Works
Bibliography of Comics Author Blake Ju Chen

Subhuman Sanctum: First Civilian Contact (2024) – At the time I was writing this graphic novel (with illustrations by P.R. Dedelis), UFOs and aliens were a fringe “conspiracy theory” most people did not take seriously. Though the story is about First Contact between Earth humans and extra-terrestrials, I had decided not to use well-worn tropes like flying saucers landing in front of a crowd of bewildered Earthlings, causing mass panic or reverence. My reasoning was that, if we are indeed not alone, then ETs would already be living incognito among us, and would gently, gradually, and selectively reveal themselves. Little did I dream how accurate a portrayal this was of the real-life situation developing between Earth and her galactic neighbors!

VINE: Gateway to Subrealm (2024) – a graphic novel I wrote (with illustrations by Coşkun Kuzgun) about a journey by a motley crew to a place called Subrealm. A land inhabited by mermaids, dragons, tree nymphs, and little green “plant people” that is accessible only through a mysterious vine tunnel. And accessing this portal depends not only on finding its location, but also attaining the required vibrational frequency. Turns out I was writing about Inner Earth before I ever knew such a realm truly existed. Or perhaps, deep down, I have always known?

Twilight Lady (2012) – The first comic I wrote and illustrated, about an ancient warrior spirit residing within a young woman. The story explores the multidimensional nature of existence, with a protagonist who goes on astral adventures during her sleep and has no memory of them upon waking. I only discovered, long after I wrote this, that there are people in real life who have such experiences and can remember them. It made me wonder – was I subconsciously recollecting my own astral sojourns? This was after I had begun exploring with keen interest past lives, reincarnation, and the journey of the soul. The idea of multiple planes of existence plays a key role in this graphic novel, as it does much of my work.