Hi, I'm Szabor Smo Sienkiewicz (he/him), and I'm the human being behind "War is where the Heart is." It means a lot to me that you're here.
As an Eastern European trans man, I have literally never seen myself represented in pop culture. In addition to that, the Polish stories, symbols and heroes that I grew up with, identify with, and that I love often get appropriated by right-wing ideologies. It is my wish to reclaim these stories, and to make them queer.
I wanted to take the character of a larger-than-life adventurer, and to make him trans. To take the cheesiest fairytale of a romance that would put a harlequin to shame, and make it queer. To take the character of a brilliant but ruthless ruler, and make her a woman.
This comic is my rebellion against the bigotry in Poland and against anti-Slavic xenophobia in the West. It is a wish for an Eastern Europe that is untainted by patriarchy and white supremacy, one that embraces and celebrates diversity.
One that was never subdued, never christened - one that preserved its very own Magic.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Let's get sappy!
Big thank you to my amazing Patrons:
Kat
Olga
Your support means everything to me!
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And these wonderful humans and cats, in no particular order:
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Juno, my sensitivity reader, who also became a friend. You've been an absolute delight to work with. Thank you for your insight, creativity and reassurances while I overthink, overworry, and generally over-everything.
Find Juno online @ twitter.com/stellarempress
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While Juno's assistance has been invaluable, any errors or omissions remain the sole responsibility of the author, a.k.a me. Please always feel free to call me out.
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My lovely beta readers: Emilian, Nadja, Aiu & Kat. I'm incredibly thankful for your enthusiasm and support.
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My alpha reader, my best friend, my walrus, my soulmate, my Andrew. Thank you for being the Mid-Life Crisis to my Daddy Issues.
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And UgaÅ›, who shortly after her death came to me in a dream and brought me the beginning of this story.
UgaÅ›