JAY MILLER – Story & Lineart

Born and raised in Minnesota, Jay Miller has since become a feral forest cryptid of the Berkshires of Western Massachusetts. He graduated from the Savannah College of Art & Design in 2012 and has worked both in-house and freelance, ranging from designing for Disney and Marvel stage productions to raising hundreds of thousands of dollars for non-profit institutions. His passion lies in storytelling and living in harmony with nature.

In 2011, Jay began his journey as a trans man and he aims to tell stories that encourage and empower others. He lives every day like it's Halloween and is often accompanied by his two cat minions, Kenny and Ace.

PERI PENDRAKE – Watercolors

Peri Azren-Pendrake is a freelance artist living in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Born to a family of nature enthusiasts, conservationists and activists (both amateur and professional) in the small town of Greencastle, Pennsylvania, Peri inevitably became enamored with the countryside and its wildlife. He came out as a transgender man in 2014, and around this time, his artistic perspective shifted towards depicting not only the wildlife of Appalachia, but also its diverse and often marginalized communities and identities.

Following his graduation from the Pennsylvania College of Art & Design in 2018 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts, Peri has spent the majority of his time freelancing for both local and online clients, as well as further experimenting with watercolor, gouache, digital art, and even sculpture. Outside of artwork and adventuring, Peri loves cooking, antiquing, and his troublesome cat Henre de Toulouse-Lautrec, or "Toulouse" for short.

Wanderlust by Jay Miller and Peri Pendrake

Sophie, a confident and free-spirited young woman embarking on the first leg of her independent life in small-town 90s West Virginia, begins falling for her quiet and reserved coworker, Ace. As Ace slowly begins to let her into his life, he fears for the future, certain that Sophie won't be able to love him once she knows the truth.

While lost in thought deep within the Appalachian Mountains, Ace finds himself forced to confront his fears as his inner demons manifest themselves in the form of something he can no longer hide. But once Ace begins to slow down and enjoy the journey, he finds that there's more to life than a destination.

CURATOR'S NOTE

I have worked with Jay Miller off and on for years, so when I learned he was going full steam ahead on a webcomic, I was excited. With visuals that combine the strengths of both Jay and his collaborator Peri Pendrake, the illustrations match the tone, which manages to be complex, cozy, and dark both separately and simultaneously. The story is compelling and I cannot wait to read more. – Joseph R. Lallo

 

REVIEWS

  • "Wanderlust is a beautifully made suspense comic with endearing characters and amazing backdrop of rural Appalachia! It's a vibe rarely seen and wonderfully done!"

    – Evie

  • "Wanderlust is an amazing story told through bright characters and beautiful scenery. Every update leaves me wanting more and I can't wait to see this story unfold before me."

    – Styx

  • "This is such a great hidden gem – between the beautiful art and wonderful story, it's shaping up to be one of my favourites."

    – Dangerk1tty