The Metamorphist

Diving deep into transformation horror, The Metamorphist is Katherine Blakeney’s darkly compelling exploration of identity, deception, and what it means to be monstrous. The series follows Arséne, a shapeshifting super burglar whose abilities are matched only by his talent for lies — he changes his story so regularly that even he may not know what’s true anymore. Is he actually a rabbit? The answer, like everything else about Arséne, remains delightfully uncertain.

Blakeney’s artistic vision draws on German Expressionism, Art Nouveau, and Japanese woodblock prints, creating a visual atmosphere that’s simultaneously beautiful and unsettling. Her background in traditional animation brings a remarkable sense of movement and gesture to each panel, while her scholarly work on Silent Era cinema and the monster figure infuses every page with a rich, Gothic sensibility.

The first two issues introduce readers to Arséne’s world of heists and hodgepodge identities, where nothing is as it seems and transformation is both gift and curse. Issue #2, titled “Birth of a Monster,” debuted at Fan Expo Philadelphia and continues this harrowing tale into even darker territory.

Through Yorwick Castle Publishing, Blakeney has created an indie press dedicated to representing those who identify as “monsters” or explore that which is labeled monstrous in history, mythology, and society. The Metamorphist fits perfectly into this mission — a story that challenges readers to question the boundaries between hero and villain, human and monster, truth and fiction.

Perfect for fans of shape-shifting antiheroes, Gothic horror with artistic flair, and comics that dare to ask: what happens when the monster looks back at you?