[Book Review] ‘in Sanity, AZ’ Will Leave You In Stitches

After attending a most awesome first annual Phoenix ComiCon Fan Fest in Phoenix, AZ  I got deathly sick with whatever killer flu bug that’s been going around, but I had the chance to read an anthology that really highlights…em… the natural beauty that is Arizona. What I really enjoyed about Fan Fest is that it truly focused on showcasing local and indie talent’s work. One such gem that I came across was getting to know the creative time behind indie graphic novel in Sanity, AZ.

Going by the group name “Quadshot”, James Ninness, Joe Pezzula, Michael Drace Fountain and Chris Burkheart all met while working at Starbucks and, apparently, share the same close affinity towards horror stories. The birth of in Sanity, AZ came from the group’s desire to collaborate on making a horror film. And one can definitely see this 300+ page work becoming one as it is every bit as shocking and twisted as the reviews claim it to be.

Here is the details behind the story:

Welcome to Sanity, Arizona. It’s a small town where everyone knows everyone and the natives are happy to live and let live…unless you’re visiting. Forged in the fires of segregation, the descendants of an overrun insane asylum years before have carved out a place for themselves in the middle of the Mojave Desert. It’s a small place with a single road and only a few buildings to speak of, out in the middle of nowhere. The residents have developed their own systems of law, politics, ethics, religion, and morality. Left on their own, Sanity would thrive outside the view of our world, content to live their lives in their own way.

James shared that some of the inspiration to write in Sanity, AZ came from the group sharing a cabin just outside of the San Diego area. Letting the mind wander whilst in wild nature and seclusion can really help inspire the mind. At least it did for this group of authors.

in Sanity, AZ is available on ComiXology and (if you’re lucky) at a Comic Convention near you.