Archive for the ‘Looking Ahead’

ON THE ROAD :: HEROES HEADS TO BALTIMORE COMIC-CON SEPTEMBER 8-10!

September 01, 2023 By: Karla Southern Category: DISCUSS, EVENTS, Heroes Aren't Hard To Find, Looking Ahead, NEWS, Now Read This!, On the Road, Other Events, Out and About

HEROES HEADS TO

BALTIMORE COMIC-CON

SEPTEMBER 8-10!

The Baltimore Comic-Con will be held at the:

Baltimore Convention Center
One West Pratt Street
Baltimore, Maryland 21201

Show Hours:
Friday: 1pm-7pm
Saturday: 10am-7pm
Sunday: 10am-5pm

Kids 10 and under get in FREE with a paying adult

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Marvel: Universe of Super Heroes – EXTENDED THROUGH JANUARY 1, 2024!

August 18, 2023 By: Karla Southern Category: Comics Industry, DISCUSS, EVENTS, Feast Your Eyes, Looking Ahead, NEWS, Now Read This!, Other Events, Out and About, This Just In

DISCOVERY PLACE SCIENCE

Media Contact: Sarah Wheat | swheat@discoveryplace.org

Marvel: Universe of Super Heroes

Charlotte Run Extended!

Popular exhibition will be at Discovery Place Science
until January 1, 2024

CHARLOTTE, NC (August 17, 2023) â€“ Discovery Place Science announces that it will extend the run of Marvel: Universe of Super Heroes through the end of the year. The last time to see this popular exhibition before it heads overseas will be New Year’s Day 2024.

“Marvel: Universe of Super Heroes has been our largest and most popular exhibition in years, and we are thrilled to announce its extended run to close out the year,” said Catherine Wilson Horne President & CEO of Discovery Place. “The exhibition has brought many new guests to our Museum, and it’s been wonderful sharing all that Discovery Place Science has to offer with them.”

More than 50,000 tickets to Marvel: Universe of Super Heroes were sold in the initial run of the exhibition, and nearly half of all Museum guests have chosen to upgrade their experience by visiting the exhibition. Guests have arrived from more than 40 states—from nearby South Carolina, Georgia and Tennessee all the way to West Coast and even Alaska and Hawaii—to experience one of the most comprehensively sourced and thoroughly researched exhibitions devoted to the Marvel Universe. 

With more than 300 original artifacts, including some of Marvel’s most iconic costumes, props and original art, this exhibition has wowed longtime fans and Marvel novices alike with its visually stunning presentation spanning 12,000 square feet. 

Discovery Place Science will also extend “Marvel After Hours,” on select Friday and Saturday evenings from 5:00 – 9:00 p.m. to spotlight Marvel: Universe of Super Heroes and offer flexible viewing hours. 

For more information visit discoveryplace.org

The exhibition tells Marvel’s story in comics, film and other media and commemorates 1939’s seminal Marvel Comics #1—the first-ever appearance of Marvel’s Super Heroes—as well as the Marvel Cinematic Universe. This exhibition has drawn widespread acclaim from audiences and press alike.

“We are beyond thrilled to bring this incredible blockbuster exhibition to our community,” said Catherine Wilson Horne, President & CEO of Discovery Place. “This is Discovery Place Science’s first post-pandemic exhibition of this caliber, and it is a true showstopper. The title speaks for itself, and we can’t wait to welcome fans from Charlotte and beyond to experience Marvel like never before.”

“Our show begins with the origins of the Marvel Universe and moves through to the present day, giving a chance to see some of the rarest and most precious objects from the past 80 years of pop culture history and pointing toward the future with work from some of today’s foremost creators,” says curator Ben Saunders about the exhibition, which is produced by Semmel Exhibitions, Marvel Entertainment, and MoPOP.

Marvel: Universe of Super Heroes traces the story of the company and its influence on visual culture while also uncovering the narratives of individual characters such as Captain America, Spider-Man, Black Panther, Captain Marvel, and Doctor Strange, giving insight into how Marvel has influenced and drawn inspiration from the ever-changing tides of popular culture; tracing how their stories have responded to historical events and addressed wider issues such as gender, race and mental illness; and honoring pioneering creators such as Stan Lee, Jack Kirby, and Steve Ditko, whose imagination made Marvel into the endlessly expansive fictional universes we know today.

