Unicorn Boy

New York based author and illustrator Dave Roman, known for the amusing Astronaut Academy series and his web comic Pup & Duck, launches readers into the imaginative stratosphere with his new magical fantasy middle grade graphic novel series. Sparkling with creativity, comedy and eye-popping colour, Unicorn Boy is wildly wacky and warm hearted. It delights in gender play, lively characters, quirky details and vivid transformation scenes.

Brian Reyes considers himself very ordinary until he undergoes a magical makeover. Trouble is the changes are awkward and attract dark forces. His non-binary best friend Avery is excited by Brian’s unfolding story and encourages him to believe in himself and embrace his destiny.

When Brian encounters a talking muffin and a mobile phone business card carrying black cat his life gets more complicated. Without warning he loses something precious and is compelled to take a perilous journey to the Underworld. In the midst of swallowing darkness, can he find a way to make his spark shine?

Influences of the absurd abound with clever references to Magritte, Chekhov and Baum’s The Wizard of Oz mischievously playing with the idea of perception. Mann injects bubble gum blasts of colour into Roman’s energetic, action-packed storyline, choosing dusky violets and luminous greens for the nefarious Skull King’s domain.

Tongue in cheek humour and witty word play is evident throughout as the modern clashes with the mythical and good battles evil in true comic book hero style. The story boarding is a series of dynamic, versatile panels that engage with clever use of space, colours reflecting emotions, changing perspectives, falling sequences and joyful levitating iconography denoting Brian’s unusual superpowers.

This is a story that teaches tweens the importance of celebrating your identity, creating your own narrative and helping your friends stand up to bullies. It is also about combating negativity with kindness and inner strength. With a sequel planned, Unicorn Boy is a perfect addition to the magical superhero sphere. It has a fizzy, fantastical vibe which should appeal to fans of The Phoenix comic series and readers of Rob Harrell, Dav Pilkey and Jamie Smart.