Skybound has sent out a statement regarding the second issue of teen horror anthology series Skybound Presents Afterschool, due out July 20, indicating that the issue may be “especially sensitive to some readers” in the context of the recent U.S. Supreme Court decision overturning Roe v. Wade.
“The Storkening,” by writers Kate Herron and Briony Redman, artist Leila Leiz, and colorist Giovanna Niro, centers on an urban legend that a stork attacks women who don’t want to keep their babies. In the story, a teenage girl finds out that she is pregnant, and as a friend tries to drive her to another state to get an abortion, they are attacked by a monstrous stork-like creature.
Skybound’s statement today noted that when Herron and Redman first started working on the story, years ago, they intended it as a reminder of the historical fight for bodily autonomy for women. However, the Supreme Court’s Dobbs decision, which overturned not just Roe v. Wade but the entire principle of a constitutional right to privacy, has made the story relevant in an unexpected way. Here is a portion of the statement:
Please be advised that the content in this issue may be especially sensitive to some readers given the recent SCOTUS ruling.
Kate and Briony directly address the development of “The Storkening” and its intention as a supportive message in their Afterword, as found at the book’s close.
In solidarity with the countless people this ruling affects, Kate and Briony will be donating their earnings for this issue to Planned Parenthood. Skybound Entertainment will match that donation as part of its ongoing donations to organizations that support reproductive rights including Planned Parenthood, NARAL Pro-Choice America, The Center for Reproductive Rights, and the National Abortion Federation.
Reproductive rights and bodily autonomy are indelible and fundamental human rights, and they are essential to the well-being of all people. Skybound Entertainment and the writers of “The Storkening” support equitable access to reproductive care for all.
Skybound Presents Afterschool is a four-issue limited series (see “Coming Soon: ‘Skybound Presents Afterschool’ YA Anthology”).
Source: ICV2
