iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

John Lees @johnlees.bsky.social · 07/10/2026

We're still in the first 24 hours of our campaign on BackerKit, and already Darkest Dungeon is hurtling towards a quarter-million in funding! Will you join our party on this perilous expedition? Art by @maanhouse.bsky.social, colours by @stevecanon.bsky.social. www.backerkit.com/c/projects/v...

Vestal from Darkest Dungeon, holding her mace overhead.

052

John Lees @johnlees.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

How cool is this? ORLA!, the horror romcom from me, @sallycantirino.bsky.social, @dearbhlala.bsky.social, @letteringbear.bsky.social & @madcavestudios.com, has made the New York Public Library's list of the Best New Comics for Adults of 2026!   www.nypl.org/books-more/r...

Screengrab from the linked article, with a picture of the Orla! graphic novel cover, and this text underneath:

Illustrated by Sally Cantirino | Orla Bard is out for love and out for blood! It seems every man she meets gives her the ick, which turns her into a massive, man-eating monster. Despite her carnivorous appetite, she still seeks true love in this campy rom-com.

73718

John Lees @johnlees.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

I can’t believe it! In the time since I looked at the clock and said, “Oh, Darkest Dungeon has launched on BackerKit, better make a post about it,” we’ve already blasted past $50,000 in funding! A huge thanks to everyone who has pledged support. Will you join them? www.backerkit.com/c/projects/v...

A mock-up image of the Darkest Dungeon hardcover graphic novel.

031

John Lees @johnlees.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

This week's newsletter is a look back at my history with Resident Evil, celebrating the 30th anniversary of the famed survival horror game franchise. I've now reached the Resident Evil 4 remake, talking about how it's one of my fave games ever. Read it tomorrow by subscribing at johnleescomics.com!

162

John Lees @johnlees.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

Darkest Dungeon launches on BackerKit on 6th October! Our project already has north of 12,000 followers, but there's always room for more. Join us on a dark, disturbing adventure! Art by @maanhouse.bsky.social, colours by @stevecanon.bsky.social. www.backerkit.com/c/projects/v...

The Highwayman approaches and raises his pistol.

074

John Lees @johnlees.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

I fit in a longer ride this morning after not getting much of a cycle on my birthday with the weather, stopped by a local bike shop for a health check - all looking fine. Will likely be scaling back cycling a little as winter approaches. Time to start planning the 2027 cycle route wishlist!

050

John Lees @johnlees.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

How is it that every time I crack an egg over a pan to fry it, I always fuck it up and the yolk bursts, making my fried egg a mess, but whenever I crack an egg into a bowl to mix, they are always flawless?

Three perfectly formed egg yolks in a glass bowl.

140

John Lees @johnlees.bsky.social · 27/09/2026

Started off my birthday with a morning bike ride. Me running late and the bleak weather meant I only had a wee cycle rather than my planned longer ride, but with how big cycling has been for me this year I wanted it to be part of my big day. And I got to give my new thermal jacket a test run.

Me out on my bike, stopped at the side of the road for a selfie. I’m wearing my new orange thermal cycling jacket over my regular cycling jersey and bib shorts, holding my bike by the handlebar and grinning like an idiot.

Post-cycle selfie back at home, in my sunglasses and lime green cycling jersey.

250

John Lees @johnlees.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

On my last swim to Castle Stalker - the iconic island-based medieval castle only accessible at high tide by boat or a plucky wild swimmer - I took a bunch of selfies and shots of the shore but no pictures of the castle itself from on the island. So, four years later, I amended that error.

The approach to Castle Stalker, via a stairway rising out of the water built into the side of the island.

Me in my wetsuit lounging by an ancient-looking castle door.

170

John Lees @johnlees.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

It took hours of delays, two fucked buses and a stress nightmare to get there, but I did manage to fit a swim into my Oban trip. And this might be the least fat I’ve looked in a wetsuit this decade!

Me in a wetsuit, yellow swim cap and goggles standing on an island off the coast of Appin, flashing a thumbs up and cheeser grin.

070

John Lees @johnlees.bsky.social · 19/09/2026

Happy Batman Day! I haven’t drawn any good Batman art to share, so please instead enjoy this pic of me dressed as Batman for Halloween last year.

Me dressed as comic book Batman, attempting my best recreation of the Batman: Year One promo image pose.

1241

John Lees @johnlees.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

And finally, don't forget more Sink is on the way! In Sink: Pineapple, from me, @alexcormack.bsky.social & @robutoid.bsky.social, kinky fan faves Kieran and Louise return for a giallo in a sex dungeon. Coming to Kickstarter later in the year, sign up to be notified on launch at comixtribe.com/sink!

