Laurie Cunningham, a versatile and passionate comic writer, has carved out a distinctive space in the indie comic world with her sharp blend of dark humor and unique storytelling. In a recent interview on Geek Freaks Podcast, Laurie shared her journey from writing to managing the comic publishing house ASAP Imagination, discussing her notable works like Sister Grimm and Babies with Rabies. Her insights provide a fascinating look at what it takes to build a connected universe while helping new creators find their voice in the comic industry.
A Balancing Act: Writing and Managing a Comic Universe
Laurie didn’t initially set out to become a comic book writer or even a publisher, but her path led her to ASAP Imagination, where she wears multiple hats. Between guiding other creators, editing, and tackling her own projects, Laurie has had to find a balance that lets her creativity thrive while fulfilling her managerial role.
“Working with new creators has its challenges, but seeing them go from ideas to fully realized comics is incredibly rewarding,” Laurie said. With ASAP, she plays a critical role, mentoring writers and helping them navigate the logistics of comic creation. From setting up Kickstarters to sourcing cover artists, Laurie’s work keeps ASAP Imagination humming while nurturing indie creators who may be just getting started.
Babies with Rabies: Parenting Humor with a Dark Twist
One of Laurie’s standout creations, Babies with Rabies, is a humorous survival guide for parents wrapped in a dark, zombie-esque tone. Laurie explained that the inspiration came during her own parenting journey, when she found herself turning to humor to handle the stress and challenges of new motherhood.
“Sometimes you get to a point where you either laugh or cry, and I always prefer to laugh,” Laurie shared. The book, structured as an ABC survival guide, adds a satirical twist to parenting challenges, making it both a perfect gift for new parents and a fun escape for seasoned ones. Babies with Rabies goes beyond traditional parenting books by presenting it in a playful, darkly humorous way, and it even comes with its own survival kit featuring teething rings and stickers.
Sister Grimm: Navigating Darkness and Humor in Comic Form
Laurie’s work on Sister Grimm brings a compelling protagonist, Lily, into a supernatural world filled with complex characters. The story follows Lily, a doctor who faces a near-death experience and awakens with strange abilities that pit her against the supernatural. Sister Grimm balances dark, introspective moments with humor provided by characters like Bennett, Lily’s chatty and sarcastic ghost sidekick.
This series reflects Laurie’s ability to use humor to balance out darker themes, making Sister Grimm an enjoyable read for those who appreciate comics that explore complex emotional journeys. Laurie’s work on this title also highlights her approach to character-driven storytelling, where each interaction and subplot reveals something deeper about her characters.
Creating a Universe at ASAP Imagination
Laurie’s role as Editor-in-Chief at ASAP Imagination involves not only producing her own stories but also overseeing a shared universe that connects multiple titles. With ASAP’s interlinked storylines, readers get a chance to explore a comic universe where characters and events overlap, yet each story remains accessible for new readers.
“What I love about ASAP is that you don’t have to read every title to understand what’s happening,” Laurie noted. She aims to create a universe where fans can follow individual characters or explore other titles for a fuller experience without feeling lost. This approach brings the familiarity of mainstream comic universes like DC or Marvel but keeps things manageable and engaging for readers who prefer stand-alone stories.
Kickstarter and New Projects on the Horizon
ASAP Imagination has become a home for exciting indie comic projects, many of which launch through Kickstarter. Laurie mentioned that ASAP currently has several campaigns in motion, including Pong Bros, a sci-fi wrestling comic that adds a unique twist to the genre. With its lighthearted tone and alien abductions, Pong Bros and other titles from ASAP cater to fans looking for original stories outside traditional superhero fare.
As Laurie and her team continue expanding their universe, they aim to keep each story fresh and adaptable, considering feedback from readers and maintaining flexibility with their characters. This approach allows ASAP to adjust creatively while building a community of fans who feel a deep connection to the stories.
The Future of ASAP Imagination and Laurie’s Vision
Laurie’s journey with ASAP Imagination shows how indie comics can thrive with the right blend of passion, humor, and collaboration. Through Sister Grimm, Babies with Rabies, and her work at ASAP, Laurie has shown that she’s not just creating stories but building a space where new voices in comics can emerge and where readers can discover relatable, imaginative tales.
Whether you’re a parent in need of a laugh or a comic fan searching for something fresh, Laurie Cunningham’s work offers an immersive experience with plenty of heart. With more projects on the horizon and her unique vision guiding ASAP Imagination, Laurie’s journey is one worth following.
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