SMH USA Catalogue 2013

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SelfMadeHero Essential Graphic Novels 2013



About SelfMadeHero Our mission at SelfMadeHero is simple: to publish works that “provoke, entertain, inspire, and inform through the medium of the graphic novel”. We are proud to publish ground-breaking and beautiful work by authors and artists from across the globe, from the quirky and humorous to the political and profound. A leading light of the graphic novel renaissance at home, SelfMadeHero is at the heart of the independent British comics scene that is currently gaining such popularity in North America. With the success of books like Glyn Dillon’s award-winning The Nao of Brown, we’re fast gaining a reputation as the finest British graphic novel publisher. Our 2013 titles are a testament to the diversity of our list: there’s fiction from leading European creators Frederik Peeters and David B., adaptations of Don Quixote and The Castle, as well as a wonderful gift book, The (True!) History of Art, which takes an outrageously speculative look at the mysteries of art history. We love to hear from our readers, so be sure to let us know what you think @selfmadehero


Fall 2013

We Won’t See Auschwitz ■ ■ By J é r é m i e D r e s

An uplifting semi-autobiographical work about the search for identity s e lling points ■■ Appeals to fans of historical fiction and Jewish interest as well as second- and third-generation American Jews whose relatives arrived during and after World War II

s pecifications 208 pages, 6½ × 9½" Paperback RIGHTS: North America PUB MONTH: September Graphic Novel

ISBN 978-1-906838-63-8 ISBN$22.95  978-1-906838-63-8 US CAN $25.95

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fter their grandmother’s death, Jérémie and his brother attempt to learn more

about their family’s Jewish-Polish roots. But

Jérémie is less interested in how the Holocaust affected his family and more interested in understanding what it means to be Jewish and Polish in today’s world. They decide not to do the Holocaust trail—they won’t go to Auschwitz—but instead go to Żelechów, the vil-

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lage where their grandfather was born; Warsaw, their grandmother’s hometown; and Kraków, the city that hosts Europe’s largest festival of Jewish culture. In their quest for identity, they gradually put together the pieces of their family history, while at the same time discovering a country still affected by its past and a culture

A Chinese Life ISBN 978-1-906838-55-3 ISBN$27.50  978-1-906838-55-3 US Can $31.50

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greater than themselves. Jérémie Dres lives in Paris, France. This is his first graphic novel.


Rebetiko

Fall 2013

■ ■ By Dav i d P r u d h o m m e

An unusual tale of music, history, and politics, and the clash between cultures s e lling points ■■ Crossover appeal to music fans, similar to Chico & Rita (SelfMadeHero, Spring 2012) ■■ Rebetiko has won several prestigious awards at European film and comics festivals

s pecifications 104 pages, 6½ × 9½" Hardcover RIGHTS: North America PUB MONTH: September Graphic Novel • Music

ISBN 978-1-906838-51-5 ISBN$22.95  978-1-906838-51-5 US CAN $25.95

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ebetiko refers to the fusion of West and East, Greece and Asia Minor, in

music. However, to General Metaxas, it is only a reminder of the Turkish influence on his country.

The ruthless Greek dictator is determined to crack down on rebetis and their way of life, creating strict censorship. A small group of

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friends—Rebetiko musicians—wind their way through the Athenian backstreets, ouzeris, and market squares, dodging the police while settling disputes over hashish and women. With music at its heart, the narrative portrays a day in the life of the Rebetiko musicians in Athens in 1936. David Prudhomme is a graduate of the Arts School of Angoulême and an award-winning graphic novelist. He lives in Bordeaux, France.

Chico & Rita ISBN 978-1-906838-29-4 ISBN$24.95  978-1-906838-29-4 US Can $27.95

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Fall 2013

The (True!) History of Art ■ ■ By S y lva i n C o i s s a r d a n d A l e x i s L e m o i n e

A humorous gift book unveiling the mysteries behind the world’s greatest paintings

s e lling points ■■ The perfect gift for arty friends and family ■■ A treat for art lovers of all ages as well as anyone who enjoys a good laugh

s pecifications 66 color illustrations 48 pages, 9½ × 5½"

“Smart, funny, imaginative . . . a magical little

Hardcover

book.” —Anna Gavalda, Elle France

RIGHTS: North America PUB MONTH: October Art • Humor ISBN: 978-1-906838-71-3 US $15.50  CAN $17.50

