
Well, it’s been a minute.
The last ten months are a bit of a blur, but great things are happening – and although delayed, the biggest-and-best-yet graphic novel of my life’s work is getting closer to being out in the world. And oh boy, I’m excited.
In my last update I talked about finishing comic two for my upcoming release, Legacy, seeing some humpback whales in the wild, and recovering from the worst illness I’ve ever had.
Since then? It gets even better.
Important Marine Mammal Areas (IMMAs)
When I started writing Karasu: Or, Sato’s Beaked Whale, I had no idea the connections it would bring me. One of those connections came from a co-author of the original scientific journal – the researcher, author and conservationalist Erich Hoyt. Not only did Erich give his time and provide connections to help me with the specific wording of the script, he’s also kept in touch ever since, becoming a big supporter of my work. After us both trying to find some time among our schedules, I’m thrilled to say we’re now working together on a comic about the extablishment of the Important Marine Mammal Areas (IMMAs) Task Force! 🎉


Above: Sneak peeks of some initial inks for the upcoming IMMA comic
Coming in at around 24 pages, this comic will be the first of it’s kind for the IMMA Secretariat team – graphic evidence detailing the often complex processes involved with establishing and expanding marine protected areas from explotation, overfishing and shipping routes. And I’m thrilled to be a part of it! Watch this space.
Vocalisation comic
Despite it taking a year(!) to gather all my research and start writing, the THIRD and final comic that will make up my upcoming biggest-and-best-yet graphic novel is slowly taking shape.
When I first thought a comic on whale vocalisation was a good idea, I didn’t really think about how broad the subject is, how I’d be pulled in multiple directions in my research, and get a bit dizzy in the process. Literally dizzy. (I am not a scientist, it sometimes actually hurts my brain and I have to go walk the dog and watch birds to decompress).
BUT, after reading multiple books, articles and journals in the past year and gathering all my evidence, I’ve started using my 44 pages of notes in a Google Doc to write the script. And it’s genuinely incredibly exciting to see it come together.
Despite now dedicating my life to turning complex scientific literature into comics, the writing isn’t my favourite bit. After all, I love storytelling but a lot of that is down to the medium it’s produced in – comics. My absolute favourite bit is working out the pages and panels, and drawing it all up. So hopefully, within the next month or so, I’ll have a first draft I can start using to plot out how the comic will read.
Sadly there’s nothing exciting or photogenic about a 44 page Google Doc – so here’s a picture of my dog using a cushion as a pillow instead.

Megaptera Boops
To counteract all the seriousness and complexities of doing all these things, I have a handful of ways to relax and enjoy life – stretch my body, play Pokémon, get dumb tattoos (most recently a shrimp with a party hat) and come up with dumb ideas that mostly don’t see the light of day.
With the dumb ideas that mostly don’t see the light of day, one has been promoted to actually seeing the light of day.
Two years ago on my first visit to NHM Cetacea research collection, I first came across Megaptera boops – a long-ago proposed taxanomic name for a humpback whale (actual taxanomic name: Megaptera novaeangliae). What an incredible name, right? Since then I’ve had a sketch for a logo/badge on my wall every day, calling on me to do something with it.
Finally, I answered the call.



Did I then get a company to stitch this onto a hat? Maybe. You’ll have to check out my Instagram to see.
Joining the pandas
Finally, one of the biggest bits of news. In September last year, I landed my absolute dream job of working in the brand and design team in the UK office of WWF. The past nine months have been incredible, and I still get a buzz every time I walk into the Living Planet Centre.
In the past few years I’d definitely lost a lot of confidence, and some of my spark. It’s difficult to summarise, but essentially, life takes its toll. Taking the leap to WWF has been one of the best things I have ever done, and even on the busiest, most stressful of days I know how lucky and priviledged I am. Not only does my comics work have deep purpose, now my job-work does too. I’m trusted, encouraged and right there alongside some of the biggest conservation challenges and solutions in the world. And my team is a dream.
What’s next
Well! Continuing the good fight, I suppose. The IMMA comic, the vocalisation script, it’s all in motion and I’m hoping soon I’ll be able to launch plans for my Kickstarter and get the biggest-and-best-yet into a physical form. It all feels like I’m leading up to some kind of crescendo, and I’m really excited to get there. That said, there’s a long way to go yet, and I’ll do my best to enjoy the journey. Better get some more coffee ☕
Until next time!
x