Cast Iron Books is a new independent publisher
of graphic novels, illustrated books and experimental fiction.
We believe in empowering writers and artists to create stories that stay with a reader long after the last page has been turned.
Most of all we believe that books should be things of beauty, that good storytelling should be an end in itself, and that if you want to make something that lasts, make sure there’s some graphite in it.
Current projects
Future
- Hardback: 128pp
- Release date: March 2021
- ISBN: 9781838224103
- Full Colour: 170mm × 260mm
Time has run out.
Humanity is clinging on to an Earth facing imminent collapse. Kay Mielniczuk, fierce optimist, convinces her dying wife, astronaut Murray Mielniczuk, to take on one last assignment.
Catapulted through time on a wing, a prayer, and some theoretically correct science, they set out in search of a cure… for Murray and for the planet.
Future is a 128-page full colour original graphic novel about time travel, the apocalypse, and finding hope in the ultimate power of love.

Rupert Smissen
Rupert is an award-winning illustrator and visualiser. He has worked on projects for many leading brands and publications including Ray-Ban, Topman, Cannes Lions Festival, The Sunday Times and Little White Lies.
When not wielding a pencil (or stylus) there’s a good chance he’ll be riding his bikes, or brushing up on his bushcraft. Or attempting to combine the two. Future is his first comic.
Coming soon
The Plague and Doctor Caim
- Hardback: 100pp
- Release date: TBC
- ISBN: 9781838224127
- Full Colour: 170mm × 260mm
One day, Doctor Caim is hired by a village to treat both the rich and the poor. The doctor readily accepts this position, but goes about the work with much trial and error. Doctor Caim encounters patients from all walks of life, experimenting with treatments while monitoring his own health and watching the stars for omens…
With the aesthetic of a medieval illuminated manuscript, this full colour graphic novel from the acclaimed creator of The Poet and the Flea finds macabre comedy within the history of the bubonic plague.
Candles
- Hardback: 120pp
- Release date: TBC
- ISBN: 9781838224141
- Full Colour: 190mm × 260mm
When a plague known as Dark-bark spreads over the land one by one infected villagers disappear into the enchanted forest never to be seen again. When it reaches her village, a young girl called Grace sets out to destroy the evil witch responsible and save her family by any means possible – even if she must steal the witch’s magic.
As candles flicker and wolves howl into the night sky, Idris, a flamboyant sorcerer, and his talented apprentice Ava, are cast out of their town when their talent for magic is discovered. Determined to find the source of the misery that has made them outsiders, they too begin to hunt the root of the Dark-bark… but all is not as it seems.
An all-ages story about magic, family and a plague that has no mercy, Candles is the latest graphic novel from Lyndon White, creator of Reanimator, for lovers of fantasy, fairy tales, monsters and magic.
Isabella & Blodwen
- Hardback, 200pp
- Release date: TBC
- ISBN: 9781838224189
- Full Colour, 170mm × 240mm
Academically gifted, but severely lacking in social skills, she finds navigating the hallowed halls a trial she can’t study her way out of. Mixing with older students, and struggling to find her place, she sets her heart on the coveted summer internship with her hero, Professor MacLeod. While wondering how to get the letter of recommendation she needs to be considered, she accidentally drops an exhibit from a museum she’s visiting in her bag… and Blodwen, the Witch from the Bottle enters her life!
Aimed at a young adult audience, and exploring themes of friendship, growing up, and finding your place in the world, Isabella & Blodwen is a story that will resonate with anyone who has ever felt alone and that the world is against them.
At Cast Iron Books we are looking for graphic novels, illustrated books and works of experimental fiction that at their core have something meaningful to say about the world we live in.
Visit our submissions page to read our guidelines for making submissions.