Mike Van Daal -- Merman turned Pirate

Another fascinating piece of Sailor Twain involves its use of historical topographical maps on its title pages. Siegel’s research involving 19th century maps led to an exhibit at the New York Public Library, “Sailor Twain’s New York,” featuring elements used in the making of Sailor Twain.

My advice is: get a copy of Sailor Twain for yourself. You will read it countless times. If you don’t want to take a mermaid’s word for it, consider that Sailor Twain was on both The New York Times’ list of best-selling graphic novels and The Washington Post’s Top 10 graphic novel/ comic for 2012. Realize, however, that Sailor Twain is not considered a book for children due to its use of profanity and mature themes and images.

Merstory readers may also enjoy:

The Nalee Trilogy by Erin Sankey

The recent short story, Mira by Patricia Rushing. We missed the boat on mentioning her play version of Mira, which premiered in April. Drat! Everblue (Mer Tales, Book 1) by Brenda Pandos

Mermaid in Chelsea Creek by Michelle Tea

And anything & everything written by the original mermaid author herself, Carolyn Turgeon, including her seminal Mermaid: A Classic Twist on the Tale

Are you an author... or maybe an aspiring one? We'd be delighted to support and promote your efforts. See our Issues Past & Future page for upcoming themes, and click here for our Submissions page

The Mermaid Studio offers mermaid-themed artwork created by talented artists and info on where to find mermaids worldwide

The Merman Turned Pirate

by Eleina Fae

Trouble ensued when Frederic in Gilbert & Sullivan's Pirates of Penzance ended up as a pirate instead of a pilot as was originally intended. It seems the same tragedy has befallen artist Mike Van Daal, the man who dreamt of being a commercial pilot, but now.... Well, you can see for yourself in this quick snapshot peek at the life of the professional mer-tail-maker of fabulous FlipTails who spends his free time helping his family with their landscape supply business... and engaging in wanton piracy.

It all started out innocently enough A cutie plying his wares

Beta-fish testing his product

In a word... wowzers!

But now a pile of perfection lays deserted...

...as he goes off to pursue a life of piracy

A gentle mer-maiden pleads with him to give up his pirating ways...

...but she succumbs to his rakish piratey charms

Good heavens!

More evidence of his handiwork washes ashore I hope this is not all that's left of her!

Since his workshop is unattended while he's off pillaging the seas, perhaps no one will notice if I borrow this hot little number.... I've been coveting it for years... Oh look over there! It's Johnny Depp! *swipe*