Ben Crane
@bencranewrites.com
He/him. Co-created COSMIC CADETS (Book 2 out on 12/9!!). Wrote A MAN OF LIES. Edited SYSTEMIC. Profile pic by @andyalvesart.bsky.social
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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.
Any #AffinityPublisher experts know what's going on here? PDF export with otherwise identical settings, turning JPEG compression OFF cuts the size of the file in half? Am I somehow losing quality when I turn off compression? Help me understand!
January 1, 2026 at 7:10 PM
Any #AffinityPublisher experts know what's going on here? PDF export with otherwise identical settings, turning JPEG compression OFF cuts the size of the file in half? Am I somehow losing quality when I turn off compression? Help me understand!
Reposted by Ben Crane
Just because you aren’t transgender doesn’t mean transgender people aren’t real.
December 31, 2025 at 5:10 PM
Just because you aren’t transgender doesn’t mean transgender people aren’t real.
I want to write a book titled "Secret Things I Can't Talk About Yet" so that whenever I'm listing my credits, it'll look like I have way more going on than I do.
December 29, 2025 at 7:05 PM
I want to write a book titled "Secret Things I Can't Talk About Yet" so that whenever I'm listing my credits, it'll look like I have way more going on than I do.
QRP to reintroduce yourself.
I'm a writer and editor of prose and comics. I tell stories of finding hope and empathy in darkness, because the alternative is unacceptable.
Wrote: COSMIC CADETS, A MAN OF LIES
Edited: SYSTEMIC
I also do freelance dev editing, and play too many board games.
I'm a writer and editor of prose and comics. I tell stories of finding hope and empathy in darkness, because the alternative is unacceptable.
Wrote: COSMIC CADETS, A MAN OF LIES
Edited: SYSTEMIC
I also do freelance dev editing, and play too many board games.
December 29, 2025 at 7:03 PM
QRP to reintroduce yourself.
I'm a writer and editor of prose and comics. I tell stories of finding hope and empathy in darkness, because the alternative is unacceptable.
Wrote: COSMIC CADETS, A MAN OF LIES
Edited: SYSTEMIC
I also do freelance dev editing, and play too many board games.
I'm a writer and editor of prose and comics. I tell stories of finding hope and empathy in darkness, because the alternative is unacceptable.
Wrote: COSMIC CADETS, A MAN OF LIES
Edited: SYSTEMIC
I also do freelance dev editing, and play too many board games.
Still thinking about the giant 3-story dollhouse I saw on the side of the road in the pouring rain the day after Christmas.
December 28, 2025 at 6:19 PM
Still thinking about the giant 3-story dollhouse I saw on the side of the road in the pouring rain the day after Christmas.
This is tomorrow! If you're in #SantaCruz and looking for a gift for a middle grade reader, come check out our #scifi #adventure #comics about kids having adventures in space at Atlantis Fantasyworld!!
Then Saturday 12/20, we're thrilled to be hanging out with the lovely folks at Atlantis Fantasyworld in Santa Cruz. 1020 Cedar St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060. We'll be there all afternoon, from 12-5PM!
December 19, 2025 at 10:47 PM
This is tomorrow! If you're in #SantaCruz and looking for a gift for a middle grade reader, come check out our #scifi #adventure #comics about kids having adventures in space at Atlantis Fantasyworld!!
Reposted by Ben Crane
In addition to this administration trying to kill kids, and they're also coming for our binders? OUR BINDERS.
December 18, 2025 at 5:42 PM
In addition to this administration trying to kill kids, and they're also coming for our binders? OUR BINDERS.
Settle is a beautiful little ponder on what it means to be alive and how we build meaning into that life. If Jason hasn't closed his store yet, get yourself a last-minute gift. It was one of my favorite books last year.
Today. is the LAST day to place an order in my online store! Shutting it down tonight so act fast if you want my comics and prints. jasonhorncomics.bigcartel.com/products
December 19, 2025 at 1:22 AM
Settle is a beautiful little ponder on what it means to be alive and how we build meaning into that life. If Jason hasn't closed his store yet, get yourself a last-minute gift. It was one of my favorite books last year.
Congratulations, Kevin! This looks absolutely gorgeous!
Go check out The New Space Age!
Go check out The New Space Age!
It's NEW COMIC BOOK DAY - and it's a special one with the debut of The NEW SPACE AGE featuring art from Savannah's Mike Becker and colors by our own Kevin Betou! Get your copy signed January 17!
December 17, 2025 at 6:05 PM
Congratulations, Kevin! This looks absolutely gorgeous!
Go check out The New Space Age!
