As webcomics continue to boom, several publishers are going directly to webcomic creators to determine their next big hits. However, in addition to graphic novels and full series breathing new life into ongoing webcomics, some publishers are going the opposite direction and putting previously-published print comics online -- for free.
Vault Comics has three of its series available to read on Tapas and each one is a shining example of the indie publisher's stunning selection of titles. Check out each one below.
Heathen
Heathen is a queer viking epic created by cartoonist Natasha Alterici. Alterici writes, illustrates and colors the first eight issues of the series, with Rachel Deering on letters; the final four issues are illustrated by Ashley A. Woods and lettered by Morgan Martinez. The story follows Aydis, a young warrior whose father exiles her, rather than killing her, when she's found with another woman. She goes on an epic quest to rescue the immortal Valkyrie Brynnhild, then kill the oppressive god-king Odin.
Alterici crafts an incredible tale in Heathen, which invokes familiar tropes and mythos, then flips the majority of them on their heads. Aydis is headstrong and powerful, filled with righteous anger and determined to complete her quest -- no matter who or what wants to stand in her way. The art flows, even after Woods takes over in the third arc, and the lettering is consistent and offers the same feeling of ye olde history as most Thor comics.
Currently, the comic has been updated on Tapas through the end of issue #8 and the first five episodes are available to read for free. After that, updates are locked behind an "ink" wall, but readers can acquire Tapas ink through taking surveys or watching videos, rather than paying out of pocket.
Available on Tapas, updates Tuesdays
Sera and the Royal Stars
Sera and the Royal Stars is written by Jon Tsuei, illustrated by Audrey Mok, colored by Raúl Angulo and lettered by Jim Campbell. The series follows the eponymous Sera, who receives a vision from the deity Mitra informing her she must find the fallen Royal Stars and restore them to the skies if she hopes to reverse her people's horrible misfortune. War and famine rage as she leaves behind her command and pursues the stars, in hopes that it will make a difference.
This comic is absolutely stunning, with action-packed panels and expansive world-building. Tsuei's writing is super tight and worthy of tons of praise, but it's Mok's art and Angulo's colors that truly make every single page come to life. Sera has generated major buzz since its debut last year, for good reason.
Sera and the Royal Stars is currently in the middle of issue #2 on Tapas, with eight updates at time of writing. So far, Vault Comics has not put any of the updates behind an ink wall.
Available on Tapas, updates Sundays
Songs for the Dead
Songs for the Dead and its follow-up, The Necromancer's Map, are written by Andrea Fort and Michael Christopher Heron, with art by Sam Beck and letters by Andworld Design. The series follows the necromancer Bethany on an epic quest to find a missing boy and prove her form of magic isn't evil. Her companion, Elissar, is a temperamental sword for hire, but the two have are closer than they may appear. In the second story, the pair seek the Covenant, a sanctuary for necromancers, though their map makes absolutely no sense.
Songs for the Dead and The Necromancer's Map are both gorgeously-woven fantasy adventures with beautifully fleshed-out characters, excellent world-building and narrative flow that's flawlessly executed both in the writing and art.
Currently, both series are complete on Tapas, with a total of 32 updates. The first five are free to read, but the rest are locked behind an ink wall.
Available on Tapas, complete
In addition to Tapas, these Vault Comics series are also available for purchase through the publisher's website, ComiXology, local comic shops and online retailers where books are sold.