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his small book contains big revelations. It unveils the mysteries behind the world’s great paintings. Or, it

might not. The (True!) History of Art takes an outrageously speculative look at the stories behind the works of

Monet, Rembrandt, and other masters of art. In a series of hilarious parodies, Sylvain Coissard and Alexis Lemoine

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Sylvain Coissard is a literary agent special-

answer the nagging questions of art history: what caused

izing in children’s books and graphic

Munch’s subject to scream? Why is Van Gogh’s Yellow

novels. He lives in Nîmes, France. This is

Bedroom so suspiciously tidy? Why is Cézanne wearing

his first book. Alexis Lemoine studied at

a bandage in his famous self-portrait? The (True!) History

the Estienne art school in Paris and, in 1997,

of Art is for anyone who wants to know what happened

became a professional illustrator. He works

before the Mona Lisa smiled. Or, rather, what might

for the French press (notably Libération).

have happened.

He lives in Paris, France.


Pachyderme

Fall 2013

■ ■ By F r e d e r i k P e e t e r s

s e lling points ■■ Frederik Peeters has established a strong fan base with his award-

A surreal and poetic tale of mystery and imagination

winning graphic novels Blue Pills and Sandcastle (SelfMadeHero, Spring 2013), which won the Best Science Fiction Graphic Novel of 2011 at Utopiales and was nominated for the grand prize at the 2011 Angoulême International Comics Festival ■■ Crossover appeal for science fiction, and mystery readers, and fans of existentialism ■■ Foreword by French comic book legend Moebius

s pecifications 88 pages, 6½ × 9½" Hardcover RIGHTS: North America PUB MONTH: October Graphic Novel

ISBN 978-1-906838-60-7 ISBN$19.95  978-1-906838-60-7 US CAN $21.95

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his cinematic tale opens surrealistically: with a traffic jam caused by a wounded

elephant. Our heroine, Carice, abandons her car and walks trancelike through a wood to

visit her husband in the hospital. Along the way she meets a few odd characters, including a blind pig keeper and an alien-looking baby. The surreal encounters do not stop

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there. The hospital is eerie and foreboding. When Carice’s whistling wakes up an apparently dead body in the morgue, she soon realizes that the aged cadaver she’s talking to is her future self. Frederik Peeters has been nominated five times at Angoulême in the best book category, and won the best series prize in 2013. He lives in Geneva, Switzerland.

Sandcastle ISBN 978-1-906838-38-6 ISBN$19.95  978-1-906838-38-6 US Can $21.95

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Fall 2013

The Shadow Out of Time ■ ■ By H . P. Lov e c r a f t  ■  Ada p t e d a n d i l lu s t r at e d by I .  N .  J . C u l b a r d

s e lling points ■■ Adapter and artist I. N. J. Culbard has won awards and widespread critical acclaim for his previous titles, At the Mountains of

A disturbing tale for H. P. Lovecraft fans of all ages

Madness and The Case of Charles Dexter Ward ■■ Appeals to readers who bought The Lovecraft Anthology, Volume I, Volume II, and The Case of Charles Dexter Ward ■■ H. P. Lovecraft has a vast cult following similar to that of Edgar Allan Poe and has inspired modern masters such as Stephen King and Alan Moore

s pecifications 120 pages, 6½ × 9½" Paperback with flaps RIGHTS: North America PUB MONTH: November Graphic Novel ISBN 978-1-906838-68-3 ISBN$19.95  978-1-906838-68-3 US CAN $21.95

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n 1908, Nathaniel Wingate Peaslee experiences an unfortunate fainting spell. Five years

later, he finally returns to his senses, but has

The Case of Charles Dexter Ward ISBN 978-1-906838-35-5 ISBN$19.95  978-1-906838-35-5 US Can $21.95 51995

no recollection of these lost years of his life. As he attempts to discover what happened during this time, he becomes increasingly tormented by vivid, disturbing dreams—dreams that will lead him on a journey through space and

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Lovecraft Anthology, Volume 1 ISBN 978-1-906838-53-9 ISBN$19.95  978-1-906838-53-9 US Can $21.95

time to unlock the secrets of his past and of the universe.

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H. P. Lovecraft (1890–1937) was one of the most 9 781906 838539

influential horror writers of the 20th century.

