Iris Monahan

Iris Monahan is a Minneapolis-based colorist and illustrator whose vibrant, mood-driven palettes have become a defining element of some of Vault Comics’ most visually striking titles. Working under both her given name and the moniker Iris Jay, she has been creating comics since 2005, building a body of work that spans both collaborative projects and her own independent series.

Monahan’s breakthrough came with her coloring work on The Devil’s Red Bride, a samurai horror series from writer Sebastian Girner and artist John Bivens. Her colors brought visceral intensity to the blood-soaked clan warfare of feudal Japan, amplifying the series’ brutal action and emotional weight. She reunited with Bivens on Cult Classic: Creature Feature, a horror anthology set in Vault’s shared universe, further cementing her reputation as a go-to colorist for dark, atmospheric storytelling.

A graduate of the Minneapolis College of Art and Design with a BFA in Illustration, Monahan is part of the vibrant Twin Cities comics community. Beyond her coloring work for publishers, she creates her own comics, including the long-running webcomic Epiphany (2008-2013), and supports her independent work through Patreon. She also works as a teaching artist, sharing her craft with the next generation of illustrators.

Perfect for fans of colorists like Marissa Louise and Matt Wilson whose work transforms line art into emotionally resonant visual experiences, Monahan’s portfolio is a masterclass in how color can elevate storytelling.