Louise, wearing a cat mask, sits in bed, drawing a crude cartoon version of the climactic battle from Sink #10.

196

John Lees @johnlees.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

Vampire: The Masquerade - Wake in Hate, my spinoff comic from @comicstitan.bsky.social of the Bloodlines 2 video game, is set for release on 11th November. I just saw the art @tmandrake.bsky.social has crafted for issue #2, and it is STUNNING! Here's some issue #1 art. Order at your comic shop now!

Black-and-white inks of Silky, a bald, tattooed biker vampire, holding court at his bar, the Dutchman, overseeing a dispute between two other vampires.

More black-and-white art, showing Silky surveying the scene of a protest in Seattle.

022

John Lees @johnlees.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

The Darkest Dungeon graphic novel from me, @maanhouse.bsky.social, @stevecanon.bsky.social, @andworld.bsky.social and the teams at @thevaultcomics.bsky.social & @redhookstudios.bsky.social now has a Backerkit launch date, 6th October! Sign up to our campaign! www.backerkit.com/c/projects/v...

A mock-up of a gorgeous oversized slipcase hardcover graphic novel, featuring lush Maan House cover art.

075

John Lees @johnlees.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

I'm about due to share a reminder of some of the stuff I have coming up! First, our Kickstarter for Grawlgore & Shanks Book Two, from me, @joemulv.bsky.social, @jpjordan.bsky.social & @robutoid.bsky.social wrapped a little while ago. Production is nearing completion, and backers will get it soon!

Vaun Grawlgore, a dwarf in a well-tailored suit, stands at the shores of a beach, looking out to sea with a thoughtful expression.

043

John Lees @johnlees.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

I’ve been working on constructing a “local loop” for the approaching winter months, a route that will let me get in an hour of riding and burn some calories without straying TOO far from home if the weather turns. Got caught in a burst today. Though after Rannoch the rain here doesn’t seem so bad!

Post-cycle selfie in my new lime-green cycling jersey and usual black cycling shorts, bike and me dripping from the rain.

A view from the top of a hill, with a stretch of green field and beyond it, my local neighbourhood down below. The silhouette of me and my bike are in the foreground.

160

John Lees @johnlees.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

These two Rannoch trip bike fits/prime dating site profile pic candidates are even funnier in the context of remembering I had to wear each of these little lycra outfits on a 2-and-a-half-hour train journey from/to Glasgow in addition to the hours of cycling.

Mirror selfie of me in black cycling shorts and a short-sleeved purple cycling jersey, with helmet and sunglasses, leaning against the doorframe.

Mirror selfie of me in black cycling shorts and a black long-sleeved cycling jersey that is a separate item of clothing but in the pic looks like a one-piece skinsuit, with helmet and sunglasses, doing a little Cool Guy pout and flashing a surfer-type hand gesture.

170

John Lees @johnlees.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

My combined cycling distance around the entirety of Loch Rannoch, also including the additional journey from and to the station, was just shy of 50km. Split over two days and hardly a major ride for tenured cyclists, but feels like a big milestone for me!

Route map from Rannoch Station to Kinloch Rannoch, 28.13km Outdoor Cycle.

Route map from Kinloch Rannoch to Rannoch Statiom, 21.60km Outdoor Cycle.

130

John Lees @johnlees.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

My favourite part of this Rannoch trip (apart from the cycling of course) was a brilliant lunch at the famous Rannoch Station Tearooms, located on the station platform. After my trek to get here, a cup of tea and slice of carrot cake has never been so welcome!

Interior of the Rannoch Station Tearooms, with all the cakes in display and some distinctive furnishings on the walls.

Another view of the tearoom interior, with various pictures and a stag antler clock on the wall.

My lunch, a roll, cup of tea, glass of blood orange juice.

030

John Lees @johnlees.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

A harder return journey up Loch Rannoch’s north shore. There was some rain yesterday, but today it POURED near the whole ride, heavy winds blasting into my face the whole way, with a lot of tough uphills. And at one point I dropped my chain. But I made it, soaked through and knackered but intact!

Pic of me in all-black cycling jersey and shorts, mid-dismount of my bike coming off-road, rain lashing around me.

Me posing with my bike and grinning through the pain as heavier rain falls.

A winding stretch of road next to the River Tummel.

A selfie of me on a little beach at the top of Loch Rannoch, marking me completing my circuit.