Lovecraft Anthology, Volume 2 ISBN 978-1-906838-43-0 ISBN$19.95  978-1-906838-43-0 US Can $21.95 51995

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I. N. J. Culbard has adapted several classics for SelfMadeHero, including At the Mountains of Madness and The Case of Charles Dexter Ward. He lives in Nottinghamshire, England.


The Castle

Fall 2013

■ ■ By F r a n z K a f k a  ■  Ada p t e d by Dav i d Z a n e M a i r o w i t z  ■  i l lu s t r at e d by Ja r o m í r 9 9

s e lling points ■■ Kafka is one of the most famous

A powerful tale of isolation transformed into an innovative, enigmatic graphic novel

and influential writers of the 20th century, and his works are part of the core curriculum in schools throughout the country ■■ Crossover appeal with fans of Kafka and other Modernist writers ■■ The Castle, Kafka’s last novel, published in 1926, remains a must-read literary classic and is now easily accessible to a broad array of readers in this graphic novel format

s pecifications 144 pages, 6½ × 9½" Paperback with flaps RIGHTS: North America PUB MONTH: November Graphic Novel

ISBN 978-1-906838-67-6 ISBN$19.95  978-1-906838-67-6 US CAN $21.95

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he protagonist of this Kafka classic, K., finds himself

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in a faraway, snow-covered village with a castle

looming above. The inhabitants of the mysterious castle

are also the strict officials who govern the village. When K. tries to reach out to the officials, he gets himself into a complex misunderstanding over the contradictory rules and regulations that dictate the daily life of the villagers. The Castle explores the conflicting tension of power between individuals—represented by K.—and the

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authorities—the officials in the castle. Franz Kafka (1883–1924) is considered one of the most seminal writers of the early 20th century. David Zane Mairowitz is an author, playwright, radio director, and translator. He lives in France. Jaromír 99 (a.k.a. Jaromír Švejdík) is an artist, musician, and animator. He won the European Academy Award for his animated film Alois Nebel, which is also a graphic novel. He lives in the Czech Republic.

The Complete Don Quixote ISBN 978-1-906838-65-2 ISBN$27.50  978-1-906838-65-2 US CAn $31.50

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Spring 2013

Hairshirt ■ ■ By Pat r i c k M c E o w n

A bold debut graphic novel from an Eisner Award–winning comics artist s e lling points ■■ Patrick McEown established a broad fan base with his popular, award-winning comics series Grendel: War Child ■■ First-class graphic fiction with stunning, evocative full-color art “Best accompanied by a cup of

■■ McEown has worked with

black coffee and a Radiohead

other comics notables, such as

album... it draw[s] readers into

Mike Mignola (Hellboy) and on

McEown’s appropriately scribbled

high-profile projects such as

and murky-hued world of youth

Batman Beyond

and regret.” —Publishers Weekly

s pecifications Color illustrations throughout 128 pages, 6½ × 9½" Hardcover RIGHTS: North America PUB MONTH: MARCH 2013 Graphic Novel ISBN 978-1-906838-27-0 ISBN$24.95  978-1-906838-27-0 US CAN $27.95

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J

ohn and Naomi were childhood sweethearts—and then they grew up. Life took

them on very different paths, but accidents will

happen. When their two lives intersect again, they decide to have another go at love. But this is no simple romantic rekindling: Both John and Naomi are wearing the hairshirts of miserable memories and dark nightmares, which may be too painful to shed, even if they hold each other tight again. Their terrible struggle is powerfully represented in beautifully nuanced art that reflects a soulless city, troubled love, and tense aimlessness. Patrick McEown is an Eisner Award–winning artist whose credits include the popular comics series Grendel: War Child and collaborations with Mike Mignola, creator of Hellboy. He lives in Montreal, Canada.

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Black Paths

Spring 2013

■ ■ By Dav i d B .

Award-winning fan favorite David B. tells a surreal tale inspired by a true story set in WWI–era Europe s e lling points ■■ Stunning art from David B., creator of the critically acclaimed Starred Review: “David B. draws with the chaotic, high-contrast style he used in his best-known work, Epileptic, to capture the distressed, surreal

Epileptic and an acknowledged master and award-winning comics artist with a strong fan base ■■ David B. illustrated Best of

mood of artists struggling to run

Enemies: A History of U.S. and

the world.”

