Babcock has penned Rupert Reaper, a "nihilistic story for children" that follows a cute lil' scythe-toting death dealer in search of friendship.
"All he wants is a friend, but every time he touches someone they die and that makes him feel bad," an abstract for Babcock's book reads. "Rupert drags himself through his lonely, chaotic and unchanging existence, unable to live and unable to die until one day, he meets a little ghost dog."
As Babcock writes in a disclaimer, "This is a kids story written for grown ups. It deals with death, depression and suicide. I've approached those topics with both humour and sensitivity, but there is a lot of dark subject matter. I think it's appropriate for both kids and adults, but I'm not a father."
The 32-page storybook was made with zero carbon footprint, thanks to 100 percent eco-friendly waterless printing. What's more, $1 from every sale will be donated to Youth Mental Health Canada.
Babcock also announced plans for the livestream show "Lead Singer Ego Trip," set to go down Sunday (November 1) at 2 p.m. ET, through which he'll raise funds for the American Civil Liberties Union.
Rupert Reaper is available to pre-order through PUP's Little Dipper Art. Babcock and his PUP bandmates recently released new EP This Place Sucks Ass.
There's also a limited edition Rupert screen printed poster available, each one hand numbered and signed by me. These will sell out! pic.twitter.com/AHA4vIHYHD
— Stefan Babcock (@stefanbabcock) October 29, 2020
Lastly, I'm doing a solo livestream this Sunday at 2pm ET, it's called "Lead Singer Ego Trip". Gonna play some pup songs you've heard, some not-pup songs you haven't heard, and raising funds for the @ACLU to help fight illegal voter suppression.https://t.co/HyyG7IlC9y
— Stefan Babcock (@stefanbabcock) October 29, 2020
TY to all my friends who helped me edit this project, especially @_ZACK_ZACK_ZACK who coloured the cover, and @mandrs who dealt with my endless neurosis. Annnnd shout out @davetotheross @carloswattski @joegoldberg Mac and Nicole!
— Stefan Babcock (@stefanbabcock) October 29, 2020