Graphic Novel Reveal: The Deep & Dark Blue Confronts Identity & Adventure in a Fantasy World
Cartoonist Niki Smith’s Middle Grade Story Centers a Transgender Girl Fighting to Live Her True Life
Art by Niki Smith
Comics like Nimona, The Witch Boy and The Cardboard Kingdom continue to not only impress YA and middle-grade audiences, but to examine themes of identity and coming-of-age in nuanced, deeply meaningful ways. Today, Paste is thrilled to share an exclusive first look at cartoonist Niki Smith’s The Deep & Dark Blue, an upcoming middle-grade graphic novel that follows in those footsteps to present both a fantasy adventure and an exploration of gender identity and belonging.
Arriving on shelves January 7th, 2020 from publisher Little, Brown Young Readers, The Deep & Dark Blue follows twins Hawke and Grayson, who flee their kingdom after a political coup and go into hiding as Hanna and Grayce, respectively. While Hanna is merely a disguise for Hawke, Grayce finds herself feeling more at home than ever before while living with an order of magical women. As Hawke seeks to retake the crown and his former life, Grayce has to fight for her new—and true—existence.
In addition to a first look at Smith’s cover art, Paste also has a personal statement from the creator, which you can find below. The Deep & Dark Blue is available for preorder now, and Paste readers can look forward to more coverage of the book in the coming months.
The Deep & Dark Blue Cover Art by Niki Smith
The Deep & Dark Blue
Writer/Artist: Niki Smith
Publisher: Little, Brown Young Readers
Release Date: January 7, 2020
The Witch Boy meets The Legend of Korra in this breathtaking, epic graphic novel.