Go check out The New Space Age!
Every time I take intercity rail in the US, I am upset both that *this* is the best we can offer, and that having any level of quality and service is the exception in this country. I'll still take a mediocre train over a 100 mile drive every day if I can. I just wish we had good trains.
December 16, 2025 at 5:50 PM
Every time I take intercity rail in the US, I am upset both that *this* is the best we can offer, and that having any level of quality and service is the exception in this country. I'll still take a mediocre train over a 100 mile drive every day if I can. I just wish we had good trains.
Reposted by Ben Crane
🚀 Join us TODAY at Collector's Paradise PASADENA as we welcome creators BEN CRANE + ANDY ALVES for a special 𝘾𝙊𝙎𝙈𝙄𝘾 𝘾𝘼𝘿𝙀𝙏𝙎 𝙇𝙖𝙪𝙣𝙘𝙝 𝙎𝙞𝙜𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜!
@bencranewrites.com
@andyalvesart.bsky.social
@idwpublishing.com
@topshelfcomix.bsky.social
Details: bit.ly/cosmiccadets1213
@bencranewrites.com
@andyalvesart.bsky.social
@idwpublishing.com
@topshelfcomix.bsky.social
Details: bit.ly/cosmiccadets1213
December 13, 2025 at 5:18 PM
🚀 Join us TODAY at Collector's Paradise PASADENA as we welcome creators BEN CRANE + ANDY ALVES for a special 𝘾𝙊𝙎𝙈𝙄𝘾 𝘾𝘼𝘿𝙀𝙏𝙎 𝙇𝙖𝙪𝙣𝙘𝙝 𝙎𝙞𝙜𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜!
@bencranewrites.com
@andyalvesart.bsky.social
@idwpublishing.com
@topshelfcomix.bsky.social
Details: bit.ly/cosmiccadets1213
@bencranewrites.com
@andyalvesart.bsky.social
@idwpublishing.com
@topshelfcomix.bsky.social
Details: bit.ly/cosmiccadets1213
TODAY! Just a few hours away!
🌑 Join us TOMORROW at Collector's Paradise PASADENA as we welcome creators BEN CRANE + ANDY ALVES for a special 𝘾𝙊𝙎𝙈𝙄𝘾 𝘾𝘼𝘿𝙀𝙏𝙎 𝙇𝙖𝙪𝙣𝙘𝙝 𝙎𝙞𝙜𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜!
@bencranewrites.com
@andyalvesart.bsky.social
@idwpublishing.com
@topshelfcomix.bsky.social
Details: bit.ly/cosmiccadets1213
@bencranewrites.com
@andyalvesart.bsky.social
@idwpublishing.com
@topshelfcomix.bsky.social
Details: bit.ly/cosmiccadets1213
December 13, 2025 at 5:17 PM
TODAY! Just a few hours away!
Reposted by Ben Crane
2026 is going to involve some truly unhinged book marketing on my part. I can't wait.
"What if Cady and Regina just...kissed, in Regency gowns?" is just the beginning (pre-order my rivals-to-lovers sapphic Regency Romance, LIKE IN LOVE WITH YOU, coming January 13th, 2026)...
"What if Cady and Regina just...kissed, in Regency gowns?" is just the beginning (pre-order my rivals-to-lovers sapphic Regency Romance, LIKE IN LOVE WITH YOU, coming January 13th, 2026)...
December 12, 2025 at 10:42 PM
2026 is going to involve some truly unhinged book marketing on my part. I can't wait.
"What if Cady and Regina just...kissed, in Regency gowns?" is just the beginning (pre-order my rivals-to-lovers sapphic Regency Romance, LIKE IN LOVE WITH YOU, coming January 13th, 2026)...
"What if Cady and Regina just...kissed, in Regency gowns?" is just the beginning (pre-order my rivals-to-lovers sapphic Regency Romance, LIKE IN LOVE WITH YOU, coming January 13th, 2026)...
Come pick up a great holiday gift for the middle-grade reader in your life! Or bring them so we can say hi!
Cosmic Cadets is a "stellar choice for middle-grade comics fans" (Booklist), and "everything I want in a kids off on their own adventure" (Mike Maihack, Cleopatra in Space).
Cosmic Cadets is a "stellar choice for middle-grade comics fans" (Booklist), and "everything I want in a kids off on their own adventure" (Mike Maihack, Cleopatra in Space).
🌑 Join us TOMORROW at Collector's Paradise PASADENA as we welcome creators BEN CRANE + ANDY ALVES for a special 𝘾𝙊𝙎𝙈𝙄𝘾 𝘾𝘼𝘿𝙀𝙏𝙎 𝙇𝙖𝙪𝙣𝙘𝙝 𝙎𝙞𝙜𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜!
