Rentboy Raid Inspires Velvet Collar Comics Series

Writer Bryan Knight and artists Byron Power and Dave Davenport are the creators behind the up-and-cumming graphic series about male porn performers, Velvet Collar—and its second issue is available now. Velvet Collar 2: Rough Trade Secrets is the second of a planned nine-issue series inspired by the federal raid and closure of Rentboy.com in 2015. The series picks up two years after the events in issue 1, where the five main characters including Abel Rey, Daddy, Billy, Page and Storm come back together to discover that the closure of the escort site business puts them in the cross-hairs of an international espionage plot. Although published in October 2019, Rough Trade Secrets recently received the Raven’s Eden Porn Award for Best New Gay Comic Series and glowing reviews from GayComicGeek (Paul Charles) and Reading With a Flight Ring (Steven Leitman). New characters are introduced in issue 2, inspired by porn award winners J.D. Daniels, Draven Torres and Seth Knight. More all-star and new star porn performers are planned to be introduced in later issues. The artwork has been described as vibrant, sexy and colorful. The writing is based on the real thoughts and feelings of the people depicted in the series, giving a fresh, real feel to a behind-the-scenes world that the public rarely sees. The diversity of men and their perspectives gives a feeling of inclusivity and relateability, and fans can even contact the real people playing characters in the series with a fun ice-breaker. Issues 1 and 2 are available in print and digital format through VelvetCollarComics.com. The author Bryan Knight can be reached by Instagram and Twitter at BryanKnight66 and on Facebook. When not in quarantine, he likes to travel for inspiration and spread love. He is accompanied by his imaginary animal entourage. The artist Byron Power can be reached on Instagram at Byron.Power and has a Patreon Page where fans can find more artwork to support. The porn performers featured in the series are Abel Rey, Scott Reynolds, Will Foster, Jacen Zhu, Rica Shay, J.D. Daniels, Seth Knight, Draven Torres. Actors planned to appear in issue 3 include Dallas Steele, Niko Reeves, Joel Someone, Slade Travis, Topher Phoenix, Kurt Jacobs, Tank Joey, Osiris Blade, Jonzu, Zack Ackland, Maxx Stark, Zack Grayson, T.D. Wilcox, Alphapup Odin, Mike Cruise and Parker Payne. Pictured: Will Foster, who plays Billy Bear