Danica Brine
Award-winning illustrator behind Chef's Kiss and cover artist for major indie titles.
Danica Brine is the kind of artist who can make you fall in love with a character in a single panel. Based in Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada, Brine has become one of indie comics’ most sought-after illustrators, bringing warmth, expressiveness, and meticulous detail to every page she touches.
Her biggest hit is Chef’s Kiss (Oni Press, 2022), a queer romance graphic novel co-created with writer Jarrett Melendez. The story of a recent English grad who falls for a sous-chef at a restaurant earned an Eisner Award nomination, a GLAAD Media Award nomination, and an Alex Award win. The Deluxe Edition followed in 2024, and a sequel, Chef’s Kiss Again, is slated for 2026. Publishers Weekly called it “the perfect mix of romance and self-discovery.”
Before Chef’s Kiss, Brine established herself as a go-to cover artist, delivering stunning work for Wayward (Image Comics), Elephantmen (Image), Exorsisters (Image), and Doctor Who: The Thirteenth Doctor (Titan Comics). She also contributed a variant cover for Titan Comics’ Conan: Battle of the Black Stone. Her work on All We Ever Wanted: Stories of a Better World showcased her versatility across the sci-fi genre, proving she can shift from tender romance to cosmic spectacle without missing a beat.
When not drawing comics, Brine illustrates children’s books for a Canadian French-language publisher and lives in Moncton with her husband Nick and their shiba inu, Taro. Her Instagram (@kari_drawz) and Bluesky (@danicadraws.bsky.social) are filled with process shots and behind-the-scenes glimpses of her meticulous workflow.
Perfect for fans of character-driven comics with expressive, emotionally resonant art. Brine’s style pairs beautifully with romance, slice-of-life, and fantasy stories that prioritize human connection.
