Allison O'Toole
@allisonmotoole.bsky.social
Editor of Ignatz & Eisner award-winning books. Publisher of @balustradepress.bsky.social. Kickstarter Community Advisory Council Member. She/her.
icon by @sophiepaaslang.bsky.social, banner art by @mkchibs.bsky.social | learn more: www.allisonotoole.com
icon by @sophiepaaslang.bsky.social, banner art by @mkchibs.bsky.social | learn more: www.allisonotoole.com
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Hi, I'm Allison O'Toole, I edit comics! I've done work in the small press and direct market comics spaces. I love to work with creators to make their comics the best they can be, and I love stories in any setting that focus on character & empathy.
Reposted by Allison O'Toole
every shot-on-video, made-with-a-camcorder horror movie that's just some teenage friend group fucking around in the woods with some fake blood and a monster mask contains more artistic merit, human joy and creative light than anything AI has ever made or will ever, ever make
February 17, 2026 at 2:22 AM
every shot-on-video, made-with-a-camcorder horror movie that's just some teenage friend group fucking around in the woods with some fake blood and a monster mask contains more artistic merit, human joy and creative light than anything AI has ever made or will ever, ever make
Reposted by Allison O'Toole
this hasn't personally happened to me, but i've seen other artists here talking about it intermittently. so here's an infographic about a handy feature i think a lot of people are overlooking! #artsky #artistsonbsky
June 13, 2025 at 7:39 PM
this hasn't personally happened to me, but i've seen other artists here talking about it intermittently. so here's an infographic about a handy feature i think a lot of people are overlooking! #artsky #artistsonbsky
Reposted by Allison O'Toole
Eisner submissions are now open. My fellow comic creators, no matter at what point in your career you are, if you're making comics in any form, these awards are "For You" and you absolutely can be nominated. Let's get small press/self pub comics on that list! ENTER: www.comic-con.org/uploads/2025...
February 16, 2026 at 10:13 AM
Eisner submissions are now open. My fellow comic creators, no matter at what point in your career you are, if you're making comics in any form, these awards are "For You" and you absolutely can be nominated. Let's get small press/self pub comics on that list! ENTER: www.comic-con.org/uploads/2025...
Reposted by Allison O'Toole
BUT LOVE IS ALWAYS SELFISH, a dark sapphic comic with high school drama & vampire thrills is out!
Queen bee Annalyn Park has the school in her thrall, so why does this social butterfly stick to her dour roommate Maxine?
🩸 kmbrlei.itch.io/but-love-is-...
Queen bee Annalyn Park has the school in her thrall, so why does this social butterfly stick to her dour roommate Maxine?
🩸 kmbrlei.itch.io/but-love-is-...
February 7, 2026 at 3:35 PM
BUT LOVE IS ALWAYS SELFISH, a dark sapphic comic with high school drama & vampire thrills is out!
Queen bee Annalyn Park has the school in her thrall, so why does this social butterfly stick to her dour roommate Maxine?
🩸 kmbrlei.itch.io/but-love-is-...
Queen bee Annalyn Park has the school in her thrall, so why does this social butterfly stick to her dour roommate Maxine?
🩸 kmbrlei.itch.io/but-love-is-...
Reposted by Allison O'Toole
call for freelance writers: ELLE’s culture section is open for pitches! i’d love to read your story ideas about tv, film, books, music, and art.
pitch guidelines/FAQ are in the form at the link in my bio (tap the link starting with “FREELANCE WRITERS…). please fill out that form with your info!
pitch guidelines/FAQ are in the form at the link in my bio (tap the link starting with “FREELANCE WRITERS…). please fill out that form with your info!
February 13, 2026 at 9:01 PM
call for freelance writers: ELLE’s culture section is open for pitches! i’d love to read your story ideas about tv, film, books, music, and art.
pitch guidelines/FAQ are in the form at the link in my bio (tap the link starting with “FREELANCE WRITERS…). please fill out that form with your info!
pitch guidelines/FAQ are in the form at the link in my bio (tap the link starting with “FREELANCE WRITERS…). please fill out that form with your info!
