Natasha Alterici
Comic book writer and artist creating queer Viking epics and intimate stories about identity, nature, and human connection.
Natasha Alterici burst onto the comics scene with a unique vision: queer Viking epics told through lush artwork and emotionally resonant storytelling. Her flagship series, Heathen, published by Vault Comics from 2017 to 2020, follows Aydis, a young Norse woman who comes out as queer and is abandoned by her community—leading her on a transformative quest that involves the Norse gods, pirates, and Valkyries. The series was selected as an American Library Association YALSA 2018 Great Graphic Novel for Teens and gathered a passionate fan following across its 12-issue run.
The series was recently adapted into a feature film, with Catherine Hardwicke attached to direct. “This month, Natasha Alterici’s fantasy comic book epic Heathen came to a conclusion that was, at once, as epic and intimate as the acclaimed series required,” noted The Hollywood Reporter in their 2020 interview with Alterici.
Alterici wrote and illustrated the first eight issues before health concerns led Ashley A. Woods to take over line art for the remaining volumes. She continued as colorist and cover artist, ensuring visual cohesion across the entire run. Her approach to the series was deeply considered—she spent nearly six months on the first issue alone, refining her visual language and storytelling techniques.
The character of Aydis began as a Renaissance Fair costume design that Alterici “just couldn’t stop drawing.” Over time, she developed Aydis into a fully realized protagonist whose journey resonates with contemporary issues of identity, acceptance, and fighting against oppressive systems—themes that feel remarkably timeless yet deeply relevant to today’s readers.
Beyond Heathen, Alterici has worked on numerous titles including Dinosaur Project, Gotham Academy: Yearbook for DC Comics, Grayson Annual, The Lez Film Review, Mixed Signals, Lovers and Other Strangers, and Transcience. Her body of work spans creator-owned comics, licensed properties, and smaller press projects, demonstrating her versatility across genres.
She also creates personal comics and zines exploring themes of queerness, intimacy, justice, and humanity’s connection with nature. Her work has been praised for its emotional depth, beautiful artwork, and unflinching portrayal of queer identities in fantasy settings.
Alterici is represented by Moe Ferrera at TriadaUS Literary Agency. She continues to create new stories and connect with her audience through her various platforms, including Patreon where supporters can access her work-in-progress and exclusive content.
Perfect for fans of Saga by Fiona Staples and Image Comics, Norse mythology retellings with a feminist edge, and romantic fantasy epics that center queer identities.
