Brooklyn Through the Looking Glass: AWA Studios Unveils the Supernatural "Lesser Evils" Universe

In a bold move to bridge the gap between traditional print comics, digital webtoons, and cinematic storytelling, AWA Studios has officially unveiled Lesser Evils. This ambitious, interconnected multimedia project presents a modern, supernatural vision of Brooklyn, New York—a city reimagined as a hotbed of mythological intrigue, heartbreak, and pop-culture obsession.

By blending the grit of urban life with the whimsy of the uncanny, Lesser Evils explores the complexities of modern existence. Whether it is a golem navigating the dating scene or a genie experiencing an existential crisis, the universe serves as a metaphorical lens through which the creators examine contemporary social issues: intimacy, self-worth, and the "lesser evils" we encounter in our daily lives.

The Core Concept: A Supernatural Reality

At the heart of Lesser Evils is a shared universe where the boundaries between the mundane and the magical are porous. The project was spearheaded by writer Ian Grody and director Justin Fair, with visual world-building provided by acclaimed illustrator Yishan Li.

The creators describe the setting as "Brooklyn Through the Looking Glass." It is a place where mythological archetypes collide with the struggles of 21st-century city living. As Ian Grody explains, Brooklyn was chosen not just for its aesthetic, but for its spirit. "Brooklyn is a place of becoming," Grody notes. "Where people actively go to transform and reinvent themselves. Any place where there’s that much hope, desperation, and frustration is already full of magic."

The "lesser evils" themselves are, according to co-creator Justin Fair, the insidious, often self-inflicted hurdles that modern individuals must overcome. Drawing inspiration from the lyrics of Gavin Rossdale, Fair emphasizes that the series is intended to act as a "guided tour" through both the exotic microcosms of Brooklyn and the internal landscapes of the human psyche.

The Anthology: A Slate of Intertwined Series

Lesser Evils launches with four distinct narratives, each focusing on a different supernatural entity navigating the challenges of modern life.

1. EMMETT: The Golem with Benefits

The flagship title of the series introduces readers to Lydia Loew, a potter residing in Bushwick. Following a painful breakup, a moment of intense emotional volatility leads her to accidentally conjure a golem. Unlike traditional portrayals of golems as mindless protectors, Emmett is a functional, charismatic, and slightly eccentric companion who helps Lydia navigate her post-breakup recovery—and her quest for revenge.

2. GINN: The Quarter-Eon Crisis

This story follows a hard-drinking, foul-mouthed genie who has been granted his freedom, only to find himself suffering from an existential crisis. His trajectory changes when he finds a potential human connection with a worker from the Make-A-Wish Foundation. The narrative tension escalates when his former master threatens to target his newfound love, forcing the genie to choose between his hard-won freedom and his emerging humanity.

3. THRIFTR: The Entrepreneurial Curse

Set in the trendy neighborhood of Greenpoint, this series follows two NYU graduates who open a high-end vintage boutique. As they attempt to navigate the cutthroat world of retail and decor, they acquire an antique wooden sculpture that carries a dark secret. The object feeds on the unresolved animosity between the two owners, transforming their professional partnership into a supernatural battle for survival.

4. TAILS: Reclaiming Agency

Focusing on the struggles of Maude, a talented line cook, this story tackles workplace toxicity. Faced with an abusive, exploitative boss, Maude discovers a mermaid living in a nearby canal. The offer of a life under the sea presents a tempting escape, but the series centers on the difficult, empowering choice Maude must make between abandoning her life or standing her ground against her tormentor.

Chronology and Distribution Strategy

AWA Studios has adopted a multi-platform, global release strategy to maximize reach and accessibility.

• May 25, 2022: The digital rollout began with the release of EMMETT #1 on GlobalComix. Notably, the issue was released simultaneously in six languages: English, French, Spanish, Italian, Brazilian Portuguese, and Hindi.
• May 25 – July 22, 2022: A high-frequency webtoon rollout occurred, with three episodes released weekly over a nine-week period.
• August 24, 2022: The official physical debut in comic shops began with the print edition of Emmett #1, followed by a staggered release of Ginn, Thriftr, and Tails.
• Multimedia Integration: A live-action promotional short film, Emmett, was produced as part of the initial launch. Directed by Justin Fair, the short stars Meredith Alloway and Jake Cannavale, with the voice of the titular golem provided by Isiah Whitlock Jr.

Official Responses and Creative Vision

The collaboration between the creators and AWA Studios highlights a significant shift in how publishers approach intellectual property development. Will Graves, Managing Editor at AWA Studios, credits the partnership to a meeting at the Tribeca 2021 festival, where the team discussed the intersection of graphic fiction and screen-based media.

"We knew [Grody and Fair] had a creative style that synced perfectly with modern storytelling," Graves noted. "The fact that a year later this connection has led to the collaboration and creation of four new series and a short film is a wonderful full-circle moment."

Christopher Carter, CEO of GlobalComix, echoed this sentiment, praising AWA’s "digital-first" mentality. By releasing in multiple languages simultaneously on a digital platform, AWA is positioning itself as a leader in the globalized comic market. "They represent a new breed of comic publishers that are living at the forefront of publishing and innovation in the digital era," Carter stated.

Implications for the Future of Comics

The Lesser Evils universe serves as a litmus test for the "shared universe" model applied to smaller-scale, character-driven stories rather than traditional superhero epics. By embedding the series in the real-world culture of Brooklyn, the creators have ensured that the stories remain grounded, even when they delve into the realm of the fantastic.

A Note on Market Evolution

The project’s initial announcement included plans for NFT integration, a feature that was later retracted by AWA Studios. This adjustment highlights the volatile nature of the "Web3" space and demonstrates the studio’s willingness to pivot its marketing strategy in response to rapidly changing digital landscapes.

Why It Matters

Lesser Evils represents a convergence of three major trends:

1. Genre-Blending: The move away from pure fantasy into "supernatural-slice-of-life" allows for broader demographic appeal.
2. Platform Neutrality: The series is designed to exist as a comic, a webtoon, and a short film, allowing it to reach audiences regardless of their preferred media format.
3. Global Accessibility: By prioritizing simultaneous multi-language digital releases, the studio is acknowledging that modern comic fandom is inherently international.

As Lesser Evils continues to unfold, its success will likely depend on whether the audience resonates with the "relatable" supernatural struggles of its characters. If the engagement metrics from the initial webtoon rollout are any indication, the experiment in modern, hyper-local, yet globally accessible storytelling may provide a blueprint for other publishers looking to thrive in an increasingly fragmented digital economy.

For AWA Studios, Lesser Evils is more than just a collection of stories; it is an attempt to define what a "modern comic universe" looks like in a post-internet world, where the magic isn’t found in capes and cowls, but in the everyday, messy, and occasionally eerie reality of living in a city like Brooklyn.