After founding her own independent publishing platform Black Josei Press in 2018, comic book creator and editor Jamila Rowser is launching a Kickstarter to put out a new, deluxe edition of Robyn Smith's acclaimed comic book The Saddest Angriest Black Girl in Town. Originally self-published in 2016, the out-of-print comic is an autobiographical story of Smith moving to rural Vermont town where she finds herself alone as the only Black woman in the community and detailing how it affects her mental health.
In an exclusive interview with CBR, Rowser spoke about why now is the perfect time for a new edition of The Saddest Angriest Black Girl in Town, shared what the new edition includes and teased what to expect from Black Josei Press in 2021.
CBR: You're working with Robyn Smith to create a new edition of The Saddest Angriest Black Girl in Town. How did this project come together?
Jamila Rowser: The Saddest Angriest Black Girl in Town was one of the things that made me a huge fan of Robyn's. It was such a beautiful comic and her words were so poetic and honest in a way I didn't see often. I was really blown away. When Robyn later told me that the comic was out-of-print I knew that Black Josei Press had to change that! It is way too good to not be seen by more people.
You had previously worked with Robyn on Wash Day; how would you describe your collaborative dynamic?
Rowser: Robyn and I have worked together and known each other for a few years now (and are good friends now!) There's also a lot of trust in our relationship; we both trust that we are going to do right by the work and each other. It's an environment I try to build with everyone I work with. We truly believe in each other's creativity and art so the collaboration comes natural. I believe collaboration will only elevate the work.
What will this particular edition of The Saddest Angriest Black Girl in Town include?
Rowser: We have a gorgeous new watercolor cover that Robyn painted plus a new transparent, vellum top cover. We also added process pages to this second edition showing the behind-the-scenes of making the comic!
What can you tease next about Black Josei Press as we move further into 2021?
Rowser: A lot of our projects were delayed because of COVID, but we're back on track and I'm excited about the progress we're making with the comic Egungun I'm working on with artist Sam Wade and editor J. A. Micheline. We will be releasing that later this year via Kickstarter!
I also have another comic that I'll be announcing soon. I'm finalizing the details with the creator but what I can tell you is that it's a collection of beautiful, queer erotic comics.
Written and illustrated by Robyn Smith, The Saddest Angriest Black Girl in Town is currently available to fund on Kickstarter via Black Josei Press through March 16.