Reposted by Allison O'Toole
Happy birthday to one of the greatest, Frederick Douglass. Born into slavery, he didn't know his actual birthday, but chose to celebrate it on this day.
Please read his books and essays; please teach your children his story when they are old enough to understand.
Please read his books and essays; please teach your children his story when they are old enough to understand.
February 14, 2026 at 3:23 PM
Happy birthday to one of the greatest, Frederick Douglass. Born into slavery, he didn't know his actual birthday, but chose to celebrate it on this day.
Please read his books and essays; please teach your children his story when they are old enough to understand.
Please read his books and essays; please teach your children his story when they are old enough to understand.
I've loved following Misha's career and watching him grow as a skater; I wasn't expecting this result but I'm so excited for and proud of him!! His gold medal-winning free skate was to Dimash Qudaibergen, an iconic Kazakh singer--he's always very true to himself in his skating!
If anybody was wondering why we refer to Olympic men’s #figureskating gold medalist Mikhail Shaidorov as our Panda King #MilanoCortina2026
February 14, 2026 at 12:47 PM
I've loved following Misha's career and watching him grow as a skater; I wasn't expecting this result but I'm so excited for and proud of him!! His gold medal-winning free skate was to Dimash Qudaibergen, an iconic Kazakh singer--he's always very true to himself in his skating!
Reposted by Allison O'Toole
Abdullah wants to move his family out of this tent; he's found a place but he needs funds to pay rent. Please share and donate if you can! www.gofundme.com/f/save-me-an...
December 23, 2025 at 3:29 PM
Abdullah wants to move his family out of this tent; he's found a place but he needs funds to pay rent. Please share and donate if you can! www.gofundme.com/f/save-me-an...
Reposted by Allison O'Toole
please help Lina 💜
"Please don’t leave us alone💔🙏
My husband is at risk of amputation or losing his life⚠️
His mother has no medicine and her life is in danger😢
My daughters are very sick 🩺and Eriam needs milk and diapers🍼
Every moment without help puts us in more danger
We urgently need£500💔😭"
"Please don’t leave us alone💔🙏
My husband is at risk of amputation or losing his life⚠️
His mother has no medicine and her life is in danger😢
My daughters are very sick 🩺and Eriam needs milk and diapers🍼
Every moment without help puts us in more danger
We urgently need£500💔😭"
February 13, 2026 at 3:51 PM
please help Lina 💜
"Please don’t leave us alone💔🙏
My husband is at risk of amputation or losing his life⚠️
His mother has no medicine and her life is in danger😢
My daughters are very sick 🩺and Eriam needs milk and diapers🍼
Every moment without help puts us in more danger
We urgently need£500💔😭"
"Please don’t leave us alone💔🙏
My husband is at risk of amputation or losing his life⚠️
His mother has no medicine and her life is in danger😢
My daughters are very sick 🩺and Eriam needs milk and diapers🍼
Every moment without help puts us in more danger
We urgently need£500💔😭"
Reposted by Allison O'Toole
I've been using Blambot's fonts on my comics for over 15 years. They are an indispensable tool for comic artists!
Blambot Valentine's Day sale! Save 10% on your orders with code IHEARTFONTS from February 12th to 15th 2026 at blambot.com
February 12, 2026 at 3:22 PM
I've been using Blambot's fonts on my comics for over 15 years. They are an indispensable tool for comic artists!
Reposted by Allison O'Toole
Calling writers and artists for this illustrated story collection! 👀✨
This is the one and only call for submissions Bonedust Press will have this year (opening in May!)
So take a gander at the guidelines and start polishing up your pitches and portfolios!
This is the one and only call for submissions Bonedust Press will have this year (opening in May!)
So take a gander at the guidelines and start polishing up your pitches and portfolios!
Bonedust Press and @wildstarpress.bsky.social have teamed up to create the
🌟 Stardust Collaboration! 🌟
HEAVY ARE THE YEARS will be an illustrated story collection about the weight of time on our minds, our bodies, and our souls.
More info:
www.bonedustpress.com/submissions
🌟 Stardust Collaboration! 🌟
HEAVY ARE THE YEARS will be an illustrated story collection about the weight of time on our minds, our bodies, and our souls.
