ARC FESTIVAL 2026! Periodical is a rather aptly named anthology of nine comics from nine different creators, all centred around periods. The title itself grew out of a hilarious misunderstanding of the word “periodical” in a group chat, before evolving into this collection of stories. Described as “gorgeous, hilarious, sometimes informative,” the anthology showcases the talents of Rachael Ball, Chie Hosaka, Nuala C. Murphy, Jenny Robins, Rebecca Lightbody, Rebecca K Jones, Emily Maher, Lara Callaghan and Hannah Lee Miller.
Cover by Rebecca Lightbody
Let’s start with the cover. Rather than shying away from menstrual blood, something women are so often expected to hide, cover artist Rebecca Lightbody puts it front and centre. Featuring a blood-soaked tampon, a menstrual cup, a sanitary pad and a pair of stained knickers, the illustration boldly declares that periods are nothing to be ashamed of. It’s impossible to ignore, and that’s precisely the point.
Art by Rachael Ball
Inside, the stories are rendered in striking monochrome, with each artist bringing their own distinctive visual style to the page. The opening story, by Rachael Ball, follows a young girl who gets her first period while away at camp. Unsure how to position a sanitary pad and bleeding so heavily she feels trapped in a toilet cubicle, she eventually finds comfort in reconnecting with nature. Alone in the forest, she removes her pad and simply lets herself bleed, free from embarrassment or expectation.
Art by Rebecca K Jones
Rebecca Lightbody’s ‘Blobography’, meanwhile, offers a delightfully tongue-in-cheek guide to “the art of period blobs” and how to identify them. One entry, THE BLOB, is described as appearing when “you either sneezed or forgot your moon cup.” Elsewhere, the anthology explores the medical history of menstruation, menstrual conditions, the awkwardness and shame so many people experience growing up, and the quiet solidarity that comes from realising these experiences are far more universal than we’ve been led to believe.
Art by Nuala C. Murphy
Although each comic approaches the subject from a different angle, whether educational, deeply personal or laugh-out-loud funny, they all share a common goal: breaking the silence around menstruation. The result is an anthology that feels refreshingly honest, refusing to sanitise or sensationalise an experience that affects half the population.
Periodical launches at ARC Festival of Contemporary Comics, while Rachael Ball, Nuala C. Murphy and Rebecca K. Jones will also be appearing at SLCZF, where they’ll be tabling and discussing the process of bringing the anthology together. Best of all, all profits from the book will be donated to a charity tackling period poverty, making this not only an entertaining and thoughtful collection, but one that will have a tangible impact beyond its pages.
Rachael Ball, Chie Hosaka, Nuala C. Murphy, Jenny Robins, Rebecca Lightbody, Rebecca K. Jones, Emily Maher, Lara Callaghan and Hannah Lee Miller (W/A) • Self-published
Review by Lydia Turner
Periodical will be at ARC Festival comics fair on July 11th-12th. For the full details on everything ARC has to offer check out their website here.
Poster by Lando
