Border Town is currently one of Vertigo Comic's biggest hits, exploring some heavy topics that have become fairly relevant in modern America. Many saw it as one of 2018's best comics, with a number of publications nominating writer Eric M. Esquivel as a candidate for the best author in the industry this year. Unfortunately, some serious allegations of sexual and mental abuse have been lobbied at Esquivel and his lack of responses make it seem like he's guilty.
On Twitter, an ex-employee of Esquivel's named Cynthia Naugle decided to open up on the alleged abuse she suffered from him, though the writer is never mentioned by name as the blog refers to him as X. Soon enough, industry insiders were able to deduce who the alleged abuser was, with many coming to the conclusion that it was Esquivel. He has since deleted a number of his social media platforms and made his Twitter private, which is a really bad look for the author.
Those curious can read the allegations here but be forewarned that the abuse is explained in detail by Naugle and could be too much for some. He is not only accused of abusing her but some of her friends as well, who have since opened up. Esquivel supposedly made advances to minors as well, as if all of this wasn't bad enough.
DC and Vertigo have yet to release a statement on the matter. However, Border Town artists Ramon Villalobos and Tamra Bonvillain have broken their silence online and have left the series as a result. Bonvillain was made aware of allegations towards Esquivel early on but was told that they weren't related to abuse. So much for that.
Esquivel has yet to comment on the allegations and most major comic book outlets have yet to respond to the news, aside from Graphic Policy, Multiversity Comics, and Adventures in Poor Taste.