Mark Julien Illustration

“Mark Julien’s tales radiate queer joy.” - MATTHEW VESELEY

Mark Julien is an independent Canadian illustrator, author, and publisher of graphic novels and prints based in Kingston, Ontario.

"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 gay men. The delightfully queer anthropomorphic closet monsters are a mix of Roman mythology, literary fiction, and classic movie monsters and animals. A four-color pastel-palette enlivens each page, which are designed as a single stand-alone comic strips that combine to tell the story. 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...a sweet, young gay man exploring the magic of a world that was always there for him to see if only he looked".- JOE PALMER

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“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
"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
“The character of Abigail was originally introduced in Justin Case and the Closet Monster. Even at a first glance, there was something brewing with Abigail. When we pick up with them again in Becoming Abel, Abigail is struggling to adjust to the afterlife. This journey gives tremendous insight into the sacrifices and fears trans and gender non conforming people face. In the end, we are left on a hopeful note as Abel emerges ready to live their best life.”- BIG GAY ENERGY PODCAST

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