LDCOMICS ONLINE COMICS FAIR 2025! Teresa Robertson has worked as a professional illustrator since 1986 and has recently developed a passion for creating graphic stories. In 2023, she illustrated a chart of the British monarchy for SelfMadeHero and self-published a graphic memoir titled Twins. She is also a regular contributor to Friends on the Shelf. Her comic The Cat Hotel is available for the month of July as part of the LDComics Online Comic Fair.
The Cat Hotel is a charming, two-chapter comic, coming in at only thirteen pages. Whilst the inside is illustrated in black-and-white, the cover is whimsically styled, in a colour palette and tone reminiscent of the great Raymond Briggs – something about it just gives a sense of warmth and cosiness.
Chapter one is named ‘Korky’, and follows a past Robertson’s one and only pet cat, who grows up alongside her three children. Korky, like most cats, has a big personality, being a total pacifist when it comes to mouse-hunting, but defending his territory (the kitchen table) with a swipe of the paw to any human who dares disturb.
Chapter two, named ‘The Cat Hotel’ focuses on many years later, once Korky has passed, with Robertson and her husband having a cat and child-free home. Little did they expect that, due to various challenges in family member’s lives, they would become a safe haven for all kinds of cats – with cheeky kitties Sasha, Blue and Silky all having extended stays at the ‘Cat Hotel’.
What really shines through in this lovely little zine is how much Robertson loves having cats around (despite her many protestations to family members!). Sweet panels depicting cats on her lap whilst she draws on snuggling in between her bedroom pillows show how much she really adores them, and finds her days being brightened by their presence.
For anyone who has a furry friend themselves, this comic is like looking into a tiny cat mirror reflecting all of the little things that make our cats brilliant; the places they choose to sleep, the ways to choose to show affection and even their unpredictable temperaments. An absolute must read for cat-lovers!
Teresa Robertson • LDComics Online Fair, £5.00
Review by Lydia Turner
