass—blowing… Read more: Little masterpieces (Illustration 3) - Polar plunge (Comic 4)
by Loren James WhealeAbout New Hampshire winters bring with them a world of frozen possibilities, and one of the most fascinating traditions I’ve learned about since moving to Derry is how the community embraces the ice-covered lakes. My daughter’s friend, an avid snowmobiler, often talks about his adventures gliding across frozen lakes—a concept that’s thrilling and a little… Read more: Polar plunge (Comic 4) - Tree swing mishap (Illustration 2)
by Loren James WhealeAbout Mik’s mischievous nature has gotten the best of him again! In this hilariously tangled moment, the playful Derry Bear finds himself in quite the predicament. What began as an innocent swing has turned into a full-fledged knot of chaos, with Mik dangling upside down, his paws gripping the ropes while his fluffy tail wags… Read more: Tree swing mishap (Illustration 2) - DerryBear anatomy (Illustration 1)
by Loren James WhealeAbout The “Anatomy of a Derry Bear” illustration is a heartwarming homage to family moments and playful creativity, steeped in both humor and local charm. It began as a fun spark of inspiration when my wife sent me a meme that combined cuteness and comedy. That simple gesture—a shared laugh—was the catalyst for adapting the… Read more: DerryBear anatomy (Illustration 1) - The Great Maple Swing (Comic 3)
by Loren James WhealeAbout Just outside our kitchen window stands a magnificent maple tree, its sturdy branches reaching high above and its roots planted firmly in the soil of history. Attached to this tree is a swing—a simple but timeless fixture that has graced the yard for generations. As I sip my coffee in the morning, I often… Read more: The Great Maple Swing (Comic 3) - A Friend For Life (Comic 2)
by Loren James WhealeAbout Seeing the world through my children’s eyes has been one of the most profound experiences of my life. There’s something magical about the way they bring new light to the simplest things—things I once took for granted or thought I had long outgrown. It’s as if the past folds into the present, and those… Read more: A Friend For Life (Comic 2) - Syrup Shenanigans (Comic 1)
by Loren James WhealeAbout Mik, the little Derry Bear, owes his whimsical existence to the wooded area in my backyard. Moving from California to New Hampshire, I was unfamiliar with the rich tradition of New Hampshire maple syrup. When my children started attending Pinkerton Academy and I heard about the forestry program, I discovered their incredible sugar shack,… Read more: Syrup Shenanigans (Comic 1)