“Marvel transformed the idea of the Super Hero in the 1960s—and beyond—by ratcheting up the visual spectacle, emotional dynamism and philosophical sophistication of the action-adventure comics genre,” says Brian Crosby, head of Marvel Themed Entertainment. “Marvel has always been a reflection of the world outside your own window and one of its most compelling messages has always been that anyone—regardless of race, religion or gender—can be a Super Hero.”

Breathtaking artifacts thrill collectors and casual fans alike, immersive set pieces and interactive installations bring the comic book world to life, and the visual aspects of the exhibition are accompanied by an immersive soundscape created by acclaimed composer Lorne Balfe. Visitors will enjoy the opportunity to travel through the mysterious mirror dimension of Doctor Strange; get up-close glimpses at concept sketches, props, and costumes from Marvel Studios blockbusters; pose for selfies alongside life-size representations of Black Panther, Spider-Man, and other characters; see the original art from some of Marvel’s most notable comics; and even step into Tony Stark’s lab to test the capabilities of the Iron Man armor for themselves.

The exhibition has been curated by an outstanding team that includes three scholars of comics – Benjamin Saunders, Matthew J. Smith and Randy Duncan, all of whom are university professors and experts in their field. Renowned comics writers and editors Annie Nocenti and Danny Fingeroth also contributed their time and knowledge to create a fully-formed picture of the Marvel phenomenon.

About Discovery Place Science
Discovery Place Science is the leading hub for science learning in the Carolinas—dedicated to the exchange of ideas, scientific exploration and creative expression to stimulate innovative problem-solving and learning. The Museum brings relevant, contemporary science to life through groundbreaking exhibitions, interactive educational programming and hands-on activities. Located in Uptown Charlotte at 301 N. Tryon Street, convenient parking is available in the Museum’s parking deck—the Carol Grotnes Belk Complex—at the corner of Sixth and Church streets. For more information about Discovery Place Science, call 704-372-6261, visit discoveryplace.org, or connect with Discovery Place Science on FacebookTwitterInstagram and YouTube.

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SNARLAGON TAKES OVER CHARLOTTE! IN-STORE SIGNING WITH ANDREW MACLEAN – WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 30!

August 18, 2023 By: Karla Southern Category: DISCUSS, EVENTS, Feast Your Eyes, Heroes Aren't Hard To Find, Looking Ahead, NEWS, Now Read This!, Other Events, Special Offers, Spotlight on New Releases, Store Signings, This Just In

ANDREW MACLEAN


AUTHOR, ARTIST & CREATOR OF “SNARLAGON”,
“HEADLOPPER”, & “APOCALYPTIGIRL”

IN-STORE SIGNING

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 30

1PM-3PM & 5PM-7PM

Heroes Aren’t Hard to Find is honored to be the FIRST OFFICIAL STOP on the SNARLAGON ROAD TOUR, Wednesday, August 30!

Andrew will be signing from 1PM-3PM, and again from 5PM-7PM.

Click or scan the QR Code for more info about the SNARLAGON ROAD TOUR!

WHAT IS SNARLAGON?

From Andrew’s Website:

Snarlagon is a 48-page (approx.) graphic novella. It is my love letter to all the old kaiju movies that I absolutely adore. Packed with city-stomping kaiju action and high stakes human shenanigans, this creature feature satire is fun, quirky, and exciting! And it is only $10.

View the SNARLAGON Kickstarter HERE

Don’t forget to check out Andrew’s other creations ApocalyptiGirl, Headlopper, and the New “Godzilla: War For Humanity”!

#AndrewMacLean #SNARLAGON #SnarlagonRoadTour #HeadLopper #ApocalypticGirl #InStoreSigning #UnderTheWaterTower #ReadMoreComics

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HEROES HITS THE ROAD FOR TWO GREAT SHOWS THIS WEEKEND!

August 14, 2023 By: Karla Southern Category: EVENTS, Looking Ahead, Now Read This!, On the Road, Other Events, Out and About, Vintage Comics

THIS WEEKEND!

