Graphic novel launched at Cork Comic Con tells dystopian Leeside tales

A new anthology of dystopian Cork stories, launched at this year’s Cork Comic Con, will be available for purchase across two Cork city centre stores this month.

Rebel Realities, written, drawn, and published by members of the Cork Comic Creators, is a 50-page collection of stories that reimagine Cork city in the science fiction and fantasy genres.

The book, launched on Saturday at Cork Comic Con in the Marina Market, was developed in six months through a series of workshops, bringing together a diverse community of local talent, including seasoned industry professionals and comic fans.

Success

Speaking to The Echo, Kevin Smith, head of Cork Comic Creators, said the launch of the anthology was “a tremendous success”.

“We sold 90 copies in one day; it was mental,” said Mr Smith.

“I’ve been doing conventions for years and I don’t think I’ve ever sold that many in a day.

“We’re going back now to reprint Rebel Realities to fulfil orders for local shops, like Vibes and Scribes and Waterstones.

“The convention was a tremendous success; it blew passed our wildest expectations,” he added.

“It was really good for the group. I think everyone is really happy and really proud.

“We’re almost completely funded now for the next year and we’re hoping that Comic Con will come back to Cork in 2026.”

Cyberpunk

A limited number of copies of Rebel Realities will be available for purchase from Vibes and Scribes on Lavitt’s Quay, and Waterstones on Patrick’s St, for €8 at the end of this month.

“We started working on it back in October 2024, and, in fairness, everyone’s been playing a blinder,” said Mr Smith.

“We have a few comedy, horror, and satirical stories, as well as some kind of Lord of the Rings high-fantasy ones, and some cyberpunk Star Wars ones — the idea is that they’re all set in Cork.

“We’re perfectly set up to do this all again next year — all the money made from Rebel Realities will be put in to creating our next anthology.”