The Airless Year, an upcoming young adult graphic novel by Dark Horse Comics, promises to transport readers to the turbulent era of middle school, where everyday life and the process of discovering who you truly are feel like a struggle.
Written by Eisner and Harvey Award-winning editor and writer Adam P. Knave (Never Ending, The Once and Future Queen), illustrated by Portland-based artist Valentine Barker (Wartechs, Shelby Stone and the Temple of Ta’aora) and lettered by Frank Cvetkovic (Count Crowley: Reluctant Midnight Monster Hunter, Cyberpunk 2077: Trauma Team), The Aimless Year centers on a queer Black girl named Kacee who is trying to navigate life as a teenager. With her grades floundering, Kacee struggles to keep up with parental expectations while dealing with a secret crush and drama between her two best friends. Following a cancelled family trip, Kacee hits a new low before she finally discovers her own autonomy.
CBR can reveal a preview of the upcoming graphic novel, showcasing a normal day in Kacee’s life as she grapples with math and French class while also arguing with her mother. Alone in her room, Kacee buries herself in the chords of her guitar, before the narrative shifts to show a glimpse of space — hinting that perhaps Kacee’s imagination is the secret to her journey of growth, empowerment and self-discovery.
“The Airless Year is a story born from the experiences of all of the creators with middle school, with trying to figure out who you are and who you want to be and with feeling cast adrift by a world that you were sure was supposed to make sense somehow,” Knave told CBR. “It also lives in an honest look at friendships and family, both good and bad. This is a story we’ve all wanted to make and now we get to share it, which is magical.”
Barker added that his artwork was inspired by trends he witnessed in teens currently navigating their difficult middle school years, as well as his own experiences of self-discovery long ago.
“Middle school is such an awkward time in one’s life and I wanted the art to capture the diverging styles that begin to emerge — both in the fashions and the personalities,” Barker said. “Inspired by my own fashion choices through the ages, I wanted The Airless Year to reflect what I remember and can currently observe of the middle school culture.”
The Aimless Year goes on sale June 8 from Dark Horse Comics.
Source: Dark Horse Comics
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