During the ComiXology Originals press event at San Diego Comic-Con’s Wednesday preview night, the Amazon digital publisher revealed a new YA graphic novel, debuting this winter. Writers Guild Award- and Inkpot Award-winning writer Marc Bernardin has teamed up with artist Ariela Kristantina (InSEXts), colorist Jessica Kholinne, letterer Bernardo Brice, and editor Will Dennis for Adora and the Distance, which is inspired by Bernardin’s own daughter.
Adora and the Distance follows Adora, a brave young woman of color who lives in a fantastical world with ghosts, underground pirates, and a strange force called “The Distance” which threatens to destroy the very fabric of Adora’s world. Adora is on the Autism spectrum; Bernardin’s daughter was diagnosed with Autism four years ago.
“There are millions of parents of kids on the Autism spectrum and there are millions of children with siblings on the spectrum,” Bernardin said in a statement. “This isn’t a book about how hard it is to be a parent or a sibling, it’s one that imagines the unknowable: What’s going on inside the mind of a loved one who has never been able to tell us?”
He added, “Being a parent of any child, autistic or not, is not about you. It’s about them. We‘re just the supporting characters in their stories. Hopefully, we’re there not to hinder them, as we all too often fear, but to help them on their quest.”
Adora and the Distance is Kristantina’s first YA graphic novel. She said, “This book is the culmination of a parent’s love for their children. It’s deeply personal, but universal and deeply moving. I’m honored that Marc trusts me to visualize this story.”
ComiXology’s Head of Content Chip Mosher added, “What immediately hooked me about this series was Marc’s story and I was floored at how it was both an exciting YA adventure and a touching love letter to his daughter for whom the series is inspired by and dedicated to. Marc’s story paired with Ariela’s stunning art effortlessly builds a vast world that feels both familiar and beautifully new. Adora is simply amazing and I can’t wait for everyone to read this tale later this year!”
Check out the cover art for and a brief preview of Adora and the Distance below, as well as a con-exclusive enamel pin that will be available while supplies last at ComiXology Booth #2121 at SDCC. Bernardin and Kristantina will also be signing at the booth throughout the weekend:
- Thursday, July 18, 12:00pm-12:30pm
- Friday, July 11, 11:00am-12:00pm
- Saturday, July 20, 12:00pm-1:00pm
- Sunday, July 21, 11:00am-12:00pm
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