Astral Panic
Age 13+
Comic Strip Fiction / Graphic Novels
Gale has tried everything to master his anxious self, and when the happy-go-lucky Aiden stirs a little chaos into his life, Gale has to decide if stepping out of his comfort zone is really worth it.
Gale’s trying to master his anxiety, and he’s hoping the latest wonder-cure “Simply Pear” can help. Not turning up to his art classes and feeling like everyone is a lot cooler and more in control than he is, he chugs his Simply Pear products and takes advice from its demanding app. Oh, it’s definitely not working. His plan is thrown into chaos by the bubbly Aiden, who needs a buddy to help him get a job. Can this colorful and heartfelt romp through shoddy part-time jobs help Gale out of his anxious bubble? There’s only one way to find out.
Creators
Katie Hicks is a comic artist and illustrator; she was raised in St. Catharines, Ontario and is now living just outside of Toronto in Burlington, Ontario. Her work is character driven, playful and often humorous choosing to focus on finding joy through art. Having struggled with anxiety and depression most of her life, Katie explores those themes in her art through a comedic and whimsical lens. Sometimes finding the small joys in life can be the best help. She’s inspired by the cartoons she grew up with as a kid as well as the punk and emo music she listened to as a teenager. Katie is currently working as a freelance illustrator with clients like The New York Times, Reader’s Digest and Plan Sponsor and has been nominated for the Igntaz’s outstanding artist category for her comic GUTS.
