Making History! Launching three new graphic novels by four Indigenous creators

The Indigenous Literacy Foundation (ILF), along with Stick Mob and Gestalt Publishing, are proud to be launching three new graphic novels by four Indigenous creators during NAIDOC Week in Mparntwe (Alice Springs).

The graphic novels have been written by four young people: Declan Miller (20) Seraphina Newberry (17), Alyssa Mason (17) and Lauren Boyle (17) from Mparntwe (Alice Springs).

Throughout 2018 and 2019, ILF funded a series of workshops for the students with notable mentors; Brenton McKenna, author of the ‘Ubby’ series of graphic novels; Wolfgang Bylsma, editor-in-chief of graphic novel publisher Gestalt Publishing; and Justin Randall, award-winning graphic novelist, illustrator and colourist. 

The three graphic novels, Mixed Feelings, Exo Dimensions, and Storm Warning address topics such as climate change, intergenerational trauma and healing, and two-way cultural learning against the backdrop of life in Central Australia. 

This is an historic moment. The three female authors/artists, Lauren, Seraphina and Alyssa are Australia's first ever Aboriginal female graphic novelists with published books, with Declan the second male to mentor Brenton McKenna.

“We are proud to have been involved with this project, which has spanned the last three years and is truly a testament to the hard work, creativity and determination of these young authors and their mentors. This is the only graphic novel project our Foundation has been involved with, and we hope these books are the first of many more to come.” says Karen Williams OAM, ILF Executive Director.

“Congratulations to Stick Mob, this is a huge achievement. I am very impressed and very proud that the group has made it this far. They’re making history.” says graphic novelist Brenton McKenna.

Purchase your copies of all three books through our Build Your Library pack today!

• Posted 18 June, 2021