for Yune who was there when it began
with thanks to all the readers, fans, friends, family, & oppressed cattens

Art & writing by Yoon Ha Lee. Based on NINEFOX GAMBIT (Rebellion Solaris, 2016) and "The Battle of Candle Arc" (CLARKESWORLD, October 2012) by Yoon Ha Lee.

Origami-based starship designs by Felicity Fisher, used with permission.

FONTS: Wendy Sans & New Friend Mono by Wendy Murphy. Angelic Peace by Dirt2.com (available for purchase at SickCapital.com).

Author's note: I have a degree in math from Cornell U. and another in math education from Stanford. I used to teach HS math, so people assume I've always loved math. I hated it until 9th grade! I only passed 8th grade Algebra I because my mom made me do the homework ("It's too hard," I whined) until it clicked. But for some people it won't magically click witth extra effort. My character Jedao has dyscalculia in a space fantasy world where superpowered magic runs on number theory... and he thrives anyway.

Since the publication of NINEFOX GAMBIT [Rebellion Solaris, 2016], the first book [well, novel] where Jedao appeared, a number of folks with dyscalculia have talked to me, including scientists in various fields and a writer who excelled at point-set topology. When I taught math, my hope was not that everyone would love it but that everyone could reach a working relationship with it. This is for everyone who's struggled with math, whatever the reason.--YHL

Webcomic version note (September 25, 2025): The ashcan (sold at Louisiana Zine Fest 2025) and WIP color print version (still being set up) include an additional joke cartoon on p. 8 and biographical information on the back cover, which are not reproduced here.