Imagine if you were competing in a science fair and the win could completely alter the trajectory of your life. Now imagine you and three of your frenemies accidentally discover teleportation during your experiments and have to weigh the moral consequences of using it for personal gain.
In the upcoming young adult graphic novel Teleportation and Other Luxuries written by Archie Bongiovanni and illustrated by Mary Verhoeven, a bizarre quartet face this exact dilemma.
Among the contestants in the Blamazon Teen Scientist Competition who hope to win scientific glory, fame, and money is a surprising team: internet-famous teen heartthrob and certified genius Tyler Risley (watch out, Tony Stark); moody, nonbinary anarchist Gabby, who’s knack for science doesn’t make them trust it; shy, brilliant Allegra; and small-town, jack-of-all-trades engineer, L.J. Between their constant bickering and experimental mistakes, they accidentally discover how to teleport—a surefire way to win. But each of these teens has a hidden agenda, too, which may threaten their collective shot at victory.
Actually… is victory even the point?
The Beat can reveal an exclusive preview of Teleportation and Other Luxuries, seen below with the cover art.
“Creating Teleportation and Other Luxuries definitely pushed me outside of my comfort zone,” Bongiovanni said. “With my questionable chemistry grades, writing a story about brilliant teen scientists was intimidating, to say the least. Then I realized, who needs scientific accuracy when you can just make every character gay?
“This comic is a reminder that being a genius is meaningless without human connection. This comic is a wild ride of empathy, embracing chosen family, and not taking life too seriously,” they continued. “Sure, science is cool, but friendships are what makes solving the world’s mysteries worthwhile.”
Verhoeven added, “Teleportation and Other Luxuries has truly been a blast to put together! Working from Archie’s script had me laughing to myself on more than one occasion; the characters are a fun and funny bunch, and getting to spend that much time with them as the artist was a real delight.
“I was also fortunate to work with what is undoubtedly one of the coolest teams at Maverick: Dayn, Marla, Lucas and Lauren,” she said. “This is the kind of book that would have delighted me as a kid. I’m so grateful I had a hand in making a story like this!”
Teleportation and Other Luxuries will be available wherever books are sold on November 12. Pre-orders are available now.
