Mike Armstrong: From Skeleton Crew to WIP Comics Anthologies

Mike Armstrong is a cartoonist based in Suffolk, England, whose work spans fan culture, self-publishing, and editorial contributions. His creations are unified by clear storytelling, strong comedic timing, and a genuine love for the medium.

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Many readers first discovered Mike through “Skeleton Crew”, his webcomic themed around “Sea of Thieves”, which captures the joy of world-building. He has self-published two critically acclaimed minicomics, “BIGGER” and “SPAN”, showcasing his willingness to take risks and hone his storytelling skills. Additionally, his contributions to *BOXES Magazine* further illustrate an artist steadily building an accessible and ambitious body of work.

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Mike became involved with WIP Comics in early 2002, shortly joining the organising team for their Creating Comics sessions. Since then, he has played a vital role in driving the group forward. He presents monthly deep dives into specific aspects of comic craft, breaking down the medium in practical, generous, and immediately useful ways. He has also contributed to five WIP Comics anthologies and has organised the anthology project for the past three years. This often-invisible role requires patience, structure, and the ability to maintain alignment within a creative community while respecting each individual’s uniqueness.

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What makes WIP Comics quietly radical is its simple ethos: anyone can join, and everyone is treated equally. In a creative world that may sometimes feel gatekept by confidence, credentials, or connections, WIP’s model is refreshingly straightforward. It emphasises participation in making work and being part of a community that encourages improvement without requiring any prior validation of belonging.

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WIP Comics actively engages with the public by attending comic fairs across the UK, where they sell anthologies and showcase individual members’ work. This creates real-world visibility for creators who might otherwise struggle to find an audience. The group’s mission extends beyond creating better comics; it aims to ensure that those comics are seen.

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For the past eight years, WIP has produced an annual anthology, serving as a shared challenge that results in a tangible product—a testament to their collective effort that says, “We showed up, we made it, we finished it.” Currently, WIP is raising £2,500 to cover production costs and sustain the group. The majority of the funds will go towards printing and mailing the book, while any remaining amount after Kickstarter fees and taxes will support the infrastructure that keeps WIP accessible and free to join, including Zoom fees, Meetup costs, table fees for conventions, and other essential expenses.

If you believe in independent comics, community-led craft, and initiatives that quietly change people’s lives one meetup at a time, this is a cause worth supporting.