A pair of announcements concerning all-star cartoonist Sina Grace have hit the internet: on Thursday, November 4th, 2021, it was announced that RH Graphic will be publishing a trilogy of contemporary middle grade graphic novels by the cartoonist; and today, on Friday, November 5th, 2021, it was announced that Image Comics will be publishing a one-shot spawned from Grace’s bond with Josh Trujillo (Hulkling & Wiccan).
The Big Deal
The first book in Grace’s RH Graphic Trilogy will be called The Big Deal, and it will follow young Sasan Rad, who is attempting to navigate the intersection of his Persian heritage and his American identity. While Sasan has his sights set on the newest video game console, and is willing to do chores all summer if it gets him to his goal, his mother has other expectations for him.
Y’all…
I sold a three-book deal to @RHKidsGraphic and I get to work with one of my favorite editors and human beings in the known universe @WhitLeopard to write and draw THE BIG DEAL 😭😭😭 pic.twitter.com/0nl9iKMqRp
— Sina Grace (@SinaGrace) November 4, 2021
Grace took to Twitter to say how excited he was to work on the trilogy with one of his favorite editors, Whitney Leopard. He also included a look at The Big Deal’s sample art:
One thing’s for sure: this trilogy promises to be another strong entry in the RH Graphic library – i.e., one of the best lines of middle grade graphic novels in the business. You’ll be wanting to pick up The Big Deal when it arrives in 2024: the long wait will assuredly be worthwhile!
Rockstar and Softboy
And while 2024 may seem like it’s too far away, at least you’ll have Rockstar and Softboy to read in the meantime.
Set in Southern California, this one-shot from Image Comics – which, according to the press release, spawned from the evolution of the bond between Grace and fellow comic writer Trujillo’s competition during a DC Comics pitch contest – cites Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar as an inspiration, and features a supernatural twist on the buddy-comedy party trope.
The one-shot will arrive at your local comic shop on February 23rd, 2022, in bookstores the following week, and will also be available digitally.
More Grace Still
Speaking of SoCal, Grace was recently interviewed in the inaugural volume of the new quarterly, Beyond Sunset, by the anthology’s Editor in Chief, Drew Mackie.
Which one of these upcoming comics are you most excited about? The Beat wants to hear from you! Let us know what you’re thinking in the comment section, or over on social media @comicsbeat.