Shelton and the Heroes Aren’t Hard to Find crew are hitting the road for two shows this weekend!

Saturday, August 19

VA Comicon
Show Hours: 11AM-4PM
Admission: General Admission – $12.00, VIP – $20.00,
Kids 12 & Under FREE

RICHMOND RACEWAY
600 E Laburnum Ave Richmond, VA 23222

Sunday, August 20

Raleigh Comic Book Show
Show Hours: 10AM-4PM
Admission: FREE

HILTON GARDEN INN – CRABTREE VALLEY
3912 Arrow Dr Raleigh, NC 27612

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Jeff Smith Returns with a New Collection of His THORN College Strips!

July 19, 2023 By: Karla Southern Category: Feast Your Eyes, Looking Ahead, Now Read This!

NYT Bestselling Author Jeff Smith Returns to his Roots With a New Collection of His THORN College Strips to Launch in October Kickstarter 

Columbus, OH – July 18, 2023: 

Cartoon Books announces THORN: The Complete Proto-BONE College Strips from 1982 to 1986, And Other Early Drawings, reprinting the entire run of his earliest rendering of the world-famous BONE characters for the first time.

And if Smith had his way, it might not have happened. 

“Talking Jeff into this book wasn’t easy, but fans have been asking us for years.” explains Cartoon Books Publisher Vijaya Iyer, Smith’s partner.

“I confess I was a hard sell at first,” says cartoonist Smith, “Talk of reprinting the THORN comics has always been a non-starter for me. I didn’t think they were very good. In fact, I had an unshakable idea that they were terrible. But when I read them for the first time in over 40 years, I was surprised to find I enjoyed them! It’s fun to see these stories and know they eventually evolved into BONE.” 

The comic strips reveal an early version of BONE called THORN that was written for a college audience in the 1980s. THORN appeared five days a week in the pages of The Ohio State University’s student newspaper The Lantern. A few were reprinted in a self-published 1983 book called THORN: Tales from The Lantern. Another small selection was published in 2008’s limited edition fundraiser for OSU’s Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum called Before BONE. Both books are long out of print and sell at collector’s prices. There has never been an official, complete run published until now.

This beautiful edition includes plenty of bonus material such as recently discovered early drawings of the BONE characters, essays and interviews.

THORN: The Complete College Strips, will be published in both hardcover and mass market paperback. It will launch on Kickstarter this October for release in Spring of 2024.

About Jeff Smith: Jeff Smith is the award-winning author best known for his self-published BONE comic book series that was later picked to launch Scholastic’s YA graphic novel imprint, Graphix. Other works by Smith included RASL, SHAZAM: Monster Society of Evil, TUKI, and the forthcoming BONE: More Tall Tales.

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HeroesCon Kick-Off Party returns to Super Abari Game Bar on Thursday, June 15 

June 02, 2023 By: Karla Southern Category: EVENTS, Feast Your Eyes, HeroesCon, HeroesCon News, Looking Ahead, NEWS, Now Read This!, Other Events, Out and About, This Just In

The official HeroesCon Kick-Off Party returns to Super Abari Game Bar on Thursday, June 15

Join us for a fun night of video games, food trucks, local vendors, comic book artists, a photo booth, and musical performances by Moon Man, Jack the Radio, and Natalie Carr!

Sponsored by Sierra Nevada, the party will be held at Super Abari Game Bar in the Belmont neighborhood of Charlotte with the entire facility activated for the event (bar, arcade, patio, and parking lot). Renowned comic book artists Matthew Allison and Aaron Conley will make special guest appearances along with Bill Cox of Comic Art Fans.

Katsu Kart will be on site serving their delicious Japanese sandwiches (sandos), AhaanLao Food Truck will be dishing their traditional Lao/Thai street food fare, and Boba Baba Cafe will be serving refreshing teas and lattes.  

Each $10 ticket purchase also includes entry into a raffle for a chance to win two tickets to the Marvel Exhibit at Discovery Place Science or a Monster Energy prize pack (a new gaming desk and chair).

The HeroesCon Kick-Off Party
Thursday, June 15, 2023
5PM-1AM
Super Abari Game Bar
1015 Seigle Ave, Charlotte, NC 28205.