More info:
www.bonedustpress.com/submissions
February 11, 2026 at 5:05 PM
Calling writers and artists for this illustrated story collection! 👀✨
This is the one and only call for submissions Bonedust Press will have this year (opening in May!)
So take a gander at the guidelines and start polishing up your pitches and portfolios!
This is the one and only call for submissions Bonedust Press will have this year (opening in May!)
So take a gander at the guidelines and start polishing up your pitches and portfolios!
Reposted by Allison O'Toole
Just seen yet another new comics anthology with a significant number of creators in it but almost no women. Come on folks, it's 2026. The indie/small press scene isn't actually bereft of women cartoonists. How is this even still a thing?
February 10, 2026 at 3:26 PM
Just seen yet another new comics anthology with a significant number of creators in it but almost no women. Come on folks, it's 2026. The indie/small press scene isn't actually bereft of women cartoonists. How is this even still a thing?
Reposted by Allison O'Toole
My comic ‘EVERYWHERE’ is about a girl who meets a boy in a tulip field 🌷
After losing one of my best friends to s*icide, it was a way of tackling that grief the best way I knew how & how I ultimately approach those who come and go in our lives.
Link to my comic: chainsaw-shan.itch.io/everywhere
After losing one of my best friends to s*icide, it was a way of tackling that grief the best way I knew how & how I ultimately approach those who come and go in our lives.
Link to my comic: chainsaw-shan.itch.io/everywhere
February 9, 2026 at 5:29 PM
My comic ‘EVERYWHERE’ is about a girl who meets a boy in a tulip field 🌷
After losing one of my best friends to s*icide, it was a way of tackling that grief the best way I knew how & how I ultimately approach those who come and go in our lives.
Link to my comic: chainsaw-shan.itch.io/everywhere
After losing one of my best friends to s*icide, it was a way of tackling that grief the best way I knew how & how I ultimately approach those who come and go in our lives.
Link to my comic: chainsaw-shan.itch.io/everywhere
Reposted by Allison O'Toole
"The Bureau of Labor Statistics has reported that gambling was the second-highest service-sector industry for GDP growth between 2019 and 2024, behind only software publishing."
Jesus Christ.
Jesus Christ.
Very annoyed at the people who decided to open the floodgates to online sports betting, it is absolutely a scourge. Great piece from Gabrielle Gurley on people spending hours a day on these predatory apps.
The Scourge of Online Sports Betting - The American Prospect
States and leagues must face up to the damage from app-based gambling for the next generation of bettors, most of them young men.
prospect.org
February 9, 2026 at 4:55 PM
"The Bureau of Labor Statistics has reported that gambling was the second-highest service-sector industry for GDP growth between 2019 and 2024, behind only software publishing."
Jesus Christ.
Jesus Christ.
Reposted by Allison O'Toole
My email to support@discord.com is sent
Let the backlash be swift and unrelenting
Let the backlash be swift and unrelenting
Discord will require a face scan or ID for full access next month
Discord will require a face scan or ID for full access next month
Age verification for all.
buff.ly
February 9, 2026 at 3:08 PM
My email to support@discord.com is sent
Let the backlash be swift and unrelenting
Let the backlash be swift and unrelenting
Reposted by Allison O'Toole
Art by Iranian cartoonist Mana Neyestami | www.instagram.com/neyestanimana
February 7, 2026 at 12:58 PM
Art by Iranian cartoonist Mana Neyestami | www.instagram.com/neyestanimana
Reposted by Allison O'Toole
ICYMI, I get royalties for this, if you want to help out a freelancing writer in the heat death of online promo.
My Lambda Award-winning debut novel THE DEVOURERS, a dark, queer, mythic realist tale about sex, love, violence, & shapeshifting, has finally surpassed 20k sales. Those may be rookie numbers to many authors, but for me, it's a big deal, even if not big money. Sincerest gratitude to my readers 🖤
The Devourers by Indra Das: 9781101967539 | PenguinRandomHouse.com: Books
For readers of Margaret Atwood, China Miéville, and David Mitchell comes a striking debut novel by a storyteller of keen insight and captivating imagination. LAMBDA LITERARY AWARD WINNER •...
www.penguinrandomhouse.com
November 22, 2025 at 1:17 PM
ICYMI, I get royalties for this, if you want to help out a freelancing writer in the heat death of online promo.
