House of the Muses #1 cover

houseofmuses on April 3, 2008

I've had a lot of comments about having created a comic series about Sappho. This series was born of a lot of research dating back from my Greek Studies classes at WKU back in the 80s. There's no poetic license here. The series is taken from the writings of Sappho and Alkaios: Lyra Graeca. Edited and translated by J. M. EDMONDS. Loeb Classical Library. Three volumes. London: William Heinemann; New York: G. P. Putnam's Sons, 1924. ...

Because I grew up in a rural area of Kentucky with conservative parents, and due to a lack of gay/lesbian themed comics back when *I* was growing up, I suppose that was why the first two issues of HOM were labeled Teen+/Mature. Everyone who has reviewed the series, however, not only loved it, but said it was overrated:

"The artist decided on a "mature content" notice on the cover. However, anyone who's ever opened up a volume of hentai at a comics store will realize that "House of the Muses" is more in line with today's mainstream comics market. Serial No. 2 will be out in February. The miniseries is scheduled to be released at regular intervals, concluding with No. 9 on sale in November 2009." --From: Booksmart - This 'House' is finally built -- in 3-D By T.E. Lyons LEO Weekly Magazine, 12/19/07

When I was taking Greek Studies at Western KY University back in the 80s I found the book in the library and noted that it was printed in two languages, Greek and English, each page facing in its respective language (the Greek version on the left page, the English translation on the right). Looking through the book I found that Alkaios also told his version of Sappho's exiles. It fascinated me, so I took it on as a translation project...particularly the fragments. The more I worked on these translations, the more I learned...so all the fiction I later read about Sappho left a bitter taste in my mouth. It's utter rubbish.

This is the actual story of Sappho that I'm publishing. Not the legend. Hope you enjoy it.

On sale now! Check out http://houseofthemuses.com for details.