Fantagraphics Books has acquired the next project from the writer of the acclaimed graphic novel Upgrade Soul. BTTM FDRS is written by Ezra Claytan Daniels and illustrated by Ben Passmore (Your Black Friend). The 300-page full-color hardcover will be out in summer 2019.

In BTTM FDRS, gentrification and body horror collide in Chicago’s South Side. Aspiring fashion designer Carla and her image-obsessed best friend Cynthia move to the working-class neighborhood of the Bottomyards in a volume that explores cultural appropriation, gentrification, and representation with a bit of David Cronenberg thrown in the mix.

Daniels’ Upgrade Soul was a Dwayne McDuffie Award winner and has been optioned by Adam Goldworm, who produced the critically praised film version of Derf Backderf’s My Friend Dahmer (see “Disney CEO Talks MCU & Star Wars, 'James Bond' & 'Red Sonja' Directors, Prison For 'Deadpool' Pirate, Cavill In/Out As Superman”).

Click on the Gallery for a preview.