Muslim
In a bold move to redefine how modern audiences interact with serialized fiction, AWA Studios has launched Lesser Evils, an ambitious, multimedia-integrated narrative universe set against the backdrop of contemporary Brooklyn. Blending the mundane anxieties of urban millennial life with the high-stakes thrills of the supernatural, the property is designed as a sprawling, interconnected world spanning digital comics, webtoons, and live-action short films.
The Core Concept: Supernatural Realism in the Borough
At its heart, Lesser Evils acts as a "looking glass" into the soul of Brooklyn. The creative team—led by writer Ian Grody and director/producer Justin Fair, with visual contributions from acclaimed artist Yishan Li (Hellboy, Batwoman)—envisions a landscape where the boundary between reality and myth is paper-thin.
The universe populates the familiar streets of Bushwick, Greenpoint, and beyond with mythological archetypes—spiraling genies, vengeful golems, and soul-feeding demons—who find themselves navigating the same pressures as the human residents: failed relationships, toxic workplaces, entrepreneurial desperation, and the relentless search for identity.
"My aspiration from the jump has been to create a comic through the lens of contemporary culture," says Ian Grody. "Brooklyn was the perfect backdrop because it’s not only a cultural hub; it’s a place of becoming. Where people actively go to transform and reinvent themselves. Any place where there’s that much hope and desperation and frustration is already full of magic."
Chronology and Launch Strategy
The rollout of Lesser Evils represents a sophisticated, multi-platform release strategy that deviates from the traditional "print-first" model of comic book publishing.
- May 25, 2022: The digital launch commenced on the GlobalComix platform with EMMETT #1: A LESSER EVILS STORY. To maximize accessibility, the title was released simultaneously in six languages: English, French, Spanish, Italian, Brazilian Portuguese, and Hindi.
- May 25 – July 22, 2022: A high-frequency webtoon serialization began, dropping three episodes per week over a nine-week period to maintain audience engagement and build digital momentum.
- August 24, 2022: The transition to physical retail occurred with the print release of Emmett #1 in comic shops, marking the first time the property moved from screen to paper.
- Future Slate: Following the Emmett release, AWA Studios has confirmed a phased rollout for the remaining three pillars of the universe: Ginn, Thriftr, and Tails.
The Four Pillars: A Breakdown of the Stories
The Lesser Evils universe is built upon four distinct narrative arcs, each serving as a standalone story that contributes to the broader thematic tapestry of the shared world.
1. Emmett: The Golem of Bushwick
The flagship title, Emmett, is described as a "supernatural, stoner, self-love story." It follows Lydia Loew, an artisan potter whose heartbreak leads her to accidentally conjure a golem. Unlike traditional, lumbering clay monsters, Emmett is a functional, witty, and surprisingly helpful companion who assists Lydia in navigating the complexities of revenge and emotional recovery.
2. Ginn: The Existential Genie
Ginn pivots to a "quarter-eon crisis" narrative. After securing his freedom from a master, a jaded, alcohol-loving genie finds himself adrift. His life gains unexpected purpose when he falls for a human woman working for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. The tension arises when his former master returns, threatening the woman’s life unless the genie agrees to resume his servitude.
3. Thriftr: The Haunted Boutique
Exploring the darker side of Brooklyn’s entrepreneurial spirit, Thriftr focuses on two NYU graduates who open a boutique for secondhand treasures in Greenpoint. Their ambition is derailed when they acquire an antique wooden sculpture that feeds on the unresolved animosity between the two co-owners. It is a cautionary tale about the cost of professional success and the toxicity of suppressed conflict.
4. Tails: The Mermaid of the Canal
Tackling themes of power dynamics and professional harassment, Tails tells the story of Maude, a line cook working for a lecherous, abusive boss. Her life takes a surreal turn when she befriends a mermaid living in the nearby canal. The story serves as a visceral metaphor for escaping oppressive environments, forcing Maude to choose between a fantasy life beneath the waves or the grueling fight for justice on land.
Official Perspectives: Bridging Media and Culture
The collaboration between AWA Studios and the creative team stems from a 2021 Tribeca Film Festival session. Will Graves, Managing Editor at AWA, noted that the studio recognized a specific "creative style" in Grody and Fair that matched the modern, tech-forward trajectory of the company.
"We knew they had a creative style that synced perfectly with modern storytelling capable of inspiring a new generation of readers," Graves explained. "The Lesser Evils universe is an imaginative take on real life. It perfectly blends pop culture, a little bit of horror, and relatable characters."
Christopher Carter, CEO of GlobalComix, highlighted the significance of the digital-first, multi-language strategy: "They represent a new breed of comic publishers that are living at the forefront of publishing and innovation in the digital era. Building a universe of storytelling that spans comics, film, and TV from the get-go is one of the coolest and strongest initiatives we’ve seen for building worldwide fandom."
The Live-Action Expansion
AWA Studios has supplemented the comic narratives with a promotional live-action short film titled Emmett. Directed by Justin Fair, the film serves as a proof-of-concept for the broader Lesser Evils multimedia ecosystem. The cast includes:
- Meredith Alloway as Lydia.
- Jake Cannavale as Stephen.
- Sabel Englert as Courtney.
- Isiah Whitlock Jr. (renowned for his iconic work in The Wire) provides the voice for the titular golem.
Implications for the Comic Industry
The Lesser Evils initiative carries significant implications for the future of independent comic publishing:
- Multimedia Synergy: By simultaneously producing webtoons, traditional print comics, and live-action shorts, AWA is moving toward a "transmedia" model where the medium is secondary to the IP. This allows the studio to capture audiences who might be intimidated by traditional comic shops while rewarding "hardcore" collectors with high-quality print editions.
- Global Accessibility: The decision to launch in six languages on day one is a radical departure from the traditional domestic-first strategy. It signals an acknowledgment that the "fandom" for modern, hyper-niche urban stories is no longer bound by geography.
- The "Lesser Evil" Philosophy: As Justin Fair noted, quoting the band Bush, "It’s the little things that kill." The universe functions as a commentary on the "insidious" nature of modern life—the subtle, self-inflicted traps that prevent people from achieving genuine connection. By externalizing these internal struggles as monsters and demons, AWA provides a fresh, genre-bending lens for audiences to view their own "exotic microcosms."
In summary, Lesser Evils is more than a collection of horror-comedy comics; it is an experiment in building a contemporary mythology. Whether the project succeeds in becoming the next major franchise will depend on its ability to maintain the delicate balance between its supernatural premise and the authentic, often raw, emotional experiences of its Brooklyn characters. As it stands, the project stands as a testament to the evolving identity of AWA Studios as an incubator for experimental and socially resonant storytelling.
Rifan Muazin
Ali Ikhwan
