Dark Horse Comics President and Founder Mike Richardson is teaming up with artist Megan Huang for a children’s comic based on an ancient Chinese legend. Hitting shelves in 2020, Jia and the Nian Monster “blends fantasy, fable, and the invention of gunpowder into a tale of courage and friendship.”
Per the official synopsis, Jia and the Nian Monster chronicles the passing of time in a mountainous village where each new year is marked by a monster’s attack. This year, Jia and her friend Deshi decide to fight back — for very different reasons. Deshi wants the adventure. Jia wants revenge for the loss of her mother, who was taken by the monster five years ago. But it will take more than courage to defeat this beast. Enter: a mysterious stranger who befriends the pair and joins them in their quest.
“I’m pleased to work with artist Megan Huang to bring this Chinese legend to life for readers of all ages,” Richardson said in a statement. “I’ve always been interested in Chinese lore and hope to impart that interest on a new generation of readers.”
Huang said, “Jia and the Nian Monster has been a pleasure to work on. With this being my first original graphic novel, the pressure was on, but everyone involved has been so lovely and helpful. I’ve really pushed myself throughout the past few months to do Mike’s script justice and make the team proud. The honor really has been all mine, and I hope readers can see the passion that we all put into it.”
Jia and the Nian Monster is born of Dark Horse’s partnership with Vanguard Visionary Associates. The 80-page graphic novel goes on sale in comic shops on March 18, 2020, and in bookstores on March 31, 2020. Check out the cover art below and pre-order a copy today.
