Ben Crane
@bencranewrites.com
He/him. Writer and editor of prose and comics. SCATTERED FUTURES. COSMIC CADETS, A MAN OF LIES, SYSTEMIC. Profile pic by @andyalvesart.bsky.social
Pinned
Ben Crane
@bencranewrites.com
· Nov 16
Since we all seem to be doing re-introductions, and I've got some new followers, hi there! I'm Ben!
I write comics and novels for both kids and adults with a focus on finding hope through community, particularly in moments of darkness.
I also love talking about board games and my idiot dogs.
I write comics and novels for both kids and adults with a focus on finding hope through community, particularly in moments of darkness.
I also love talking about board games and my idiot dogs.
Three beautiful illustrated spec fiction novellas all made by awesome people--support human artists and support the publishers dedicated to paying them what they're worth.
The KS campaign has less than 2 days to go and could use some help getting across the line.
The KS campaign has less than 2 days to go and could use some help getting across the line.
48 HOURS TO GO!!
Three illustrated stories featuring an ancient city roamed by a forgotten god, a journey of self discovery in a 50-year time loop, and a woman willing to bargain with spirits to reunite with her daughter across the veil of death.
Check it out! 👇🏾🌟
#booksky 📚💙
Three illustrated stories featuring an ancient city roamed by a forgotten god, a journey of self discovery in a 50-year time loop, and a woman willing to bargain with spirits to reunite with her daughter across the veil of death.
Check it out! 👇🏾🌟
#booksky 📚💙
Heavy Are The Years Story Collection
Three illustrated SFF novellas in one collection exploring the theme of time and how it affects us.
www.kickstarter.com
October 2, 2026 at 6:27 PM
Three beautiful illustrated spec fiction novellas all made by awesome people--support human artists and support the publishers dedicated to paying them what they're worth.
The KS campaign has less than 2 days to go and could use some help getting across the line.
The KS campaign has less than 2 days to go and could use some help getting across the line.
Get yer boosters if you're able to, y'all.
September 30, 2026 at 6:45 PM
Get yer boosters if you're able to, y'all.
Things are bad. Support queer art!
If you like spooky comics from cool people, check out the Four Seasons of Fear Kickstarter from @stackeddeckpress.bsky.social and an absolutely killer lineup of LGBTQ+ comics creators. www.kickstarter.com/projects/sta...
If you like spooky comics from cool people, check out the Four Seasons of Fear Kickstarter from @stackeddeckpress.bsky.social and an absolutely killer lineup of LGBTQ+ comics creators. www.kickstarter.com/projects/sta...
Four Seasons of Fear: A Year of Queer Horror
Four Seasons of Fear: A Year of Queer Horror is a full-color comics anthology of LGBTQ+ horror stories centered around annual events.
www.kickstarter.com
September 29, 2026 at 5:45 PM
Things are bad. Support queer art!
If you like spooky comics from cool people, check out the Four Seasons of Fear Kickstarter from @stackeddeckpress.bsky.social and an absolutely killer lineup of LGBTQ+ comics creators. www.kickstarter.com/projects/sta...
If you like spooky comics from cool people, check out the Four Seasons of Fear Kickstarter from @stackeddeckpress.bsky.social and an absolutely killer lineup of LGBTQ+ comics creators. www.kickstarter.com/projects/sta...
...spending thirty minutes carefully masking off every strand of a character's hair to drop a sound effect behind them only to realize, as you finish, that you had access to the psds with the BG on a separate layer sure is a mood.
September 29, 2026 at 3:49 AM
...spending thirty minutes carefully masking off every strand of a character's hair to drop a sound effect behind them only to realize, as you finish, that you had access to the psds with the BG on a separate layer sure is a mood.
Today is @andyalvesart.bsky.social's birthday, which means you are LEGALLY OBLIGATED to check out their new book -- www.kickstarter.com/projects/fan.... If you like Inside Out and Onward and stories that treat children's emotions with respect and care, you will love this moving adventure.
Shrub: The Collected Edition
Hit the road with a sentient SHRUB for Fanbase Press’ cross-country adventure exploring grief and connection.
www.kickstarter.com
September 25, 2026 at 6:16 PM
Today is @andyalvesart.bsky.social's birthday, which means you are LEGALLY OBLIGATED to check out their new book -- www.kickstarter.com/projects/fan.... If you like Inside Out and Onward and stories that treat children's emotions with respect and care, you will love this moving adventure.
Reposted by Ben Crane
it’s me! and it’s a book you should back
STAR TREK: VOYAGER - HOMECOMING's (@idwpublishing.com) @tillybridges.bsky.social shares her thoughts on SHRUB which follows a sentient shrub on a cross-country journey exploring grief & connection.
Supporrt SHRUB: THE COLLECTED EDITION on @kickstarter.com: www.kickstarter.com/projects/fan...
