Photos taken from Jas's Substack
With origins in Arkansas, Los Angeles based artist Jas Hice has truly crafted a unique art style for themselves and their audience. Their printed work, Szarlotka, which Hice states how it encompasses: "a claustrophobic tale of a young woman who encounters a stranger and hopes for the best. This soft thriller is an honest look at vulnerability that reads like a bad dream," and their comic series on Substack ----- grounded in ideas from an episode of the X-Files, takes readers to a realm that exists in reality and fantasy. Hice's individualistic creative expression displays their ability to pave their own path in the industry.
Jas's journey as an artist began when they were given a set of oil pastels as a child. In their battle towards virtuosity, they were persistent in accomplishing a satisfactory drawing of a wolf, after various attempts. That experience taught them, "that a picture moves with you instead of against you." This ideology is relevant, especially when crafting comix. In elementary school, they drew comix reminiscent of DARE, about an unhappy teenager, named Phil who struggles with drug addiction and ultimately ruins his life. However, what set their comic apart from typical alarmist and cavalier DARE principles, is that it did not uphold these values in their comic. Now, although I have not read Hice's early comix, their current catalogue of work reminds me of Julia Gfrörer.
First photo taken from Jas's Substack - episode 13: the sea, and second photo by Julia Gfrörer - Vision
The obvious parallels between Hice and Gfrörer's pieces is the delicate, but raw line work. But the strongest correlation between the two, regards the theme of longing, while being inclusive of dark elements. This prevailing subject matter is depicted in Episode 13: The Sea, when the character states, "Are you going to leave me? Or are you going to kill me," whereas Gfrörer portrays this motif through the character's unnerving conversation with a vanity mirror. Both represents the character's desire to be seen and connected to those that matter most; while being comprehensive of rather foreboding affairs. Hice's ability to balance storytelling and illustration is prevalent in their comic featured above. They are able to seamlessly mesh both graphics and writing through: lots of trial-and-error, determination, and a crammed full wastebasket with creditable efforts.
Panels on the right taken from Speak of the Devil #4 by Gilbert Hernandez, panels on the right taken from Stray Bullets, by David Lapham
Now, the reason I bring up Speak of the Devil, written by Gilbert Hernandez is firstly due to the fact that I just finished reading the 6 comic series; but in addition to that factor, the art style and content is oddly similar to Stray Bullets by David Lapham. On Free Comic Day in 2002, Hice acquired a floppy of Stray Bullets, which was most likely from Hawg Hed or Time Machine, from their local comic book store. In their true decisive nature, they spent what felt like their entire childhood attempting to reread the gruesome series to its completion. With their own art they hope that their readers are just as disturbed as they were when reading Stray Bullets. Hice states, "Making someone uncomfortable for the rest of their life with my horrible little ideas may seem like a cruel gift, but it’s something I would be honored to make my readers feel." Jas repines for their audience to have an unforgettable experience with their comix, which I believe is well conveyed throughout their work.
Apropos of highly anticipated events Jas will take part of includes: LA Zine Fest and Permanent Damage, both occurring in LA in the spring. They just printed a book which Hice describes as, “X-Files found footage traumatic poetry comix." Keep an eye out for Butter, the anthology Cam del Rosario and Jas curated, coming this spring or early summer. Either way, Jas is really optimistic, and fortunate to have the opportunity to feature so many amazing artists. To stay up to date with Jas's artist journey, follow them on Instagram and Substack!
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