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FREE COMIC BOOK DAY :: SATURDAY, MAY 6

April 26, 2023 By: Karla Southern Category: DISCUSS, EVENTS, Free Comic Book Day, Heroes Aren't Hard To Find, Looking Ahead, NEWS, Now Read This!, Special Offers

FREE COMIC BOOK DAY 2023!
Saturday, May 6

Heroes Aren’t Hard to Find will celebrate
#FreeComicBookDay
Saturday, May 6th :: 10AM-7PM

We hope you all know that the 2023 HeroesCon is right around the corner, June 16-18 at the Charlotte Convention Center.

We’ve been working harder than ever to make this year’s HeroesCon our best yet!
There are still dozens of amazing guests to announce, Artist Alley listing to post, and MORE!
So make sure to purchase your three day passes today!

Before we get to the HeroesCon festivities, we’ll be hosting Free Comic Book Day on Saturday, May 6. The store will be open regular hours that day from 10am – 7pm, with a small but spectacular group of Artists joining us from 1pm-5pm doing sketches!

Artists joining us for this year’s FCBD:
Frank Antonio
John Burgin
Sanford Greene

John Hairston Jr.
Tony Harris
Mayday Trippe
Glenn Urieta


As with last year, we will have limited quantities of available on the designated free comics.

This year’s FCBD titles are:

FCBD 2023 2000 AD PRESENTS THE BEST COMIC EVER
FCBD 2023 ARCHIE HORROR PRESENTS CURSED LIBRARY
FCBD 2023 FRAZETTAVERSE #0
FCBD 2023 INVESTIGATORS ALL TIDE UP SNEAK PEEK
FCBD 2023 MADBALLS VS GARBAGE PAIL KIDS #0
FCBD 2023 PUNCH UP! PREVIEW
FCBD 2023 RANGER ACADEMY PREVIEW
FCBD 2023 RED SONJA SHE DEVIL WITH A SWORD #0
FCBD 2023 SEISMIC STORIES
FCBD 2023 SMURFS #1
FCBD 2023 STAR WARS HIGH REPUB ADVS & AVATAR LAST AIRBENDER
FCBD 2023 SWEET VALLEY TWINS TEACHERS PET SAMPLER
FCBD 2023 TOM HOLLANDS FRIGHT NIGHT #1 FCBD EDITION
FCBD 2023 UMBRELLA ACADEMY & WITCHER

If you are a reserve customer who would like to reserve any of these titles, please send an email to heroespulls@gmail.com by no later than Thursday, May 4.
We’ll do our best to fulfill each request, but please remember that quantities are very limited.

Everyone who comes into the store on that day will have the option of picking several different titles while supplies last. We’ll have staff on hand to help navigate the proceedings. As in years past, taking multiple copies of the same title will be prohibited. We’re happy to have Free Comic Book Day back again, but want to make sure we have comics for as many customers as possible. 

Free Comic Book Day will be lots of fun for everyone, and a great way to kick off HeroesCon season!

As always, we appreciate your enthusiasm and continued support!

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Marvel: Universe of Super Heroes – NOW OPEN!

March 31, 2023 By: Karla Southern Category: EVENTS, Looking Ahead, NEWS, Now Read This!, Other Events, Slice of Life

Marvel: Universe of Super Heroes
OPEN NOW – Sept 4!

DISCOVERY PLACE SCIENCE

Media Contact: Sarah Wheat | swheat@discoveryplace.org

CHARLOTTE, NC (March 15, 2023) – Following the smash success of its engagement at the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, Marvel: Universe of Super Heroes is about to land at Discovery Place Science. This will be the exhibition’s only stop in the Southeast and the last stop in the U.S. before heading to Europe. Marvel: Universe of Super Heroes features more than 300 original artifacts, including some of Marvel’s most iconic costumes, props and original art, much of which has never before been put on public display.

The exhibition tells Marvel’s story in comics, film and other media and commemorates 1939’s seminal Marvel Comics #1—the first-ever appearance of Marvel’s Super Heroes—as well as the Marvel Cinematic Universe. This exhibition has drawn widespread acclaim from audiences and press alike.