Supporrt SHRUB: THE COLLECTED EDITION on @kickstarter.com: www.kickstarter.com/projects/fan...
September 24, 2026 at 10:48 PM
it’s me! and it’s a book you should back
Unanticipated benefit of being in an extremely small beta test group for a video game: for one brief, shining moment I am genuinely the best in the world at a thing.
September 22, 2026 at 5:23 PM
Unanticipated benefit of being in an extremely small beta test group for a video game: for one brief, shining moment I am genuinely the best in the world at a thing.
Reposted by Ben Crane
We have an exclusive look for you of SHRUB: The Collected Edition from @fanbasepress.bsky.social.
The Kickstarter is live!
www.kickstarter.com/projects/fan...
✍️ - @keepingitgeekly.bsky.social
www.comicbookyeti.com/post/an-excl...
The Kickstarter is live!
www.kickstarter.com/projects/fan...
✍️ - @keepingitgeekly.bsky.social
www.comicbookyeti.com/post/an-excl...
An exclusive look at SHRUB: The Collected Edition from FANBASE PRESS
Our friends over at Fanbass Press, a GLAAD Media Award-winning and Eisner & Harvey Awards-nominated publisher, recently went live with SHRUB: The Collected Edition over on Kickstarter. They were kind ...
www.comicbookyeti.com
September 21, 2026 at 2:14 PM
We have an exclusive look for you of SHRUB: The Collected Edition from @fanbasepress.bsky.social.
The Kickstarter is live!
www.kickstarter.com/projects/fan...
✍️ - @keepingitgeekly.bsky.social
www.comicbookyeti.com/post/an-excl...
The Kickstarter is live!
www.kickstarter.com/projects/fan...
✍️ - @keepingitgeekly.bsky.social
www.comicbookyeti.com/post/an-excl...
Reposted by Ben Crane
Who is Shrub? @shaneport.bsky.social shares the genesis behind the sentient shrubbery, how they came to find their roots in grief, and more.
Join @fanbasepress.bsky.social's SHRUB for a cross-country adventure exploring grief and connection on @kickstarter.com!
www.kickstarter.com/projects/fan...
Join @fanbasepress.bsky.social's SHRUB for a cross-country adventure exploring grief and connection on @kickstarter.com!
www.kickstarter.com/projects/fan...
Fanbase Press' SHRUB: Who is Shrub?
YouTube video by Fanbase Press
www.youtube.com
September 20, 2026 at 12:03 AM
Who is Shrub? @shaneport.bsky.social shares the genesis behind the sentient shrubbery, how they came to find their roots in grief, and more.
Join @fanbasepress.bsky.social's SHRUB for a cross-country adventure exploring grief and connection on @kickstarter.com!
www.kickstarter.com/projects/fan...
Join @fanbasepress.bsky.social's SHRUB for a cross-country adventure exploring grief and connection on @kickstarter.com!
www.kickstarter.com/projects/fan...
It's a great day to check out SHRUB! Two grieving kids hit the road with their sentient shrub friend, Shrub. If you like Pixar movies and indie comics, don't miss this absolute gem!
@fanbasepress.bsky.social @shaneport.bsky.social @andyalvesart.bsky.social
www.kickstarter.com/projects/fan...
@fanbasepress.bsky.social @shaneport.bsky.social @andyalvesart.bsky.social
www.kickstarter.com/projects/fan...
Shrub: The Collected Edition
Hit the road with a sentient SHRUB for Fanbase Press’ cross-country adventure exploring grief and connection.
www.kickstarter.com
September 19, 2026 at 9:15 PM
It's a great day to check out SHRUB! Two grieving kids hit the road with their sentient shrub friend, Shrub. If you like Pixar movies and indie comics, don't miss this absolute gem!
@fanbasepress.bsky.social @shaneport.bsky.social @andyalvesart.bsky.social
www.kickstarter.com/projects/fan...
@fanbasepress.bsky.social @shaneport.bsky.social @andyalvesart.bsky.social
www.kickstarter.com/projects/fan...
Reposted by Ben Crane
Are you ready to meet Shrub? Watch the trailer just released for @fanbasepress.bsky.social's next publishing project - coming to @kickstarter.com on September 15th!
#Shrub #FanbasePress #TheFanbase #CreatingFandoms #StoriesMatter #Comics #ComicBooks #GraphicMedicine #Kickstarter
#Shrub #FanbasePress #TheFanbase #CreatingFandoms #StoriesMatter #Comics #ComicBooks #GraphicMedicine #Kickstarter
SHRUB Trailer #1 - Are You Ready to Meet Shrub?
YouTube video by Fanbase Press
www.youtube.com
September 13, 2026 at 12:12 AM
Are you ready to meet Shrub? Watch the trailer just released for @fanbasepress.bsky.social's next publishing project - coming to @kickstarter.com on September 15th!
