Everybody in America comes through here sooner or later. It's the crossroads of the nation, built from sweat and blood, made out of concrete and steel, and charged with energies and spirits far older than humanity.
It's the city of dreams.
It's the city of horrors.
It's the city of Big Shoulders...
WELCOME TO
CHICAGO
Everybody in America comes through here sooner or later. It's the crossroads of the nation, built from sweat and blood, made out of concrete and steel, and charged with energies and spirits far older than humanity.
It's the city of dreams.
It's the city of horrors.
It's the city of Big Shoulders...
WELCOME TO
CHICAGO
THE COMIC
Big Shoulders is dedicated to Chicago and celebrates both its modern era and rich history. It's an urban fantasy where office workers meet immortals and struggling young rock bands taste the power of ancient dragons. It's a journey through time and imagination.
Here are the opening eight pages (click to open)...
THE CAST
Here are a few of the people you'll be meeting as we move through the neighborhoods (click for info)...
Spiff, Dave & Hardee
Greg
Harper
Coda
Sarah & Freddie
We're proud to present our ace variant cover drawn and coloured by Charlie Adlard, best known as the artist of the epic comics series The Walking Dead! Thanks, Charlie!
UPDATES
Pages 9 and 10 drawn by Scott show Coda being taken back to Chicago's 1893 World's Fair by Greg! Click on the pics for a better look!
FEATURES
We've been getting some attention in the comics world and also from Chicago's media. Click on the links to read (and hear) John and Scott's thoughts on Big Shoulders...
ABOUT US
John Dudley - writer
“I moved to Chicago in 2007. Prior to that move, Bangkok, Thailand was where I had lived the longest, with more recent stints in Florida, Virginia and Montana. But Chicago is where I found a home.
“I’ve written a few comics, including a six-issue graphic novel with Chicago’s own Don Cardenas. Big Shoulders has been my focus of late, but it feels like something I’ve been working on since 2007. It’s a love letter to the crossroad journeys that built and continue to build this big town.
“Big Shoulders is an opportunity to capture some element of Chicago’s broad canvas. This tale presents a wild and grand fantasy version of the city. Almost as awesome as the real place. Almost.”
Scott Gray - artist
“I was lucky enough to grow up in New Zealand at a time when comics were sold all over the place – I found them in bookshops, newsagents and supermarkets, and I loved them all. I started writing and drawing them at a very early age.
"I moved to Britain in 1992 with a comics career as my goal, and began writing for Marvel UK, a company that morphed into Panini UK. I’ve written and drawn the comic strip for the BBC’s Doctor Who Magazine for many years and also a few titles for Marvel US.
“Big Shoulders has pushed me into new areas with its Chicago setting and wonderful collection of characters and creatures. I’m having an absolute blast drawing it and I can’t wait to carry on working with John and the rest of the team. We've got BIG stuff planned!”
Faz Choudhury - colorist
“I was born, raised and live in the UK. Fascinated by comics from a very young age, I devoured everything I could get my hands on, whether it was British humour and action comics, newspaper strips, Marvel and DC titles or Asterix and Tintin.
“I’ve worked as an illustrator and comic book creator for about 30 years, producing work for various publishers and titles including the Horrible Histories magazine, Marvel/Panini UK, The Dandy and creating strips for British children’s comic books The DFC and The Phoenix.
“It’s been huge fun to work on Big Shoulders with John and Scott. It’s full of big ideas, fascinating (and mysterious) characters and has given me the opportunity and challenge of colouring a diverse array of subjects from the everyday reality of the Chicago transit system to giant, red flame-breathing dragons!”
CONTACT US
We'd love to hear from you, so please drop us a line! Here's where you can find Big Shoulders on email and social media. You can also sign up to our newsletter for all our updates and other news!
