Shattering the Binary Via Ink

Dylan “NDR” Edwards is a prolific artist who produces comics, 2-D art, and sculpture. His art offers something for everyone. While exploring 2016 Denver Zine Fest artists, I fell for Dylan’s work. He’s been interested in comics as a medium for as long as he can remember, so zines and comics are a natural outlet for him. “I like drawing and I like telling stories, and comics merges these two
art forms.”

Dylan’s recent ongoing project is Valley of the Silk Sky, a queer, non-binary, young adult science fiction webcomic where otherworldly images and characters pull readers into another realm. “I really just want to create a good, engaging story that hooks the reader and makes them want to follow the adventures of the characters. So while the main cast may be queer/trans, I tend to stay away from identity issues in my sci-fi. Sure, the characters are queer, but what do they plan to do regarding the giant, carnivorous beast that’s bearing down on them? Or the invasive species of plant that’s destroying their economy?”

Regarding his work’s specific goals, Dylan says, “I work in both fiction and nonfiction, but the focus is always on creating more representation of folks with queer, trans, and asexual identities. For my non-fic work I do a lot of biography and autobiography. And while I always hope straight, cis folks will read it, I’m not all that into creating didactic or 101 comics that treat a topic broadly — I’m more interested in telling the stories of individuals and their unique experiences.”

That’s what he does in Transposes, a queer comic that introduces readers to seven queer-identified, female-to-male transmen. With fine artwork and poignant text, Dylan’s first comic book illuminates the many nuances of FTM lives.

Other comic projects are Politically InQueerect: Old Ghosts & Other Stories, Politically InQueerect, and Taxonomically Unbound. His mini-comics include PG-rated QAT Person, and for all ages, The Ugly Little Beast, a comic containing nonbinary they/them pronouns. Though his audience varies, Dylan says his “focus is always on creating more representation of folks with queer, trans, and asexual identities.” His work also appears in comic anthologies such as No Straight Lines, Q33R, and The Beyond Anthology.

Feeping Creatures Monster Artwork is totally different. This fabulously vibrant, 2-d art and sculpture is playful and appeals to all ages. Feeping Creatures are a break from the intensity of working on comic books, which requires focus and may take months or years to finish. Dylan tells me his Feeping Creatures are a relaxing alternative to his other work.

“Their inspiration is much more primal — they’re closer to random doodles than carefully-planned pieces. Specific influences are usually animals, nature, or mythical creatures.” He says they have “big, round eyeballs and broad displays of emotion.” Feeping Creatures are completely adorable collectibles.

Finally, Dylan’s Anti-Valentine Cards are perfect for people who cringe during the holiday. What keeps this prolific artist motivated? “I do a lot of comic conventions, [including local shows like AnomalyCon, Denver Comic Con, and the aforementioned Denver Zine Fest] and meeting people who are interested in what I create does help a lot with motivation. Talking in person with someone who made a strong emotional connection with your work is very memorable and inspiring.”

Regarding the local art scene, Dylan says: “The best queer/trans representation in comics right now is largely coming from indie creators and small presses. Supporting them by buying their work ensures even more awesome queer/trans comics get made.”