#Shrub #FanbasePress #TheFanbase #CreatingFandoms #StoriesMatter #Comics #ComicBooks #GraphicMedicine #Kickstarter
#Shrub #FanbasePress #TheFanbase #CreatingFandoms #StoriesMatter #Comics #ComicBooks #GraphicMedicine #Kickstarter
Reposted by Ben Crane
EXCITING NEWS: SHRUB #4 is now available on @hoopladigital.bsky.social & @comicsplus.bsky.social! Join Shrub for this heartfelt cross-country adventure exploring grief & connection.
(1 of 4)
(1 of 4)
September 9, 2026 at 3:48 PM
EXCITING NEWS: SHRUB #4 is now available on @hoopladigital.bsky.social & @comicsplus.bsky.social! Join Shrub for this heartfelt cross-country adventure exploring grief & connection.
(1 of 4)
(1 of 4)
You know those "kids" stories that stick with you for years, regardless of how old you were when you first read or saw them? The ones that define whole segments of your life? Where you can draw a line between who you were before and who you are after?
This is one of those. Don't miss it!
This is one of those. Don't miss it!
EXCITING NEWS! @fanbasepress.bsky.social will be launching its @kickstarter.com on Tuesday, Sept. 15, for the middle grade series, SHRUB!
Hit the road with a sentient shrub for a cross-country journey exploring the various ways we allow grief to "take root."
www.kickstarter.com/projects/fan...
Hit the road with a sentient shrub for a cross-country journey exploring the various ways we allow grief to "take root."
www.kickstarter.com/projects/fan...
Fanbase Press is returning to @kickstarter.com on 9/15 to fund the collected edition of SHRUB, a MG #GraphicMedicine series exploring the various ways we allow grief to "take root" w/ contributions from entertainment & mental health pros!
@noethematt.bsky.social
www.kickstarter.com/projects/fan...
@noethematt.bsky.social
www.kickstarter.com/projects/fan...
September 8, 2026 at 8:33 PM
You know those "kids" stories that stick with you for years, regardless of how old you were when you first read or saw them? The ones that define whole segments of your life? Where you can draw a line between who you were before and who you are after?
This is one of those. Don't miss it!
This is one of those. Don't miss it!
Reposted by Ben Crane
Hello Gateway! First con with actual copies of 🌿Overgrown🌿 to sell. Looking forward to showing people the game during the day and playing some new games at night.
We have a little photo booth at our table for people to find their favorite animal/ecosystem combinations! 📸
We have a little photo booth at our table for people to find their favorite animal/ecosystem combinations! 📸
September 5, 2026 at 12:01 AM
Hello Gateway! First con with actual copies of 🌿Overgrown🌿 to sell. Looking forward to showing people the game during the day and playing some new games at night.
We have a little photo booth at our table for people to find their favorite animal/ecosystem combinations! 📸
We have a little photo booth at our table for people to find their favorite animal/ecosystem combinations! 📸
Check it out! That editorial tier is a frankly absurd bargain. @bonedustpress.bsky.social is one of the best editors I've ever worked with. $60 for a consult with her AND you get an awesome book?! Do not sleep on this one!
HEAVY ARE THE YEARS is now live and on kickstarter!
This book is a Stardust Collaboration with @bonedustpress.bsky.social with a special collaboration from @gegallas.bsky.social of Open Book Chocolates!
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/bonedustpress/heavy-are-the-years-story-collection
This book is a Stardust Collaboration with @bonedustpress.bsky.social with a special collaboration from @gegallas.bsky.social of Open Book Chocolates!
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/bonedustpress/heavy-are-the-years-story-collection
September 4, 2026 at 6:51 PM
Check it out! That editorial tier is a frankly absurd bargain. @bonedustpress.bsky.social is one of the best editors I've ever worked with. $60 for a consult with her AND you get an awesome book?! Do not sleep on this one!
Our copies of Overgrown from @goodtimehat.bsky.social came in! Such a fantastic little abstract, and the printing turned out beautifully!!
September 4, 2026 at 6:42 PM
Our copies of Overgrown from @goodtimehat.bsky.social came in! Such a fantastic little abstract, and the printing turned out beautifully!!
Reposted by Ben Crane
you guys should be so excited to pick up a copy of THREE-PART KING at SPX okayyyyyyy
September 3, 2026 at 9:38 PM
you guys should be so excited to pick up a copy of THREE-PART KING at SPX okayyyyyyy
Reposted by Ben Crane
I am delighted that @bencranewrites.com took on reviewing this adaptation of Virginia Woolf's Orlando: A Biography from @averyhill.bsky.social. It deserves so much more attention than it's getting. @julesscheele.bsky.social has done a stunning job with this.
www.comicbookyeti.com/post/orlando...
www.comicbookyeti.com/post/orlando...