“We are beyond thrilled to bring this incredible blockbuster exhibition to our community,” said Catherine Wilson Horne, President & CEO of Discovery Place. “This is Discovery Place Science’s first post-pandemic exhibition of this caliber, and it is a true showstopper. The title speaks for itself, and we can’t wait to welcome fans from Charlotte and beyond to experience Marvel like never before.”

“Our show begins with the origins of the Marvel Universe and moves through to the present day, giving a chance to see some of the rarest and most precious objects from the past 80 years of pop culture history and pointing toward the future with work from some of today’s foremost creators,” says curator Ben Saunders about the exhibition, which is produced by Semmel Exhibitions, Marvel Entertainment, and MoPOP.

Marvel: Universe of Super Heroes traces the story of the company and its influence on visual culture while also uncovering the narratives of individual characters such as Captain America, Spider-Man, Black Panther, Captain Marvel, and Doctor Strange, giving insight into how Marvel has influenced and drawn inspiration from the ever-changing tides of popular culture; tracing how their stories have responded to historical events and addressed wider issues such as gender, race and mental illness; and honoring pioneering creators such as Stan Lee, Jack Kirby, and Steve Ditko, whose imagination made Marvel into the endlessly expansive fictional universes we know today.

“Marvel transformed the idea of the Super Hero in the 1960s—and beyond—by ratcheting up the visual spectacle, emotional dynamism and philosophical sophistication of the action-adventure comics genre,” says Brian Crosby, head of Marvel Themed Entertainment. “Marvel has always been a reflection of the world outside your own window and one of its most compelling messages has always been that anyone—regardless of race, religion or gender—can be a Super Hero.”

Breathtaking artifacts thrill collectors and casual fans alike, immersive set pieces and interactive installations bring the comic book world to life, and the visual aspects of the exhibition are accompanied by an immersive soundscape created by acclaimed composer Lorne Balfe. Visitors will enjoy the opportunity to travel through the mysterious mirror dimension of Doctor Strange; get up-close glimpses at concept sketches, props, and costumes from Marvel Studios blockbusters; pose for selfies alongside life-size representations of Black Panther, Spider-Man, and other characters; see the original art from some of Marvel’s most notable comics; and even step into Tony Stark’s lab to test the capabilities of the Iron Man armor for themselves.

The exhibition has been curated by an outstanding team that includes three scholars of comics – Benjamin Saunders, Matthew J. Smith and Randy Duncan, all of whom are university professors and experts in their field. Renowned comics writers and editors Annie Nocenti and Danny Fingeroth also contributed their time and knowledge to create a fully-formed picture of the Marvel phenomenon.

About Discovery Place Science
Discovery Place Science is the leading hub for science learning in the Carolinas—dedicated to the exchange of ideas, scientific exploration and creative expression to stimulate innovative problem-solving and learning. The Museum brings relevant, contemporary science to life through groundbreaking exhibitions, interactive educational programming and hands-on activities. Located in Uptown Charlotte at 301 N. Tryon Street, convenient parking is available in the Museum’s parking deck—the Carol Grotnes Belk Complex—at the corner of Sixth and Church streets. For more information about Discovery Place Science, call 704-372-6261, visit discoveryplace.org, or connect with Discovery Place Science on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

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THE HEROES CREW HITS THE ROAD FOR TWO GREAT SHOWS THIS WEEKEND!

March 28, 2023 By: Karla Southern Category: DISCUSS, EVENTS, Heroes Aren't Hard To Find, Looking Ahead, NEWS, Now Read This!, On the Road, Other Events, Out and About

THE HEROES CREW HITS THE ROAD FOR TWO GREAT SHOWS THIS WEEKEND!

THE HEROES TEAM IS HEADING TO THE CONCORD CONVENTION CENTER THIS WEEKEND FOR THE

Charlotte Comicon logo

Sunday, April 2 from 10AM-5PM
Tickets are $5.00 for Adults
Kids 12 and Under = FREE

The Charlotte Comicon will be held at the
EMBASSY SUITES CONCORD * 
CHARLOTTE – CONCORD CONVENTION CENTER
5400 John Q Hammons Dr. NW
Concord, NC 28027

Featuring Comics, Toys, Costume Contest and MORE!
We look forward to seeing you in Concord!




