scarlet wings kaili
about
Kelly Chen is the artist behind SWKart (Scarlet Wings Kaili). Since graduating from Emily Carr University of Art and Design in 2018, she has published the first part of her webcomic Halfsoul, and is continuing to update weekly. In addition, she has also participated in a couple of anthologies such as Awesome Possum 3, Colossal Chaos and Life Finds A Way as well as created various short comics. She will probably continue creating comics even after the world ends.
COMICS
Halfsoul
Halfsoul is an ongoing graphic novel series, that explores mental illness and recovery within a fantasy setting.For those willing and desperate enough, a trade for power can be made with half of your soul. Following the journey of four individuals hired by HSEA dedicated to hunt and exterminate those who trade their souls becomes a struggle of mixed feelings and personal demons.
In the first part, Tale is a problem child. His new job at HSEA gives him a chance to right his wrongs- but only if it was as simple as escaping the shadow of his own past...
In the second part, Nalia is used to being the outcast. Even so, she still longs for human connection, no matter how hard it is for her to obtain. Perhaps the answers she needs does not lie within her job at HSEA, but within herself…
In the third part, Zach feels conflicted about his family and their role in the prosecution of Halfsouls. Now that he has finally broken away from his family’s control, Zach must learn to draw the line between his emotions and his own need for safety.
In part 4 (ongoing), Scarlet has long lost the ability to grieve, and has become disconnected from her pain. Yet she returns home, trying to piece together the shattered remains of her past. After all, when survival becomes more important than self compassion, learning how to grieve becomes an act of kindness.
Where can this be found?
SOUL MACHINE
“Soul Machine” is an 18 page story from DREAM. EXE anthology (coming sometime). While the release of this anthology has been delayed, a seperate printing of “Soul Machine” is available.
“Soul Machine” explores the relationship between machines and humans, and Soul Machine is a comedic telling of robots having an existential crisis, but on a deeper level, it’s about learning who we are vs how we are “programed” to be.
Where can this be found?
In person, at conventions
Ko-Fi coming soon
Graphic Medcine
Graphic medicine is where comics and medicine intersect. It was my pleasure to be a speaker at 2026 Graphic Medicine Conference.
This niche but growing genre is something I am looking foward in exploring more in the future as I have a big project planned.
EXAMS UNDER ANAESTHESIA
EXAMS UNDER ANAESTHESIA is a collabration between UBC Comic Studies Cluster, led by Dr Elizabeth Nijdam, pediatrician Anamaria Richardson and 9 comic artists.Neurodivergent children and their parents face extended challenges within the medical system, and these are their stories.
Where can this be found?
You can read (for free) the full comic here ->
THE WAITING ROOM
This is one of eight short comics done in collaboration with UBC and migration scholars. It was eventually published as an anthology called "Crossing Lines: Comics About Human Migration"
My contribution, “The Waiting Room” is a story about how and why many healthy immigrants become of ill health over time.
Where can this be found?
THE TOY MAKER
“The Toy Maker” is a short comic story found in a children’s horror anthology called “Fantastic Frights”.
Follow Jack as he makes unscrupulous deals with a mysterious toy maker in his dreams in an effort to become more likeable by his peers.
Where can this be found?
Bookstores across North America
Ko-Fi coming soon
ASCEND
“Ascend” is a short comic story.
In a world where smog had turned the blue sky into a myth, two travelers shake the foundations of those living in one of humanity's last frontiers.
This story about resilience and finding solutions in unexpected ways can be found in a hopeful post-apocalyptic anthology called “Life Finds A Way”. It has since been expanded in a self published edition.
Where can this be found?
Bookstores across North America
Ko-Fi coming soon
ABSENCE OF NOTHING
“Absence of Nothing” is a short comic story found in a mental health themed anthology called “Through the Labyrinths of the Mind”. A colour version has since been reprinted in Discovery Volume. 2
This poetic comic explores dissociation, trauma and self love.
Where can this be found?
Bookstores across North America
Ko-Fi coming soon
AFFIRMATION CARDS
This is an ongoing project.
Slowly making a series of affirmation cards as an effort to encourage self compassion in the world.
DIGITAL ART
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TRADITIONAL ART
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KO-FI
Coming one day!