House of Swann, the graphic novel, tells the story of William Dorsey Swann; the first person documented referring to themselves as a “queen of drag”. From being born into slavery to several wrongful arrests, Swann lived a very long life full of action, romance, and tragedy. This graphic novel walks you through Swann’s life as an activist and his work that paved the way for the modern drag scene. Since there are no existing photos of Swann himself, the illustrations were created referencing historically accurate fashion photography.
flat spreads
development
Script Outline
Back Cover: Summary, Credits, and Dedication
This illustrated graphic novel is about the life of William Dorsey Swann, the first “queen of drag”. Swann was born into slavery in Hancock, Maryland. Through run ins with the law, some gorgeous dresses, and a lot of work Swann lived a fruitful life - but not without a cost.
Imagery, theme and message:
• This illustrated graphic novel is about the story of William Dorsey Swann and his life as the first ever self programed “queen of drag” • Illustrations are mostly black and white, but become colorful when Swann is in drag
• Utilize rough texture and hatching to create the dark, hateful world Swann was born into
• Showing how important Swann’s efforts were in the early days of LGBTQ+ culture
• Utilize rough texture and hatching to create the dark, hateful world Swann was born into
• Showing how important Swann’s efforts were in the early days of LGBTQ+ culture
Spread 1: visuals of Hancock, Maryland (March 1860) where Swann was born - to Swann at 24 years old Page 1 Left:
• Growing up 5th oldest of 13 children in a protestant family
• Civil war, family buys a farm
• Growing up 5th oldest of 13 children in a protestant family
• Civil war, family buys a farm
• Swann’s first job as a hotel waiter
• Caught stealing books from the Washington Library Company
Page 1 Right:
• Pleads guilty to petty larceny and is sentenced to six months in jail
• Former employers file a presidential pardon for Swann & “happily” offer lifetime employment as the college janitor (great)
Spread 2: Swann’s drag balls, House of Swann, and important moments in queer history
Page 2 Left:
• 1880-90s, Washington, DC
• Drags balls Swann threw
• The cakewalk - the time’s voguing, “a dance performed by enslaved people in America, mimicking the mannerisms of plantation owners.” • Pierce Lafayette/Felix Hall appearance??
Page 2 Right:
• Formation of the House of Swann - a group of “former slaves and rebel drag queens”
• Swann’s 30th birthday celebration (the cream colored dress), 1888
• Suspicious sounds at end of page
Spread 3:
Page 3 Left:
• Police raid Swann’s 30th birthday party
• Swann fights off the police to give others more time to escape
• “you is no gentleman”
• Being carried away by the police, eluding to this not being the last time
Page 3 Right:
• Swann’s impact and activism wrapped up
• Living to 65 and passing away (once again) in Hancock, Maryland
• Local officials burnt down Swann’s home after death and cremation in December 1925
• Caught stealing books from the Washington Library Company
Page 1 Right:
• Pleads guilty to petty larceny and is sentenced to six months in jail
• Former employers file a presidential pardon for Swann & “happily” offer lifetime employment as the college janitor (great)
Spread 2: Swann’s drag balls, House of Swann, and important moments in queer history
Page 2 Left:
• 1880-90s, Washington, DC
• Drags balls Swann threw
• The cakewalk - the time’s voguing, “a dance performed by enslaved people in America, mimicking the mannerisms of plantation owners.” • Pierce Lafayette/Felix Hall appearance??
Page 2 Right:
• Formation of the House of Swann - a group of “former slaves and rebel drag queens”
• Swann’s 30th birthday celebration (the cream colored dress), 1888
• Suspicious sounds at end of page
Spread 3:
Page 3 Left:
• Police raid Swann’s 30th birthday party
• Swann fights off the police to give others more time to escape
• “you is no gentleman”
• Being carried away by the police, eluding to this not being the last time
Page 3 Right:
• Swann’s impact and activism wrapped up
• Living to 65 and passing away (once again) in Hancock, Maryland
• Local officials burnt down Swann’s home after death and cremation in December 1925
first cover designs
first digital thumbnails (before deciding to work traditionally)
start of spreads
final spreads without text
for educational use only
