Kingdom of Earth’s Non-Binary Character Frankie, Explained

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I’m so excited for this new comic, Kingdom of Earth! It’s coming out in 2026 and it sounds really different from most horror comics. Instead of just trying to scare you with the usual stuff, it’s going to actually think about how society has changed and where we’re headed. I’ve heard the writing by David Dastmalchian and Leah Kilpatrick is fantastic, and I especially love that the main character, Frankie, is non-binary. It’s great to see that kind of representation in horror!

I generally don’t assign genders to the monsters I create. While some, like Dracula, have become traditionally associated with a gender in popular culture, I believe that in mythology and folklore, monsters don’t need a gender to be who they are. In this new world I’m building, I don’t think the characters, including Frankie, are overly concerned with pronouns, or even identifying as human, given the dangers they face. Frankie is exploring their own identity – are they a monster? Are they human? It’s not important to me to define that for them. I see Frankie as a reflection of all of us, someone who can freely express themselves however they feel on any given day. This new world is a fresh start for Frankie, a chance for them to discover who they truly are.

Dastmalchian strongly emphasized the significance of having a prominent non-binary character, Frankie, in Kingdom of Earth. He explained that his own life experiences informed the role. He believes that groups outside traditional gender norms are particularly vulnerable, stating, “Trans people and non-binary people are in violent danger right now.” Dastmalchian and the creator both felt it was important to reflect this reality in the story, portraying the monsters of Kingdom of Earth as representing systems focused on power and productivity that exploit and harm those without influence. He passionately urged audiences to recognize this connection and be outraged, saying, “If you’re not riled up, honestly, wake up.”

Kingdom Of Earth’s Title Is Greatly Introspective And Intentional

The title of Dastmalchian and Kilpatrick’s new comic, Kingdom of Earth, might not be what they initially envisioned, but it perfectly captures the story’s core message. Dastmalchian explained that the comic is set in 2026, a time when rapid changes feel unavoidable, like being caught in a tornado. He describes a sense of unease, where the familiar comforts of everyday life can vanish quickly, leaving you feeling lost and afraid. This feeling is rooted in the overwhelming social issues that he and Kilpatrick frequently discuss, issues that can be so intense it’s hard to even process them.

We really enjoy blending different genres with thought-provoking themes of identity and power, so we started exploring a ‘what if’ scenario: how would people actually survive a major crisis? It feels like a way to escape the very real problems and powerful figures we see around us today. It’s been fascinating to observe how things have changed since 2020, especially in America, and to consider the choices people are making. We asked ourselves, ‘Could we truly survive?’ or have we become too accepting of things to even try? That question of complacency – knowing where, how, and when to fight – became a central idea in our work, as Kilpatrick explained.

Kingdom of Earth is set to release on July 15.

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2026-04-01 01:15