270

John Lees @johnlees.bsky.social · 07/09/2026

Another nifty purchase I made for this cycling trip was one of those little phone camera tripods with the bendy legs that you can wrap around rocks, tree branches etc. Gave me some flexibility to take a few shots outside of the usual selfies, and showcase my big chonky legs in cycling shorts.

Me in my cycling kit, holding my bike on a trail between two massive trees.

Me standing with my bike on a little beach, Loch Rannoch behind me.

Me looking out into Loch Rannoch, flashing my hot Lycra-clad buns.

Outtake from leaning back into the camera after taking a pic, projecting sinister energy.

280

John Lees @johnlees.bsky.social · 07/09/2026

Today was my favourite bike ride I’ve ever done, one of the best days I’ve had this year, full stop. I cycled around the south shore of Loch Rannoch, heading to Kinloch Rannoch. Quiet roads, stunning views, pure bliss. Even the rain didn’t bother me!

Cycling selfie with me on my bike heading down the South Loch Rannoch Road. I look very happy.

A view of the road heading out of Rannoch Station.

My bike sat against a road sign, with an arrow pointing to Rannoch Station, another pointing to Kinloch Rannoch, and another pointing to Beidge of Gaur/South Loch Rannoch Road.

A selfie at the bottom of Loch Rannoch as I finish my ride, looking wet and triumphant.

271

John Lees @johnlees.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

I FINALLY DID IT! For the first time since at least since I got a waterproof Apple Watch in 2022 and started recording my swims, I have hit 100 lengths in under 50 minutes, and by near a full minute, too! Plus a 1’57”/100m average pace! Cycling must be making me a stronger swimmer!

A post-swim selfie of me in my budgie smugglers, swim cap and goggles letting out a triumphant cheer, but silently because I’m in a changing room cubicle.

Pool Swim
Freestyle (2,500m)

Workout Time: 0:49:03
Distance: 2,500m
Active Kilocalories: 591kcal
Anyplace: 1’57”/100’
Any Heart Rate: 170bpm
Lengths: 100
Pool Length: 25m
Effort: Hard

161

John Lees @johnlees.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

Congratulations @lovejoolz.bsky.social on your new career producing obscure slasher movies from 1987.

020

John Lees @johnlees.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

GAH SO CLOSE! I finished my set, looked at my watch, and I was at 49:12, well under my goal of 100 lengths under 50 minutes! Finally! Then I looked and realised I’d miscounted, I was at 98 lengths. Sprinted back up and down but was now 10 seconds over the mark. But I’m now right at 2’00”/100m!

Post-swim selfie in my budgie smugglers.

Apple Watch workout summary, with details including…

Pool Swim
Freestyle (2500m)

Workout Time: 0:50:11
Distance: 2,500m
Active Calories: 602kcal
Avg Pace: 2’00”/100m
Avg Heart Rate: 165bpm
Lengths: 100
Pool Length: 25m
Effort: Hard

130

John Lees @johnlees.bsky.social · 31/08/2026

I'm so excited about the projects I have coming up in the final months of this year! Darkest Dungeon from @thevaultcomics.bsky.social, with @maanhouse.bsky.social, and Vampire: The Masquerade - Wake in Hate from @comicstitan.bsky.social, with @tmandrake.bsky.social.

Vampire: The Masquerade - Wake in Hate cover by Tom Mandrake.

2101

John Lees @johnlees.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

Dogs are so disgusting. 😍

150

John Lees @johnlees.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

This week's newsletter goes out in half an hour, and it's all about the films of Gregg Araki. The latest Araki film, I Want Your Sex, is out in UK cinemas today, so you can read this primer then head out to see it this weekend! Wanna check it out? Subscribe at johnleescomics.com!

An image from I Want Your Sex, featuring Olivia Wilde's Erika seducing a blindfolded, tied-up Cooper Hoffman.

020

John Lees @johnlees.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

They knew what they were doing with this video banner image.

A low-angle shot of Pinhead from Hellraiser scowling menacingly, as rendered in the upcoming video game Hellraiser Revival, paired with the words “LENGTH REVEALED.”

050

John Lees @johnlees.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

I’ve booked a cycling trip! So, I got a cycling backpack so I can carry enough stuff on my bike for an overnight stay. Today I took a practice ride with the bag, weighed down with a change of clothes, book, wallet etc, and I managed fine, even powering up hills. Getting stronger!

A post-cycle selfie of me with my new backpack secured on top of my jersey, looking surprisingly buff at this particular angle.

