Graphic Novel
Plants and punk rock collide in a tale of apocalyptic reckoning, explored in a graphic novel of resilience and resistance in trying times.
Cover illustrated by Rokaya Taqi
Herbs for the Apocalypse started out as a nagging idea. Then an astrologer said it was "destiny". This was followed by bouts of insomnia that incited action. The story went through three drafts. Then the first encounter with an editor left a lot to be desired. It provided an extensive artistic and existential crisis. The novel evaded being buried or all of its remains burned completely. Then one night during a deep steam at a hot springs while under the influence of plant medicine, an idea hit like Zeus’s lightning bolt: why not a graphic novel?
The graphic novel Herbs for the Apocalypse is a fusion of medical plant knowledge woven into a tale of resilience and resistance in trying times. The protagonist, Sofia, a misanthropic luddite with a love for punk rock (born in the wrong decade), grapples with her frustration at the human race for destroying the planet.
Having become disenfranchised with her illicit indoor cannabis grow job at her squat in Robleville, she secures employment at a local herb shop. She doesn’t tell her new colleagues about the strong line of communication she has directly to the plant's voices themselves, which only become louder. Between dealing with the shop's quirky clientele, and navigating uncertain global times, she explores what it means to find peace of mind and acceptance.
The story flashes through time, following the struggle of Sofia’s ancestors and their fight in various resistance movements. Throughout the novel, the plants also chime in to give their perspective on how to survive the impending Armageddon. The style of the book is a throwback to "zines" from the early 90's. And no graphic novel called Herbs for the Apocalypse would be complete without its own musical soundtrack.
Herbs for the Apocalypse first emerged as a weekly digital Sunday Comic in June of 2021. It was a melding of the weekly column newspaper of the days of old and the funny pages. A chapter per week arrived along with a corresponding soundtrack of the tunes that inspired the pages. The digital chapters were available for one week, and then they self-destructed. The archive is the print edition, which is now available!
Get Your Copy!
This is a limited edition 300 copy run. Each one is hand numbered. 120 pages (color and B&W). $30 (€30)
Herb Monologues
Throughout the graphic novel, the plants chime in to give their perspective on how to survive the impending Armageddon. While many botanicals get mentioned in the story, there are 10 that get their own microphone. Their monologues speak truth to power along the way. Scope them below.
It’s Alive!
