abel started in the world of minicomics, self-publishing the photocopied, hand-sewn and embellished comic book "artbabe" in 1992; four annual issues followed, with abel having won a xeric foundation grant to self-publish and distribute issue #5. this was the first professionally printed "artbabe", and was subtitled "the four seasons". she appeared as a character in the back-cover story of "hate" #10 (fall 1992) by peter bagge. abel has stated that her major work "artbabe" is not autobiographical.