150

John Lees @johnlees.bsky.social · 26/08/2026

Aw maybe you should! I see videos online of a guy who has a little basket up front on his bike where he sits his cat. My friends tell me I should get one for my dog, but he’s so much of a big chonk I think he’d need a sidecar!

Post-cycle selfie with a grumpy French bulldog,

210

John Lees @johnlees.bsky.social · 26/08/2026

Then it was just last year that dear friends hosted a Rocky Horror Night to mark the 50th anniversary, where I got to pay tribute to Frank-N-Furter, even if my makeup was less Tim Curry than the mum in Muriel's Wedding! A great day in a tough time when I needed it, Tim Curry still inspiring joy!

Me with my pals, me dressed as Frank-N-Furter with fishnets, black pants, a lacy top and a bad wig, and my friends dressed as Columbia in her pyjamas and Magenta in her maid uniform.

040

John Lees @johnlees.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

Another park visit today, cycling the length of King’s Park Avenue to reach Queen’s Park. Both the level of traffic and the climbs I navigated would have been beyond me not too long ago, but I managed (mostly!) without too much difficulty, so I’m feeling very happy with my progress!

Selfie on the steps of the Queen’s Park Arena, with my bike lying on the steps in the background.

My bike at the bottom of the steps at the Victoria Road entrance to Queen’s Park.

A POV looking down at a rather steep hill I pedalled up from the entrance gates.

180

John Lees @johnlees.bsky.social · 21/08/2026

Fastest swim yet! At least in the couple of years I’ve been recording stats on my watch. I’m getting tantalisingly close to that milestone of cracking 100 lengths in under 50 minutes. My target now is to get that average page down to under 2’00”/100m.

Post-swim selfie in my pink swim briefs, goggle and swim, grinning in a slightly menacing manner.

Pool Swim
Freestyle (2,500m)

Workout Time: 0:51:08
Active Kilocalories: 616kcal
Avg Pace: 2’02”/100m
Avg Heart Rate: 160bpm
Lengths: 100

240

John Lees @johnlees.bsky.social · 20/08/2026

Have a look at the username and take a guess at the kind of comment Instagram has let me know that it thinks is fine.

This comment wasn't
removed, but we still want to help

Our team reviewed caucasiansaregr8's comment. They found that it does not go against our Community Standards on hate speech or symbols.

See report details

130

John Lees @johnlees.bsky.social · 20/08/2026

ICYMI, I'm writing Vampire: The Masquerade - Wake in Hate, a Bloodlines 2 spinoff comic, for @comicstitan.bsky.social! Here is our quartet of incredible covers for the first issue, from @andreasorrentino.bsky.social, @sethadams.bsky.social, Andrea Olimpieri and series artist @tmandrake.bsky.social!

Cover by Andrea Sorrentino, featuring a female vampire drinking blood, the top half of her head replaced with a burning Seattle skyline.

Cover by Seth Adams, a hero shot of Silky.

Cover by Andrea Olimpieri, featuring a vampire in an anti-riot helmet, protestors reflected off its surface.

173

John Lees @johnlees.bsky.social · 20/08/2026

Today I cycled to Cambuslang Park. I had planned this as an easy wee ride, but it turns out the park had some of the toughest terrain I’ve navigated. Steep uphills among the toughest I’ve struggled through, and equally perilous steep downhills, it felt like a rollercoaster. The roads were easier!

My bike parked on a bridge at Cambuslang Park.

My bike at the entrance to Cambuslang Park.

590

John Lees @johnlees.bsky.social · 14/08/2026

I had a great time seeing @cadeltheplay.bsky.social at Edinburgh Fringe. An arduous level of physical commitment, with a pro road bike rigged up onstage and pedalled full-pelt pretty much constantly for an hour, evocatively capturing the excitement of cycling. I highly recommend checking it out!

Connor Delves as Cadel Evans onstage post-show.

2103

John Lees @johnlees.bsky.social · 13/08/2026

My AEW Big Rubber Guys finally arrived! I’m less into wrestling now than I was when I ordered these over a year ago, but still cool. Hangman Page isn’t even eligible to challenge for the AEW Title he came packaged with anymore, so I guess “Timeless” Toni Storm is World Champion now.

“Timeless” Toni Storm and Hangman Page Big Rubber Guy toys.

190

John Lees @johnlees.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

Our upcoming Kickstarter campaign for SINK: Pineapple already has over 400 pre-launch followers, meaning we've unlocked a bunch of backer bonuses. And we've got more lined up for you! So, head over to comixtribe.com/sink and hit the Notify Me on Launch button, and see what surprises are unveiled!

