The Fox Sister is a supernatural folktale-thriller in progress that is based in Korean myth and history.  In 1961, Cho Yun Hee was a young girl when she found her family being devoured by the nine-tailed fox spirit, a shape shifting demoness. Narrowly escaping being devoured herself, she discovered to her horror that the spirit had stolen her sister’s body to live and hunt in. Seven years later, Yun Hee has become a Mudang, a shaman, as well as a college student and is hunting for the creature in Seoul. Her only confidant is Soot Bull, her dog, and her only solace is in Elvis Presley records. In the rambunctious way of dogs, Soot Bull introduces her to Alex, an American missionary and former soldier.  While initially disinterested in his flirtations and his faith, Yun Hee is drawn to him out of a mutual love of Elvis and quickly discovers that the Kumiho wearing her sister’s face is stalking him and the neighbors of his church.

The Fox Sister has only been in publication for a little more than year, but it has developed an ardent fanbase devoted to its art, characters and story line. The story is projected to end after four chapters and is  rapidly building to a climax.  The illustration is lush and the color pallette subtly changes to suit the tone of the panel. Be warned, there are frequent gory images illustrated in all their vivid red, gory glory! North American and European fans have also been enthused to see facets of Korean culture rarely seen in mainstream media or comics, such as Mugyo, the shamanistic religion native to Korea. The accuracy of the setting and references resonate with fans of Korean descent as well.

The Authors and their Other Works

The Fox Sister is a collaborative work between author Christina Strain and illustrator Jaid Aït-Kaci. Aït-Kaci’s other major work in progress is the fantasy Sfeer Theory. Strain is former colorist at Marvel and has worked on titles such as Runaways and Spider Man Loves Mary Jane. She spent much of her childhood in South Korea, and her mother lends a hand by keeping the 1960’s period authentic.