Reposted by Allison O'Toole
Hi! I'm looking for illustration work! Recently been doing doing a lot of work in TTRPGs and would love to do more of that, as well as anything fantasy or historical.
My portfolio: www.franmorton.com
Contact: malgremort@gmail.com
My portfolio: www.franmorton.com
Contact: malgremort@gmail.com
February 5, 2026 at 11:39 AM
Hi! I'm looking for illustration work! Recently been doing doing a lot of work in TTRPGs and would love to do more of that, as well as anything fantasy or historical.
My portfolio: www.franmorton.com
Contact: malgremort@gmail.com
My portfolio: www.franmorton.com
Contact: malgremort@gmail.com
This comic is soooooo gorgeous!!!
happy world heist non-prequel day to those who celebrate (sfw version)
February 5, 2026 at 12:05 PM
This comic is soooooo gorgeous!!!
Reposted by Allison O'Toole
Hello and Happy Black History Month!
You are invited to join me, Eric AND the amazing Traci Todd (our moderator) February 12, 2026 @ 7PM EST to our virtual picture book event to chit chat and celebrate ‘CLOTHES TO MAKE YOU SMILE’
There will be a book reading, discussion and Q&A for the audience!
You are invited to join me, Eric AND the amazing Traci Todd (our moderator) February 12, 2026 @ 7PM EST to our virtual picture book event to chit chat and celebrate ‘CLOTHES TO MAKE YOU SMILE’
There will be a book reading, discussion and Q&A for the audience!
February 4, 2026 at 12:00 AM
Hello and Happy Black History Month!
You are invited to join me, Eric AND the amazing Traci Todd (our moderator) February 12, 2026 @ 7PM EST to our virtual picture book event to chit chat and celebrate ‘CLOTHES TO MAKE YOU SMILE’
There will be a book reading, discussion and Q&A for the audience!
You are invited to join me, Eric AND the amazing Traci Todd (our moderator) February 12, 2026 @ 7PM EST to our virtual picture book event to chit chat and celebrate ‘CLOTHES TO MAKE YOU SMILE’
There will be a book reading, discussion and Q&A for the audience!
Absolutely wild to see this story about a Minions program breaking containment and being covered outside niche skating communities... Praying that he clears the rights to the banana remix...
Spanish figure skater Tomàs-Llorenç Guarino Sabaté will, after all, perform to a ‘Minions’ song in the Olympics. ‘It was a bigger sensation than any of us thought,’ one analyst says. ‘The Minions broke down the walls of the figure skating community.’
How One Olympian Fought for the Right to Skate Like a Minion
Spanish figure skater Tomàs-Llorenç Guarino Sabaté will, after all, perform to a ‘Minions’ song in the Olympics. ‘It was a bigger sensation than any of us thought,’ one analyst says. ‘The Minions broke down the walls of the figure skating community.’
www.vulture.com
February 3, 2026 at 11:17 PM
Absolutely wild to see this story about a Minions program breaking containment and being covered outside niche skating communities... Praying that he clears the rights to the banana remix...
Reposted by Allison O'Toole
As of this morning, here are the six "most backed" projects on Kickstarter.
What do they all have in common? They're all indie creator brands. Franchises built from the ground up, that continue to serve their fanbases and find new audiences.
And most importantly, they're likely sustainable.
What do they all have in common? They're all indie creator brands. Franchises built from the ground up, that continue to serve their fanbases and find new audiences.
And most importantly, they're likely sustainable.
February 2, 2026 at 5:42 PM
As of this morning, here are the six "most backed" projects on Kickstarter.
What do they all have in common? They're all indie creator brands. Franchises built from the ground up, that continue to serve their fanbases and find new audiences.
And most importantly, they're likely sustainable.
What do they all have in common? They're all indie creator brands. Franchises built from the ground up, that continue to serve their fanbases and find new audiences.
And most importantly, they're likely sustainable.