Kieran and Louise stand at the entrance to a club door wearing trench coats, which they open to reveal their kinky outfits underneath. A gorilla-masked bouncer looks on. Art by Alex Cormack.

153

John Lees @johnlees.bsky.social · 10/08/2026

I'm writing a comic of awesome video game Darkest Dungeon, from @thevaultcomics.bsky.social and @redhookstudios.bsky.social! I love this dark, twisted world and its denizens. It's been a pleasure developing this story with Chris, and I am SO EXCITED to work with the great @maanhouse.bsky.social!

Promotional poster for the Darkest Dungeon comic, drawn by Maan House, featuring renditions of the Highwayman, the Vestal, the Hellion and the Flagellant drawn in Maan's inimitable style.

0144

John Lees @johnlees.bsky.social · 10/08/2026

And with me cycling back rather than getting the train, total distance was 34.4km, or 21.4 miles. My longest ride yet!

The obligatory “I have ridden my bike past a reflective surface and must take a mirror selfie” shot, with me sat on my bike in my cycling jersey and bib shorts.

1100

John Lees @johnlees.bsky.social · 10/08/2026

Cycling update: I went back to the Scottish Event Campus to complete the last little leg and cycle up the tunnel walkway, which I’ve had in my head as the big milestone since I started cycling. Then I did a loop around the Glasgow Science Centre and came back on the other side of the Clyde.

My gravel bike in front of the Exhibition Centre elevated walkway.

My gravel bike in front of the Glasgow Science Centre.

My bike on a little observation deck on the Clyde Arc Bridge, overlooking the Clyde.

A selfie at the Clyde Arc Bridge, with me wearing my helmet, sunglasses and cycling jersey.

150

John Lees @johnlees.bsky.social · 09/08/2026

Watching my new Blu-Ray of The Silence of the Lambs tonight, which reminded me of this detail which, even after so many viewings, I only picked up on my last watch.

It's nice to get this year's viewing of THE SILENCE OF THE LAMBS in early. You know the drill: it was on TV, so I had to watch it. And still, I'm taken aback by how, no matter how often I rewatch, not only do I still never get bored, but I continue to find new details.

Take, for example, the Belvedere. In the very first meeting between Clarice Starling and Hannibal Lecter, just a few minutes into the film, Hannibal points out one particular drawing in his cell: the Belvedere as seen from the Duomo. It only clicked for me in this viewing that, fast forward to the very end of the film, and the climax unfolds in Belvedere, Ohio. Right from the beginning, Hannibal is hinting to Clarice that he knows more than he's letting on about serial killer Buffalo Bill.

031

John Lees @johnlees.bsky.social · 08/08/2026

We’re live at @sequential-scot.bsky.social! Sink! Orla! Grawlgore & Shanks! The Crimson Cage! The Nasty! All available at Table 42. Come say hello!

My table display with my books lined up.

160

John Lees @johnlees.bsky.social · 07/08/2026

I’m a featured guest at @sequential-scot.bsky.social, taking place at the Glasgow DoubleTree Hilton tomorrow. You’ll be able to find me at Table 42. Who will I be seeing there?

A table map and exhibitor list for Sequential Scotland.

172

John Lees @johnlees.bsky.social · 07/08/2026

SEQUENTIAL SCOTLAND SHOWCASE: ORLA! My newest release, making its Sequential Scotland debut! A quirky, gory, horny horror romcom about a lonely woman with the habit of sometimes turning into a giant man-eating monster. Available at @sequential-scot.bsky.social tomorrow! sequentialscotland.co.uk

085

John Lees @johnlees.bsky.social · 07/08/2026

I’ve been feeling really good health-wise lately. Been consistent with swimming, and combined with cycling I’ve been dropping weight, my cardio fitness has shifted from Below Average to a heady Above Average. And I’m getting close to hitting 100 lengths in under 50 mins for the first time in years!

Swim selfie of me looking moderately buff in my budgie smugglers.

Post-swim stats - pool swim, freestyle (2,500m), noting workout time, 51:49, active calories 628kcal, average pace 2’04”/100m, average heart rate 171bpm, lengths 100, effort level hard.

120

John Lees @johnlees.bsky.social · 06/08/2026

SEQUENTIAL SCOTLAND SHOWCASE: WORMS Not one of mine! This is by fellow guest @erikapriceart.bsky.social. One of the most thrilling titles in UK comics, a nightmarish horror projecting an aura of pestilent wrongness. Available at @sequential-scot.bsky.social on Saturday! sequentialscotland.co.uk

Copies of Worms Book the First and Book the Second.

0148