THE HEROES CREW IS ALSO HEADING TO ATLANTA THIS WEEKEND FOR THE ATLANTA COMIC CONVENTION


Sunday, April 2 from 11AM-5PM
Admission: $5.00
Parking: $8.00

The Atlanta Comic Convention will be held at the:
Marriott Hotel-Century Center
2000 Century Blvd
Atlanta, Ga 30345

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HEROESCON 2023 :: Jeff Smith’s “Dawn of Man” National Tour 2023

February 09, 2023 By: Karla Southern Category: DISCUSS, EVENTS, Exclusives, Feast Your Eyes, HeroesCon, HeroesCon News, HeroesCon Panels, Indie Island, Looking Ahead, NEWS, Now Read This!, This Just In

Jeff Smith will be at the 2023 Heroes Convention!!

Jeff Smith’s “Dawn of Man” National Tour 2023

Key West, FL – February 9, 2023:  New York Times Bestselling Author Jeff Smith and his publishing house, Cartoon Books, embark on their first national tour in years in support of Smith’s new critically acclaimed series: TUKI.
The tour consists of several convention appearances as well as a unique component – Old Route 66 – where we’ll be giving presentations and signings at each stop. Beginning in March and lasting through October, we have 15 confirmed stops with more to be added throughout the year!

What folks are saying about Jeff Smith’s TUKI:
“2022 Best Graphic Novel for Adults”
AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION

“Best Original Graphic Novel of the Year”
COMIC BOOK COUPLES COUNSELING PODCAST

“Fight for Family is just what you would expect from the creator of Bone and RASL–an immersive, emotional, and delightful visual masterpiece.”
THE COMICS JOURNAL

“If Smith’s iconic BONE weren’t proof enough, TUKI resoundingly restates his status as a master cartoonist of our era…New readers will love it, and fans of BONE will delight in Smith’s return to fantasy adventure with an ensemble of idiosyncratic characters.”
BOOKLIST *STARRED* REVIEW

“Fans of classic adventure will not be disappointed… Smith (BONE) goes prehistoric in this fabulously drawn anthropological fantasy.… the characters and scenery remain consistently stunning to gaze at, page after page.” 
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY

National Tour Dates:

March 2-5, 2023: Emerald City Comic-Con, Seattle, WA *Special Guest 

March 31-April 2, 2023: C2E2, Chicago, IL *Special Guest

April 21, 2023: Chicago Comics, Chicago, IL

April 22, 2023: Left Bank Books, St. Louis, MO

April 23, 2023: Tulsa, OK – Location TBD

April 24, 2023: Barnes & Noble, Amarillo, TX

April 25, 2023: Albuquerque, NM – Location TBD

April 26, 2023: Sedona Public Library c/o Cab Comics, Sedona, AZ

April 27, 2023: Vroman’s, Pasadena, CA

April 28, 2023: Atlantis Fantasyworld, Santa Cruz, CA

April 29, 2023: Flying Colors, Concord, CA

June 16-18, 2023: Heroes Con, Charlotte, NC *Special Guest

July 19-23, 2023: Comic Con International, San Diego, CA *Special Guest

September 29-October 1, 2023: Cartoon Crossroads Columbus (CXC), Columbus, OH

October 7-8, 2023: Bedrock City Con, Houston, TX

About TUKI: Set two million years ago, when multiple species of hominids existed at the same time, this hand-drawn story follows the misadventures of a small band of early humans who controlled fire in an epoch when gods and giants were real, and Fire was taboo.

About Jeff Smith: Jeff Smith is the writer & artist of comics and graphic novels like BONE, RASL, SHAZAM: The Monster Society of Evil, ROSE and Tall Tales. Both BONE and RASL were self-published and are New York Times Bestsellers. BONE launched the current YA Graphic Novel explosion via Scholastic Books’ Graphix imprint and has won 41 national and international awards including 10 Eisner Awards and 11 Harvey Awards and has been translated into over 30 foreign languages. RASL won an Eisner for Best Graphic Novel. The webcomic version of TUKI won the National Cartoonists Award for Best Online Comic in 2014.

To request physical review copies or to schedule interviews, contact Kathleen Glosan
 e-mail:  kathleen@boneville.com

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