Press Release

An encounter in a church bingo hall in 1963 begins the lifelong romance in Bingo Love, a graphic novel by writer Tee “Vixen” Franklin (Love is Love), artist Jenn St-Onge (Jem and The Misfits), colorist Joy San (Rumble for Toronto Comix), and letterer Cardinal Rae (DC, Image, Papercutz), to be introduced in a Kickstarter campaign launching March 15th, 2017. Franklin, whose writing credits include stories in Nailbiter, Love Is Love, and Elements, as well as the creator of #BlackComicsMonth, will be self-publishing her first full-length comic through her own company, Inclusive Press. 

The story revolves around Hazel Johnson and Mari McCray, two thirteen-year-old girls who, in no time, become the best of friends. As their relationship grows, they discover their deep love for one another, but the timing couldn’t be worse. Two girls in love are bound to be star-crossed in 1963, and their families forbid them from seeing each other again. Not only do the young women have to endure the pain of separation, but they’re also both married off to men they don’t love. They seem destined to live apart, permanently cut off from one another, but fate — and bingo — have another plan for them.

“Bingo Love is Black Mirror’s ‘San Junipero’ meets Moonlight,” said Franklin. “We want to tell the story of women who are gay, Black, and in love — and who learn to live without apology. We also want to show that love and passion are present at every age — and just as intense for women in their sixties as for teenagers.”

Bingo Love will be an 80-page, full-color graphic novella. Kickstarter stretch goals will include bonus stories by Marguerite Bennett (DC Comics Bombshells, InSEXTs) and Jules Rivera (Misfortune High), as well as D.J. Kirkland (Black Mage). Rewards will include Skype sessions with Kelly Sue DeConnick (Bitch Planet), Scott Snyder (All-Star Batman), and Steve Orlando (Midnighter and Apollo); portfolio reviews with Top Cow’s Bryan Edward Hill (Postal); and script reviews with Bingo Love’s editor Erica Schultz (Charmed), Al Ewing (U.S. Avengers), and Shawn Pryor (Cash and Carrie).

The Kickstarter campaign begins on March 15th, for more information visit www.bingolovecomic.net.