Skin Deep

Skin Deep is a fantasy comic book and webcomic series written and drawn by Missourian Kory Bingaman.

The story follows the lives of various mythical creatures, such as a gryphon, a nixie, a satyr, and a sphinx, as they disguise themselves (using magical medallions) into the world of humans. Its narrative, so far in one completed arc and one in-progress arc, presents the point of view of Michelle, a college-aged Sphinx who has only recently learned that she is not a human, and the various points of view of the citizens of Liverpool's Avalon, an entire magically-hidden city. The plot often works to establish a theme of different versions of normalcy, promoting acceptance and diversity.

Arcs
Orientations - Takes place in Missouri, in September 2004. Focuses on the turning (de-spelling of humanity disguise) of Michelle, a member of the supposedly-extinct sphinx species. Explains many of the mechanisms of the Skin Deep world.

Exchanges - Takes place in Liverpool, England, in August 2004. Focuses on the turning of Anthony Gillis, as well as the interactions between several of the inhabitants of the Liverpool Avalon.

Characters

 * Jim Finn - A maned gryphon who appears in both arcs. He is an exchange student from England who has the most knowledge about the mythical community, having been raised in one.
 * Michelle Jocasta (Orientations)- A grecian sphinx who is the focus of Orientations. She is accidentally turned from her human form into her real form, releasing a large burst of magic that causes the events following to happen.
 * Merial McMinnus (Orientations)- A nixie who is Michelle's roommate and friend.
 * Greg Tragos (Orientations)- A satyr, Merial's friend from before college.
 * Eustace (Orientations) - A totem fox who runs the shop in the small Missouri Avalon.
 * Marshall (Orientations) - A totem raven who is Eustace's best friend.
 * The Bloodcarver (Orientations) - A mysterious member of the also supposedly-extinct race of dragons.
 * The Grimm Brothers (Orientations) - Three demons sent from Dis to retrieve the lost shade of Michelle's father, who end up targeting the newly-turned sphinx.
 * Anthony Gillis (Exchanges) - A "human" who seems to be having some trouble maintaining his humanity.
 * Blanche Noir (Exchanges) - A white stag who introduces his best friend, Anthony, to his hidden life in the Avalon.
 * Lorne Lyon (Exchanges) - A nemean lion, the best friend of Jim Finn.
 * Jon Lyon (Exchanges) - A cranky nemean lion, the brother of Lorne and the best friend of Paul Finn.
 * Madame U (Exchanges) - A gorgon who runs the local shop full of magical items.
 * Alec (Exchanges) - A bugbear who seems to be friends with Blanche.
 * The Finns (Exchanges) - The clan of gryphons of which Jim is a member, comprising of James, Mary, Tobias, Paul, and Colin.
 * Eleanor and Rupert (Exchanges) - A bandersnatch and jub-jub bird, respectively. Disgruntled Wonderlanders who have left their home to live in the Liverpool Avalon. Seen playing a mysterious card game in front of a restaurant.
 * Zech and Elise (Exchanges) - A centaur and pegasus, respectively. Seen arguing in the Avalon.

Merchandise

 * Comics - The first arc, Orientations, as well as a short story, The One-Eyed Bear, are available for sale in printed form.
 * Sketchbooks - Two books full of sketches and development of Skin Deep, as drawn by Kory Bingaman, are available for sale in printed form.
 * Medallions - Bronze pathtags made to be in the shape of the medallions seen in the comics, are available for sale in the forms of Sphinx, Maned Gryphon, and Nemean Lion.
 * Charms - Small, acrylic charms in the shape of Jim the gryphon, Anthony the harpy, and Blanche the stag are available for sale.