Accounts of the Apocalypse started as an idea I developed two years ago in my graphic novels literature class. I pitched the idea as a potential graphic novel for my final project in that class. I didn't know that two years later I would turn my ambitious idea into a physical project. 

I grew up hearing stories about the Reston, Virginia monkey house that experienced an Ebola outbreak in the 80s. Recently, it made me think about the possibility that in another reality, it could have ended the world. I wanted to connect this alternate reality to my childhood, specifically taking place around the year 2014. This project is not just a post apocalyptic story, it’s a collection of warped memories and events that happened where I grew up. And in a way, it’s a love note to Reston. 

Throughout the two years of this idea floating around my head and many sketchbooks, I couldn't have brought it to life without help from my friends, family, and professors. I want to thank my friends Quynhmai and Madison for proofreading all of my drafts and always being ecstatic about new updates to my project. I want to thank Grace and Romano for teaching me about viruses and bacteriophages. I would be lost reading science textbooks without them. I cannot thank my friends Senet and Zayna enough for the amount of times I would come into the open studio asking for feedback on my drawings. And my professors Luis Vasquez La Roche, Christopher Kardambikis, and Brian Fitzpatrick for inspiring me in many ways and sharing their favorite apocalyptic media for me to indulge in. Lastly, I want to thank my family for encouraging me to pursue my dreams and giving me such a memorable childhood.