PRIDE has a behind-the-scenes look at comiXology's newest, queer-inclusive graphic novel!
We all know dating nowadays can be a complete and total sh*tshow, and with the current state of the world and most people being under lockdown and in social isolation, it's even harder to try to connect with someone online. Virtually Yours, comiXology's newest graphic novel from writer Jeremy Holt and artist Elizabeth Beals, knows this struggle all too well. But unlike other romantic-comedies, Virtually Yours features a diverse cast of characters of all shapes, sizes, races, and sexualities coming together to navigate the messy and complicated world of online dating.
"Shouldn't finding a life partner be more challenging than ordering a pizza?" the official description of Virtually Yours reads. "Welcome to Virtually Yours, a virtual dating app that provides all the proof of being in a relationship without actually being in one. With her career front of mind, Eva Estrella joins Virtually Yours, after a nudge from her sister, to alleviate some family pressure as she continues to look for her dream job in journalism. While Max Kittridge, a former child star in the middle of a divorce, takes a gig at Virtually Yours servicing multiple clients as a fake boyfriend. As they navigate their current circumstances, both Eva and Max find that sometimes what you're looking for is right in front of you."
Speaking on the creation of the graphic novel and its diverse characters...
...writer Jeremy Holt told PRIDE, "Virtually Yours allowed me to explore all the tropes on ethnicity, gender, sexuality, and friendship within the rom-com genre, but more importantly provided me the opportunity to progress and transgress them. Two that I focused on in particular was sexuality and friendship.
When designing Eva's best friend Katie, I wanted to create a gay best friend with real heart, and it was important for me to flip the gender of this character.
He continued:
"Lesbians come in all shades and I wanted to showcase one that can play the best friend role in a predominantly hetero narrative. As for the friendship aspect, it was important to me that Patrick have a chance to let his personality shine after learning of Max's domestic abuse at the hand of his wife. I wanted to provide visibility and representation of the type of man that society needs to embrace: one that is in tune with his emotions, is genuinely empathetic, and provides safe space for his male friends to emote."
"Both Katie and Patrick's affection for their best friends embodies the inclusivity and unconditional love of the LGBTQ+ community."
"When jumping into creating the overall look and design of the characters for Virtually Yours it was important to me that everyone—whether they be main, supporting, or background—receive the same amount of thought, detail, and rendering," Virtually Yours artist Elizabeth Beals said to PRIDE. "By putting the same amount of energy into all your characters you’re building a richer, more relatable environment. Which is pretty vital when you want to represent something as vibrant as New York City."
PRIDE has an exclusive sneak peek at the art process of 'Virtually Yours!'
Scroll down to see the process behind making Virtually Yours! And to read the whole graphic novel, check it out on comiXology Originals here!
