Michael B Franklin

Hi, my name is Michael B. Franklin. I’m an artist and now an author, based out of St. Louis. I’ve always loved telling stories; whether through drawing, writing, or animation. Comics, fantasy, cartoons, and movies were my early obsessions, and they have shaped how I see storytelling.

I try to humanize the fantastical, to bring a sense of vulnerability to magic, monsters, and the people who wield or face them. Magic in my stories can be horrifying, beautiful, or a mix of the two. And the characters I create tend to carry some cracks. I see them as new myths in the making.

My debut novel Traversing Shadows actually started as a comic. Once I realized I needed a script, I dove headfirst into writing and didn't stop. I illustrate my own covers and include original artwork inside the print editions. I wanted the visual sided of storytelling to stay close.

At the heart of all of this, I just wanted to prove to myself I could write a book, and build a world.