@bencranewrites.com
@andyalvesart.bsky.social
@idwpublishing.com
@topshelfcomix.bsky.social
Details: bit.ly/cosmiccadets1213
@bencranewrites.com
@andyalvesart.bsky.social
@idwpublishing.com
@topshelfcomix.bsky.social
Details: bit.ly/cosmiccadets1213
December 12, 2025 at 11:11 PM
Come pick up a great holiday gift for the middle-grade reader in your life! Or bring them so we can say hi!
Cosmic Cadets is a "stellar choice for middle-grade comics fans" (Booklist), and "everything I want in a kids off on their own adventure" (Mike Maihack, Cleopatra in Space).
Cosmic Cadets is a "stellar choice for middle-grade comics fans" (Booklist), and "everything I want in a kids off on their own adventure" (Mike Maihack, Cleopatra in Space).
#WakeUpDeadMan really is that good. Not only a perfectly crafted whodunit, but a staggering celebration and defense of humanity amidst a showcase of terrible people. Where Glass Onion skewered the flaws of our society, Wake Up posits a path to healing. See it. In theaters if you can. It's beautiful.
December 12, 2025 at 6:02 PM
#WakeUpDeadMan really is that good. Not only a perfectly crafted whodunit, but a staggering celebration and defense of humanity amidst a showcase of terrible people. Where Glass Onion skewered the flaws of our society, Wake Up posits a path to healing. See it. In theaters if you can. It's beautiful.
TOMORROW! Come out to @collectorsparadise.bsky.social in #Pasadena to meet me and @andyalvesart.bsky.social and grab signed copies of Cosmic Cadets: Accused and Contact, an out-of-this-world gift for your favorite middle-grade reader! #scifi #kidscomics @idwpublishing.com @topshelfcomix.bsky.social
December 12, 2025 at 5:53 PM
TOMORROW! Come out to @collectorsparadise.bsky.social in #Pasadena to meet me and @andyalvesart.bsky.social and grab signed copies of Cosmic Cadets: Accused and Contact, an out-of-this-world gift for your favorite middle-grade reader! #scifi #kidscomics @idwpublishing.com @topshelfcomix.bsky.social
Reposted by Ben Crane
Fanbase Press' 12/12/25 newsletter: Interviews w/ @bencranewrites.com & @andyalvesart.bsky.social (@topshelfcomix.bsky.social) & @jesselonergan.bsky.social (@darkhorse.com), a 20th Anniv. Retrospective of 'Serenity' (@davidbooher.bsky.social @artebuen.bsky.social) & more!
mailchi.mp/fanbasepress...
mailchi.mp/fanbasepress...
December 12, 2025 at 4:16 PM
Fanbase Press' 12/12/25 newsletter: Interviews w/ @bencranewrites.com & @andyalvesart.bsky.social (@topshelfcomix.bsky.social) & @jesselonergan.bsky.social (@darkhorse.com), a 20th Anniv. Retrospective of 'Serenity' (@davidbooher.bsky.social @artebuen.bsky.social) & more!
mailchi.mp/fanbasepress...
mailchi.mp/fanbasepress...
Reposted by Ben Crane
Fanbase Press' @barbrajdillon.bsky.social Interviews @bencranewrites.com and @andyalvesart.bsky.social on the Release of the Sequel Graphic Novel, ‘Cosmic Cadets: Accused!,’ with @topshelfcomix.bsky.social
Fanbase Press Interviews Ben Crane and Andy Alves on the Release of the Sequel Graphic Novel, ‘Cosmic Cadets: Accused!,’ with Top Shelf - Fanbasepress
The following is an interview with writer Ben Crane and artist Andy Alves regarding the recent release of their sequel graphic novel, Cosmic Cadets: Accused!,
fanbasepress.com
December 11, 2025 at 7:35 PM
Fanbase Press' @barbrajdillon.bsky.social Interviews @bencranewrites.com and @andyalvesart.bsky.social on the Release of the Sequel Graphic Novel, ‘Cosmic Cadets: Accused!,’ with @topshelfcomix.bsky.social
This was a great chat about comics covering a wide range, from the ideas behind my newest all-ages release Cosmic Cadets: Accused! to how you order the stories in an anthology. Give it a listen and check out some of the other interviews on Jameson's channel.
youtu.be/8c-hRuMIkMg?...
Comix 4 All Ink & Insight Industry Interview today December 9, 2025 with comics creator, editor and writer Ben Crane! Please make sure to check it out, share and subscribe! Was a wonderful conversation.