Orlando-A Graphic Novel Review
Orlando is a strange and delightful book, mercurial in the most literal sense of the word—liquid and amorphous, resisting every attempt to pin it down, it slips and flits away with deft agility, danci...
www.comicbookyeti.com
September 2, 2026 at 5:26 PM
I am delighted that @bencranewrites.com took on reviewing this adaptation of Virginia Woolf's Orlando: A Biography from @averyhill.bsky.social. It deserves so much more attention than it's getting. @julesscheele.bsky.social has done a stunning job with this.
www.comicbookyeti.com/post/orlando...
www.comicbookyeti.com/post/orlando...
Reposted by Ben Crane
Hey #SantaCruz! I'll be at the wonderful Atlantis Fantasyworld all TOMORROW celebrating Scattered Futures, a #scifi #comic of hope and community. Come say hi and check it out! (And maybe some of my other books too?)
September 1, 2026 at 4:43 PM
Hey #SantaCruz! I'll be at the wonderful Atlantis Fantasyworld all TOMORROW celebrating Scattered Futures, a #scifi #comic of hope and community. Come say hi and check it out! (And maybe some of my other books too?)
Hey #SantaCruz! I'll be at the wonderful Atlantis Fantasyworld all TOMORROW celebrating Scattered Futures, a #scifi #comic of hope and community. Come say hi and check it out! (And maybe some of my other books too?)
September 1, 2026 at 4:43 PM
Hey #SantaCruz! I'll be at the wonderful Atlantis Fantasyworld all TOMORROW celebrating Scattered Futures, a #scifi #comic of hope and community. Come say hi and check it out! (And maybe some of my other books too?)
Reposted by Ben Crane
Who's looking for comic cover work? I'm going to be hiring a bunch of people in 2027 and would love to expand my list of human artists.
Please include samples and/or a link to your portfolio.
NO AI or bots using other people's work please
Please include samples and/or a link to your portfolio.
NO AI or bots using other people's work please
August 31, 2026 at 5:30 PM
Who's looking for comic cover work? I'm going to be hiring a bunch of people in 2027 and would love to expand my list of human artists.
Please include samples and/or a link to your portfolio.
NO AI or bots using other people's work please
Please include samples and/or a link to your portfolio.
NO AI or bots using other people's work please
Studios are making fewer shows from women creators. Let's not let the headline obscure responsibility.
September 1, 2026 at 4:12 PM
Studios are making fewer shows from women creators. Let's not let the headline obscure responsibility.
Reposted by Ben Crane
Public service thread. Stay vaccinated. Keep up with the boosters.
Just a heads up. I was able to schedule my COVID vaccine appointment. Online it may ask “do you have a condition that puts you at high risk for severe outcomes from COVID-19 virus.”
Click yes and it will allow you to schedule an appointment.
No questions asked.
No proof required.
Pass it on.
Click yes and it will allow you to schedule an appointment.
No questions asked.
No proof required.
Pass it on.
September 1, 2026 at 3:49 PM
Public service thread. Stay vaccinated. Keep up with the boosters.
Reposted by Ben Crane
Seriously, don’t watch the fucking show. Don’t review it or recap it. Don’t give it the fucking time of day. This isn’t like “Aw, okay, well, don’t do it next time!” This is like, “We are no longer friends.”
Watching the new Harry Potter series is a clear signal that you'll support JK Rowling no matter how many lives she takes. It shows that holocaust denial and destroying human rights groups isn't a deal-breaker for you.
It has never been easier to take the right side of history.
It has never been easier to take the right side of history.
I genuinely am begging people not to watch the new HP show.
Like, also don't buy any branded stuff - she makes money off all that.
But especially don't watch the damn show.
Like, also don't buy any branded stuff - she makes money off all that.
But especially don't watch the damn show.
September 1, 2026 at 12:51 PM
Seriously, don’t watch the fucking show. Don’t review it or recap it. Don’t give it the fucking time of day. This isn’t like “Aw, okay, well, don’t do it next time!” This is like, “We are no longer friends.”
Only a few hours left! Campaign ends at 8PM PDT (just under 4 hours from now). Check it out and support #indiecomics
The Systemic Kickstarter ends today! Get your copy of this awesome SF/F anthology before it's too late. 9 comics about the systemic forces that shape our world, and the people trapped beneath them. From an extraordinary, diverse crowd of leading comics creators. www.kickstarter.com/projects/art...
SYSTEMIC VOL. 2: A 92-page SF/F anthology
The hit anthology returns with nine all-new stories where infinitely critical human lives and systemic forces grind together.
www.kickstarter.com
August 20, 2026 at 11:11 PM
Only a few hours left! Campaign ends at 8PM PDT (just under 4 hours from now). Check it out and support #indiecomics