about Behemoth
Founded in 2024 in California’s Central Valley by writers and artists Jared Joseph, Valentino Di Pietro Hernandez, and Scott Knoll; Behemoth Magazine started as a passion project by a couple of college students, and has since grown into a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing art, education, and equity.
In its debut issue alone, Behemoth Magazine published over 80 creative works from contributors across more than 12 countries, reflecting its commitment to diversity in art and expression. Since then, the organization has produced original zines showcased at the American Library Association Conference in Philadelphia and the Philadelphia Library whilst participated in Fanzineist Vienna in Austria. Behemoth has also supported community initiatives, helping raise over $2,000 during Heroes Fest, sponsored by Secret Identity Comics, to benefit Project Wish Upon a Star.
Led by a masthead of substitute teachers, community leaders, mental health activists, published writers, and visual artists; Behemoth Magazine continues to create opportunities for both artists and non-artists alike to learn, publish, and connect.
Behemoth Magazine provides a canvas for our global network of poets, artists, writers, designers, and photographers to let loose on as we use these canvases to spread Art in all of its forms; breaking down barriers of expression and education.
Our Core Values
Art
We believe art is a powerful tool for storytelling, community-building, and cultural transformation. At Behemoth, we support artists whose work challenges convention, uplifts underrepresented voices, and sparks dialogue across borders. Art is not just expression—it’s action. Through every project we publish and promote, we affirm our commitment to art as a force for equity, creativity, and social impact.
Wellness
We believe creative work should not come at the cost of personal health. At Behemoth, we value rest, reflection, and emotional sustainability as essential parts of the artistic process. We foster a culture of care—supporting our contributors, collaborators, and community with practices that center mental health, boundaries, and well-being.
Equity
We are committed to dismantling barriers in publishing and the arts. Equity at Behemoth means actively uplifting underrepresented voices, redistributing access to platforms and resources, and challenging systems that silence or marginalize. We believe every creator deserves to be seen, heard, and valued—no exceptions.
Why an Art Collective and Literary Magazine?
Behemoth Magazine is both an art collective and a literary magazine because we believe creativity in all its forms—writing, comics, photography, and visual art—has the power to shape culture, spark dialogue, and build stronger communities. We proudly recognize comics as a legitimate literary art form, capable of telling nuanced, impactful stories that resonate across generations.
We are honored to be included in Chillsubs list of 200+ Magazines Who Publish Comics, Art, or Other Visual Works, a testament to our ongoing commitment to showcasing diverse visual storytelling.
At Behemoth, we defend the right to read, create, and share stories freely. In a time of growing censorship and book bans—especially those silencing marginalized voices—we stand for artistic freedom and the preservation of diverse perspectives.
In our inaugural digital issue, we featured over 80 artists and writers from across the globe, including 14 from California’s Central Valley. Through mentorship, editorial experience, and community engagement, Behemoth empowers emerging creatives to develop their skills, contribute to academic and professional fields, and promote wellness through artistic expression.
Beyond publishing, we support academic growth by helping students strengthen their writing and communication skills for college and beyond. Through workshops, mentorship, and personalized editorial feedback, we prepare new voices for success in both academic and professional spaces.
Through creative expression, collaboration, and advocacy, Behemoth Magazine builds a future where every story matters—and every voice has a place to be heard.
Cultivating Creative Expression and Community Wellness
In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, challenges in education and mental health have intensified. Recent data indicates that fewer than one-third of students nationwide are achieving proficiency in reading, with average scores declining across multiple grade levels. Simultaneously, over 80% of young people have reported negative impacts on their mental health, work, and daily activities due to the pandemic.
Since the organization’s founding, we’ve been honored to share our work across a range of platforms—from exhibiting internationally at Fanzineist Vienna to participating in the American Library Association Conference in Philadelphia. Locally, we were proud to participate in Cat Zine Fest presented by Cool Cat Collective LBC, a community event that also supported Tipped Ears. Each of these opportunities reflects our commitment to engaging both global and grassroots creative communities while uplifting causes we believe in.
Amid these challenges, there has been a notable resurgence in reading and book engagement. In 2020, over 750.9 million print books were sold in the U.S., marking an 8.24% increase over 2019. This trend continued with a 1.6% increase in print book sales in 2024, driven largely by a 4.8% rise in adult fiction and a 35.8% surge in the fantasy genre. Additionally, consumer spending on recreational reading rose 22.9% in 2020 and another 1.8% in 2021, reaching $15.2 billion.
At Behemoth Magazine, we harness this renewed interest in literature to foster authentic, non-AI-generated creative works. As both an art collective and literary magazine, we provide a platform for readers and aspiring artists to engage deeply with visual storytelling, writing, and cultural expression. Our mission is to amplify underrepresented voices, support living artists and writers, and serve communities that have historically lacked access to such opportunities.
By championing human-made art and literature, we aim to bridge educational gaps, enhance mental well-being, and build a more inclusive and connected creative community.