#comix4all #libcomix #comics #writing #Youtube @bencranewrites.com
Comix 4 All Ink & Insight Industry Interview today December 9, 2025 with comics creator, editor and writer Ben Crane! Please make sure to check it out, share and subscribe! Was a wonderful conversation.
#comix4all #libcomix #comics #writing #Youtube @bencranewrites.com
Ink & Insight with Ben Crane!
YouTube video by Comix 4 All
youtu.be
December 10, 2025 at 5:53 PM
This was a great chat about comics covering a wide range, from the ideas behind my newest all-ages release Cosmic Cadets: Accused! to how you order the stories in an anthology. Give it a listen and check out some of the other interviews on Jameson's channel.
Genuinely honored to see Cosmic Cadets on CBY's Picks of the Week, a list that has often guided my own purchases. Thank you for the mention, Luis!!
December 10, 2025 at 4:43 PM
Genuinely honored to see Cosmic Cadets on CBY's Picks of the Week, a list that has often guided my own purchases. Thank you for the mention, Luis!!
Reposted by Ben Crane
Cosmic Cadets: Accused is out today! Yay! Here are a bunch of drawings of the kids!
December 10, 2025 at 12:11 AM
Cosmic Cadets: Accused is out today! Yay! Here are a bunch of drawings of the kids!
Reposted by Ben Crane
“Brimming with hijinks, #mystery and a ton of heart, Accused flies further and funnier past its predecessor. Cosmic Cadets is everything I want in a ‘kids off on their own’ #sci-fi #adventure story." — Mike Maihack
#CosmicCadetsAccused is on sale today!
#OGN #kidlit #kidscomics
#CosmicCadetsAccused is on sale today!
#OGN #kidlit #kidscomics
December 9, 2025 at 6:08 PM
“Brimming with hijinks, #mystery and a ton of heart, Accused flies further and funnier past its predecessor. Cosmic Cadets is everything I want in a ‘kids off on their own’ #sci-fi #adventure story." — Mike Maihack
#CosmicCadetsAccused is on sale today!
#OGN #kidlit #kidscomics
#CosmicCadetsAccused is on sale today!
#OGN #kidlit #kidscomics
Reposted by Ben Crane
SUPPORT COMICS THIS HOLIDAY SEASON! Whether its supporting your LCS, Indie comics or your favorite publisher! Support creative works but also talented artists that make them! In general support creative mediums and creative storytelling! #comics #graphicnovels #books
-A little fan animation I made
-A little fan animation I made
December 9, 2025 at 5:32 PM
SUPPORT COMICS THIS HOLIDAY SEASON! Whether its supporting your LCS, Indie comics or your favorite publisher! Support creative works but also talented artists that make them! In general support creative mediums and creative storytelling! #comics #graphicnovels #books
-A little fan animation I made
-A little fan animation I made
Reposted by Ben Crane
Cosmic Cadets (Book 2): Accused! preview. While the crew of the ESS Khonsu is negotiating a treaty with the reclusive residents of an important nebula, someone attacks their hosts and makes off with a cultural artifact…and every piece of evidence suggests Nishika is the thief! #comics #graphicnovel
Preview: Cosmic Cadets (Book 2): Accused!
While the crew of the ESS Khonsu is negotiating a treaty with the reclusive residents of an important nebula, someone attacks their hosts and makes off with a cultural artifact…and every piece of evidence suggests Nishika is the thief!
graphicpolicy.com
December 9, 2025 at 11:02 AM
Cosmic Cadets (Book 2): Accused! preview. While the crew of the ESS Khonsu is negotiating a treaty with the reclusive residents of an important nebula, someone attacks their hosts and makes off with a cultural artifact…and every piece of evidence suggests Nishika is the thief! #comics #graphicnovel
Cosmic Cadets: Accused is out TODAY! This is a book full of adventure, humor, love, and kindness and I could not be more proud of the work me, @andyalvesart.bsky.social and @prips.bsky.social did! Available NOW wherever books and comics are sold!
@topshelfcomix.bsky.social @idwpublishing.com
@topshelfcomix.bsky.social @idwpublishing.com
December 9, 2025 at 6:18 PM
Cosmic Cadets: Accused is out TODAY! This is a book full of adventure, humor, love, and kindness and I could not be more proud of the work me, @andyalvesart.bsky.social and @prips.bsky.social did! Available NOW wherever books and comics are sold!
@topshelfcomix.bsky.social @idwpublishing.com
@topshelfcomix.bsky.social @idwpublishing.com