PRESS RELEASE
Vault Comics is thrilled to announce a comic book store exclusive edition for Dying Inside, the new graphic novel from Fall Out Boy’s Pete Wentz, Hannah Klein (Everything’s Fine), and Lisa Sterle (The Modern Witch Tarot). Drawn by legendary artist Nathan Gooden (Barbaric, Brandon Sanderson’s Dark One, The Rush), this gorgeously rendered cover will only be available for purchase at comic book stores everywhere in September 2024.
“So psyched to be releasing Dying Inside. Hannah is one of my favorite contemporary writers, kind of if Larry David and Elliott Smith had a kid, and Lisa‘s an excellent addition to help bring this to life with her artistry. Can’t wait for it to be out in the world,” said Pete Wentz.
Co-writer Hannah Klein stated, “When the idea sparked for Dying Inside, I had no idea what form it would end up taking. The fact that it started my foray into the world of graphic novels is one of the most exciting and surprising series of events and I’m so incredibly grateful. I’ve been working with Pete on various creative endeavors throughout the years, and I feel like our separate styles and shared vision really came through on this project especially with the absolutely singular and incredible art by Lisa Sterle, and the steady and supportive hand of Vault to guide the way. I feel so lucky that our vision was met with open arms and a million “yesses” to create the exact project we were hoping to achieve.”
Today is Ash’s big finale. And by finale, she means exiting the stage permanently. Ash is a sixteen-year-old girl with more angst than Ian Curtis and Elliott Smith combined (her two idols). She’s apathetic and therefore believes death is the easiest route to relief. But nothing is more embarrassing than a lame death. Unfortunately, her meticulous plans are all ruined when the beautiful knife she buys off a webstore turns out to be charmed with a protection spell. Now, Ash has to track down the witch who transformed her clocking out attempt into the worst gift imaginable: immortality. Turns out, the witch responsible is another sixteen-year-old-girl named (get this) Liv. The two vow to undo the charm together and fight for Ash’s death…even as things get increasingly entangled with a strange new antidepressant called Somnia and her mom’s gross boyfriend, Greg.
From Vault Comics CCO and editor-in-chief Adrian Wassel, “Sometimes, a perfect team comes together, and they share in the joy of making a story so much that it reminds me in a visceral way why I love editing. That’s been my experience with Hannah Klein, Lisa Sterle, and Pete Wentz as we created Dying Inside. We make comic books because we care about the stories and the medium, from literal rockstar Pete Wentz down to lil’ ‘ol editor me. Being in the room with two of my favorite creators, Hannah and Lisa, while a whole other side of artistry poured out of Pete has been one of the greatest joys of my career.”
Wassel further added, “Daisy Grenade even recorded original music to debut in the book at the concert our main characters attend. We can honestly say we took comic books and music and wove them together.” Dying Inside is a musically immersive experience, featuring original lyrics and poetry from Pete Wentz, an integrated playlist available now on Spotify, and never-before-heard music from Daisy Grenade.
Hannah added, “I’m thrilled to have made a story that is so female forward about topics that are typically difficult to talk about. I hope this book finds who it’s meant to find — even if it’s just a single teenage girl, I will feel so proud of the accomplishment of helping others feel seen in this space. This has been overwhelmingly joyful to work on and I hope to continue this story in the future!”
And for artist Lisa Sterle, Dying Inside offered an opportunity that felt like fate. “I feel like I’ve been destined to draw this book. The art of Dying Inside is truly a reflection of all the things I am passionate about. I hope reading this book feels like listening to a heartbreaking song on a sunny day. I hope it feels like blue shadows in a dim bedroom, staring at the ceiling fan. I hope it feels like screaming your favorite lyrics back at your favorite band. I hope it feels like texting your best friend in the middle of the night because your thoughts won’t let you sleep.”
Wassel concluded, “[Dying Inside] is a testament to our love of storytelling, across mediums, across artforms, and a first look at the future we’re building at Vault and Headshell.” A darkly funny tale of life, music, and overcoming loneliness, Dying Inside is available for pre-order now and will be available in stores and online September 17, 2024.
WARNING: This book includes discussion of suicide and depiction of self-harm. While we hope this book will help some readers feel less alone, its content may be triggering. Please only read ahead if you are safe and supported. If you are struggling, it’s important to share your feelings. The suicide and crisis lifeline is 988.
ABOUT THE CREATORS
Pete Wentz is the lyricist and bassist for multi-platinum selling, GRAMMY-nominated rock band Fall Out Boy. He owns the record label DCD2 Records which signed Panic! At The Disco and whose roster also currently includes CARR, Daisy Grenade, Games We Play, nothing.nowhere., and more. In addition to music, Wentz created the graphic novel Dying Inside with Hannah Klein and Lisa Sterle for Vault Comics imprint Headshell, launched his own jewelry and apparel line, and is an avid tennis player. Wentz originally hails from Chicago, IL.
Hannah Klein is a writer/director working in film, music, and (now) graphic novels. She’s passionate about mental health, girlhood, and using gossip as a form of currency. She was raised in New York City, where she still resides with her half-hairless cat and the ghost that haunts her apartment.
Lisa Sterle is a Columbus artist with work spanning from comic books to concept design to pop-culture-fueled illustration. Her work is often bright, expressive, and occasionally tinged with horror, marrying her two favorite themes: the beautiful and the grotesque. She has worked with HarperCollins, IDW, Image, Archie Comics, Vault Comics, BOOM! Studios, and many others. She is the co-creator of monthly comics Long Lost, Submerged, and Witchblood, as well as the creator of The Modern Witch Tarot Deck, a modern and diverse interpretation of the classic Rider-Waite tarot deck, and the illustrator of the graphic novel Squad with writer Maggie Tokuda-Hall.
