"What an original, entertaining, even hilarious book – a graphic work like no other."
SIR IAN MCKELLEN
TWO DEEPLY CLOSETED GAY MEN STRUGGLE TO ACCEPT THEMSELVES.
IN A PARALLEL DIMENSION, THE CLOSET MONSTERS BRING HOPE.
A DEBUT LGBTQ GRAPHIC NOVEL
Justin and Peter struggle to come to terms with who they are. Each has closed the door on the possibility that he might be gay and made a pact with himself to never open it. Luckily for them, members of The Closet Monster’s 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.
REVIEWS
"A joyfully-arted story...The (delightfully queer) anthropomorphic closet monsters are a mix of Roman mythology, literary fiction, and classic movie monsters. Sexual innuendos and pop cultural references are sprinkled throughout, helping to make the work so fabulous."
THE ADVOCATE
"Julien creates Justin’s world with a cartoonist’s sensibilities combined with a decorative art aesthetic and a sophisticated color palette...A beautiful queer fable for the young and young at heart"
JOE PALMER, GAY LEAGUE
"I think this is 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
"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."
- VIRGINIA LIBRARY ASSOCIATION
ACCOLADES
* Named one of the best LGBTQ graphic novels of 2018 by The Advocate magazine.
* Nominated for 2018 "Graphic Novel Diversity Award" by Virginia Library Association.
* Nominated for 2018 "Best Graphic Novel" by the Canadian Independent Comics Wiki Awards.
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CONTENT NOTE
The book's main character, Justin Case, is 27 years old. He is in the closet, struggling with his sexuality. This story is about his journey to self-acceptance. This work contains mature themes, sexual innuendo, and discussions about sexuality. This work contains no nudity and no depictions of violence.
Mark Julien Illustration is an independent Canadian publisher of graphic novels, art prints, and illustrations by Mark Julien. Business/HST number 79584 4133 RT0001