An interview with comics creator Johanna Taylor - The Ghostkeeper

New Cryptid Creator Corner podcast drop with Johanna Taylor

Johanna Taylor joins Jimmy on the podcast today to talk about The Ghostkeeper, her original graphic novel that came out in July 2024. Jimmy loved the premise of The Ghostkeeper so much he had to chat with Johanna about it. Now that he's read it and recorded the podcast he's been more devoted than ever around the Yeti Cave to convert others to readers. Johanna is an illustrator and artist with a BFA in animation. She discusses the story and art of The Ghostkeeper, the influence of Oscar Wilde, and finding inspiration as she travels. Jimmy and Johanna discuss some of the important themes of The Ghostkeeper, including dealing with loss and grief, burnout, taking on too much and feeling like you can't ask for help, the importance of caring for your mental health. They discuss all of this within the context of Johanna's beautiful art style. This is a wonderful conversation about a phenomenal graphic novel. 

The Ghostkeeper has also recently been translated into French AND Johanna was accepted to the Chateau Orqueveaux artist residency! She will be in France the end of April until mid-May. She'll be a guest at the Rayon Vert Comic Festival, and will have book signings in Chaumont, Nancy, and Paris. So if we have any French listeners, be on the lookout for Johanna! 

Buy The Ghostkeeper here: https://theghostkeeper.carrd.co/

Check out Johanna's website: https://www.johannamation.com/

Follow Johanna on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/johannamation.bsky.social

Here is how the publisher describes The Ghostkeeper: 

Dorian Leith can see ghosts. Not only that, he listens to their problems and tries to help them move on to the afterlife. It’s a gift that’s made him an outcast to everyone in town. That is except for his dearly departed grandmother, who he’s partnered with to turn this paranormal ability into an honest living, and the local bookshop owner, who seems to be the only non-deceased person willing to give him a chance. But it’s all worth it to Dorian, who feels like he’s been given a bigger purpose. A chance to save those who cannot save themselves.

Then one day, the key to Death’s Door is stolen, trapping all the ghosts in the land of the living. Since he’s only one who can see them, the spirits rely on Dorian to retrieve the key before it is too late. If they can’t move on, they’ll soon be consumed by a ghostly rot that has begun to plague them.

As it continues to fester and spread, and the ghosts become desperate for relief, Dorian must do whatever it takes to find a way to bring peace to the restless dead—even if that peace comes at the cost of his own….

The Ghostkeeper's content is suitable for readers aged 12 and up.