The *first* first issue. It was published in glorious techno-black & white by Mu Press in 1996 I think. The map of Rain City that forms the background is a spoof of Seattle. At the time I drew the map, and the comic, I had never been to Seattle and hadn't seen any photos of it either. If you notice any discrepancies between my take and reality, keep them to yourself. I have been to Rain... I mean Seattle several times since. Most of the place names on this map are in-jokes, based on other artists well known at the time. (This particular scan happens to be by Jeff Wood rather than myself. Perhaps I'll replace it in time.)

Beatrix was the creation of Steve Gallacci, who began to write for the character a couple of years before the book was done. He farmed the original origin story to one Cindy Murata. As far as it went -- six pages I think -- it was published in the funny animal apa, Rowrbrazzle. I don't know if Steve meant it to go any further at the tme. But later he talked to me about re-doing the first few pages and continuing the story at book lenght. In the end, he wrote most of the issue. I followed his script almost literally for the first half. Thereafter I began to tinker more with the story, and by the end I think we were responsible for the words about 50/50. Long before then, layout and break-down had become entirely mine.