Shane Syddall

About Me:

I’m Shane Syddall—though most people in the Aussie comic scene know me as Siz or Sizzle. I’m a comics publisher, editor, event organiser, and all-round comics tragic based in Brisbane. My journey into the world of indie comics started with a love of the medium and a passion for community, and that passion grew into ComX, a network built to connect Australian creators, shops, and fans.

I founded Comics Network Australia (ComX) to give Aussie indie comics a home base. Over time, that expanded into ComX Studio, which from launch through to mid-2025 operated as a creator-owned publishing platform. My mission was simple: help Australian comic creators get their work into readers’ hands. During that time, ComX Studio published many books by talented local creators, an achievement I’m incredibly proud of.

My Role at ComX Studio (Up to June 2025)

As the co-founder and publisher of ComX Studio, We  released a variety of indie comics, from full-colour and black-and-white anthologies to full series and one-shots. I was lucky enough to publish fantastic titles like Stellarlands by Max Ferrada and Ben Worrell, the mixed bag that was SYDRiS: Perceptions #1, and amazing works like No Man’s Land by Sheydin Dew. We also released the ongoing dystopian epic Battle for Bustle by Leigh Chalker.   Foes by Peter Wilson was magnificent and we can’t wait for him to publish the 2nd instalment.  Stu Thornton is a powerhouse of creativity with output beyond compare.  Ryan Vella’s unique style of underground punk (that’s the best way I can describe it) with his tale in SYDRiS: Perceptions #1 and the Battery Hen series.  Dushan Silva mixed in his homage to 90s Image comics beautifully with his Liza Ray series.

There were more in the works for ComX Studio, but in June of 2025, ComX Studio closed its doors to creator-owned titles…. at least for now.

The most fun I had was the fundraiser comic one-shot: Sizzle & Doug into the Multiverse, which blends sci-fi, fantasy, and an offbeat sense of humour, with a different artist for each page.

What I Do Now at ComX Studio

As of June 2025, ComX Studio shifted gears. We’ve stopped publishing third-party creator-owned comics and now focus on ComX’s own in-house projects. I continue to lead that charge, developing new stories and characters under the ComX banner. While the publishing side has evolved, the mission remains: support and celebrate Aussie comics.

To creators who need help publishing, we’ll still be here for you, to help you on your journey, and publish under your own label.

Building the Aussie Indie Comics Community

My work goes beyond publishing. I run ComX Shop, which lets readers buy indie comics directly from us, with creators across Australia. I also produce media to showcase local talent. You might’ve seen me on the ComX Friday Night Drink & Draw livestreams or co-hosting The AusComX Show—our weekly podcast where we chat with Aussie comic book creators and help spotlight their work.

Community is at the heart of what I do. I organise events, host online meetups, and do whatever I can to help others make their comics a reality. Whether it’s giving someone their first shot in an anthology or just sharing the mic for a chat about their book, I’m here to support the scene that’s given me so much joy.