Mad Cave Studios is taking readers to a world where modern witchcraft with biblical mythology meets dark fantasy and queer joy in a new comic series, BYTCHCRAFT. The story comes from the late Aaron Reese, with artist Lema Carril, colorist Bex Glendining, and letterer Morgan Martinez contributing to the story.
Set against the backdrop of modern-day New York City during a seemingly permanent supernatural eclipse, Bytchcraft follows a queer coven bound by magic and blood, each bringing their own flair to the craft: a pretentious oracle who speaks with gods, an emo necromancer with a forked tongue, and a nature witch with the soul of a fairy tale princess. Under the guidance of their enigmatic guardian MTHR, the coven discovers they’re at the center of an ancient prophecy, and all wytchkind hangs in the balance!
BYTCHCRAFT #1 features main cover art from A.L. Kaplan and Luciano Vecchio, as well as a special pride variant from Joshua “Sway” Swaby. The Beat has a first look at those covers as well as interiors for the debut issue below.
“On a warm summer evening, Aaron walked into my coffee shop, and from the moment I took their order—a chai latte with oat milk—our lives became entwined. Intrigued by their tattoos of Storm and Jean Grey, I struck up a conversation and learned he was writing a comic about three queer, Black wytches, inspired by The Lost Boys, Heathers, and The Craft—films that meant the world to me. That chance encounter changed my life, leading to over six years together, building a kingdom in Astoria through love and resilience. Over time, I witnessed every evolution of Bytchcraft, from sketches to Webtoon to its home at Mad Cave Studios, where Aaron’s vision was embraced. He poured their soul into this story, creating something he had never seen in comics—one that reflected their magic and spirit. Aaron was, and always will be, the most remarkable person I’ve known, making those around them better versions of themselves. As you read these pages, I hope you feel their passion, the power of friendship, and the magic within yourself. May Athena guide us all.” —Joshua Gonzalez
“I am so incredibly proud of the pure magic Aaron put into Bytchcraft. It’s everything he wanted it to be – a story that is an unapologetic celebration of queerness, Blackness, friendship, and opulence as only he could express. Aaron worked tirelessly on this project. Their dedication to getting their story out into the world speaks to their resilience and pride in their voice. I hope all who read Bytchcraft can appreciate my friend’s efforts, but more than anything, I hope they are inspired to tell their own stories exactly how they wish to tell them. Aaron did exactly that, and I can’t help but be thankful that this beautiful, unique piece of work is part of their legacy.” —Stephanie Williams
Readers can pick up BYTCHCRAFT #1 from Mad Cave Studios when it arrives in comic shops and online retailers on June 18th, 2025.
