New graphic novel “Becoming Abel” now available!

TWO GAY MEN STRUGGLE TO ACCEPT THEMSELVES. IN A PARALLEL DIMENSION, THE CLOSET MONSTERS BRING HOPE.

Justin Case and the Closet Monster is a LGBTQ graphic novel written and illustrated by Mark Julien. It’s about two closeted gay men, Justin and Peter, who struggle to come to terms with who they are. Luckily for them, members of The Closet Monsters Guild – a legion of magical creatures that reside in a parallel dimension – are about to come along and open that door from the other side. A journey of faith, love, and family, this poignant story blends mythology, campy wit, and fantasy to show that while Justin’s path out of the closet has many hurdles, he learns that he is not alone in his quest to accept himself and find true love.  

Graphic novel | Becoming abel

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Art Prints from the closet monsters universe

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Reviews | Justin case and the closet Monster

What an original, entertaining, even hilarious book you have made out of your experiences – a graphic work like no other. I hope it reaches those who need it most.

SIR IAN MCKELLEN

A joyfully-arted story about two closeted men and the “closet monsters", magical creatures from a parallel dimension who try to help them come out. Sexual innuendos and pop cultural references are sprinkled throughout, helping to make the work so fabulous.  

THE ADVOCATE

A beautiful queer fable for the young and young at heart...Julien creates Justin’s world with a cartoonist’s sensibilities combined with a decorative art aesthetic and a sophisticated color palette.

JOE PALMER, GAY LEAGUE

Brings a fresh perspective to the gay experience living in the closet. The incorporation of "monsters" as queer mentors for baby gays navigating accepting their queer identity was such a fun twist. The novel balances levity and gravity through multiple points of views including the closet monsters and family members that played a role in the queer protagonists journeys.

BIG GAY ENERGY PODCAST

The artwork is wildly vivid and fun, perfectly capturing the plot and expanding on the story. The monsters featured reflect the struggle of any closeted individual attempting to accept their true self. We deny them, fight them, and (hopefully) eventually begin to accept them in our lives and learn to live with them.

VIRGINIA LIBRARY ASSOCIATION

A first-rate graphic novel. I was completely surprised at the depths of the storytelling. Mark uses a narrative that flows quite easily, A lot of plot points strategically put in place, a lot of which have to do with the toxic issues having to do with the LGBTQ community. A very admirable job with this book.

THE GAY COMIC GEEK

I was crying before I finished the introduction, and I was so moved as I devoured each page of the book. The art is stunning on every page, so captivating, and a perfect canvas for the story and message. I adore your use of patterns appropriate to the character’s personality, and also each one’s different door, as that is so true, we all definitely have our own very unique door!

T.S.,SEATTLE, WA

Such unique illustrations, laugh-out-loud hits to the heart, and beautiful framing of the queer experience…for deep, human reflection on what it means to be true to yourself.

MATTHEW VESELY

Mark Julien is a skilled cartoonist with a good sense of design, sourcing his monsters from mythology, transforming them into gay avatars, and charming with his digital illustrations of their friendlier forms. They’re set in ambitious backgrounds, with good use of colour to represent levels of suppression.

THE SLINGS AND ARROWS GRAPHIC NOVEL GUIDE

Reviews | becoming abel

The character of Abigail was originally introduced in Justin Case and the Closet Monster. When we pick up with them again in Becoming Abel, Abigail is struggling to come to terms with their identity as a trans, nonbinary person. This journey gives tremendous insight into the sacrifices and fears trans and gender non conforming people face. 

BIG GAY ENERGY PODCAST

While Closet Monster thrives as a collection of vignettes that make the story, Becoming Abel is more cohesive and solely driven to tell the story of someone coming to terms with who they are and how expressing it leads to happiness. For stories packed with monsters, both of Mark Julien’s tales radiate queer joy. And it’s something special.

MATTHEW VESELY

Mark Julien’s aesthetic is decorative in that his style is full of patterns and shapes while rooted in a cartoonist’s sensibilities. These powerful scenes alternate with silent passages are a meditation on the Self, evoking empathy from the reader, as Abigail’s inward journey leads from isolation to embracing the truth that was impossible to believe.

JOE PALMER, GAY LEAGUE

About Us

Mark Julien Illustration is an independent Canadian publisher of graphic novels and art prints. 
Ontario Business Identification Number (BIN): 280961400 CRA Business Number (BN): 79584 4133 RT0001