A new independent comic book from local artist Wil Smith and Richmond-based writer Joshua Eadie explores a dystopian near-future through a cyberpunk story packed with gritty pulp action. Southtown, self-published by Smith and Eadie with co-creators Ally Slawson and Mallorie Mize, offers a neo-noir narrative tied to capitalist critique, corporate malfeasance, and the authenticity found within marginalized communities.
Set in River City—a stand in for Richmond, Virginia, with a stark divide between the complacent citizens of well-enough-to-do Uptown and the hardscrabble denizens of the titular neighborhood beyond the bridge—Southtown imagines a future where new technology and old vices collide, with explosive results.
Sex and violence—along with a healthy dose of substance use and abuse—are enduring actions in Southtown. The pervasiveness of these elements is made evident through Smith’s illustrations of background scenes as main characters navigate the seedy streets and venues of their derelict district. In the absence of civic or governmental authority, gangs of mechanically and electronically enhanced cyborg outlaws define the status quo, and wanton acts of transgression appear around every corner.
The initial storyline, planned for a 10-issue arc, introduces a crew of diverse friends and allies from the fringes of society, caught up in a corporate data heist where the motive and identity of their client is shrouded in mystery. The first two issues of Southtown, available for digital download and print edition purchases, set the stage both visually and narratively for what’s to come.
Where issue No. 1 offers an easy entry point to the setting, characters, and plot, drawing the reader into the storyword, issue No. 2 brings a stronger sense of refinement to the series. The illustration and sequencing are tighter, creating better cohesion between visual representation and plot points. Like other forms of visual narrative, comics have to carefully consider how the image pairs with advancement of the story. The trick here is to ensure the illustrated action allows the reader to fill in the blanks of what isn’t being shown, what actions are implied. Issue No. 2 strikes a strong balance, allowing the reader to move through the story more immersively.
Smith illustrated the first issue entirely by hand, with letters and coloring by Slawson. Issue No. 2 is a hybrid of analog and digital illustration utilizing Procreate software, with the inking and coloring done digitally by Slawson and Mize, with contributions by Jenna Figgers. Moving forward, Smith will take on coloring duties in addition to his linework, with a goal of expanding his illustrative style.
Smith and Eadie have built a decent online following for Southtown, with sales coming through local shops in Richmond and Hello Comics in Charlottesville, as well as their website southtowncomic.com. They hope to release the third issue by the end of this summer, creating shorter intervals between issues as the self-publishing process becomes smoother. The plan is to drop at least two issues a year, with a full run of 50 to 60 issues down the line.
For now, the project is a self-sustaining venture, with all proceeds from sales and crowdfunding going into production of the physical book. For the creators, making a financial return is less important than sharing their ideas and telling the types of weird and wild stories that shed a light on underserved communities and interest them as artists.
Wil Smith and Joshua Eadie will promote their indie comic Southtown at Shenandoah Comic Con in Harrisonburg on April 12 and Tidewater Comicon at the Virginia Beach Convention Center June 28–29. Image via Breakdown Comics.