Middle East Relations, also from

—Publishers Weekly

SelfMadeHero, which received a terrific review in the New York Times Book Review ■■ In keeping with recent noteworthy, big graphic novels, such as Craig Thompson’s Habibi, which use the graphic format to tell epic stories of a culture ■■ Crossover appeal for readers of history and politics

s pecifications Color illustrations throughout

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128 pages, 6½ × 9½" Hardcover hen the Austro-Hungarian Empire disintegrated after World War I, control of the Adriatic

port of Fiume (now Rieka, Croatia) was hotly disputed.

Enter “Pirate King” Gabriele d’Annunzio, an Italian poet who stormed the city with 3,000 Italian nationalists. D’Annunzio declared Fiume a free republic and himself

RIGHTS: North America PUB MONTH: MARCH 2013 Graphic Novel ISBN 978-1-906838-33-1 ISBN$24.95  978-1-906838-33-1 US CAN $27.95

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commander. He envisioned a utopian city-state, but Fiume quickly became a surreal center of violence,

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looting, and decadence, with shades of the Fascist movement to come. Acclaimed comics artist David B. uses this real event as a backdrop and seamlessly weaves history, hysteria, and highly stylized art into the tragic love story of a beautiful torch singer and a young soldier haunted by the horrors of trench warfare. David B. (Pierre-François Beauchard) is a prominent French comics artist whose graphic memoir, Epileptic, was nominated for an Eisner and won an Ignatz Award, as well as top prizes at the Angoulême International Comics Festival. He is also the illustrator of Best of Enemies: A History of U.S. and Middle East Relations. He lives in Paris, France.

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Spring 2013

When David Lost His Voice ■ ■ By J u d i t h Va n i s t e n da e l

A powerful graphic novel in the tradition of David Small’s #1 New York Times bestseller, Stitches s e lling points ■■ Vanistendael’s previous work has been nominated for prestigious awards at the Angoulême

“A book like a tone poem, exactly

International Comics Festival

fitting Shelley’s words: ‘a nightingale

■■ Striking art underscores the

who sits in darkness and sings to

emotional power of the narrative

cheer its own solitude with sweet sounds.’ The painting and drawing

■■ Timely topic makes this an important book for a broad

from panel to panel, page to page,

audience

is lovely, light and lyrical, while the subject is love, loss, and death and the mixed emotions each one of those summons. Vanistendael is particularly effective in pinpointing the naïve, touching way that children attempt to cope with something as irremediable as the

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idea of the death of a loved one.”

Color illustrations throughout

—David Small, author of the New

280 pages, 6½ × 9½"

York Times bestseller, Stitches

Hardcover RIGHTS: North America PUB MONTH: MARCH 2013 Graphic Novel ISBN 978-1-906838-54-6 ISBN$24.95  978-1-906838-54-6 US CAN $27.95

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he doctor’s report is final: David has cancer. Now the whole family is under the same

terrible verdict. David’s wife becomes progres-

sively consumed by the looming shadow of death while his daughters struggle to be as helpful as possible. Meanwhile, David soldiers on, not wanting the tumor to rob him of everything, including the chance to see his granddaughter grow up. Vanistendael’s extraordinary art and sensitive text provide a powerful portrayal of a family preparing for life after unimaginable loss. Judith Vanistendael holds several art degrees. Her semi-autobiographical book, Dance by the Light of the Moon, was also published by SelfMadeHero and was nominated for two awards at Angoulême, including the grand prize. She lives in Brussels, Belgium.

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The Case of Charles Dexter Ward

Spring 2013

■ ■ By H . P. Lov e c r a f t  ■  Ada p t e d a n d i l lu s t r at e d by I . N . J . C u l b a r d s e lling points ■■ Will appeal to readers who bought The Lovecraft Anthology,

Alchemy and resurrection for H. P. Lovecraft fans!

Volume I and Volume II, both from SelfMadeHero ■■ H. P. Lovecraft has a vast cult following similar to that of Edgar Allen Poe and has inspired

“Culbard brings the classic tale

modern masters, such as

to life.”

Stephen King and Alan Moore

—Publishers Weekly

■■ Adaptor and artist I. N. J. Culbard has worked on several SelfMadeHero titles and has a fan base for his comics work

s pecifications Color illustrations throughout 144 pages, 6½ × 9½" Paperback with flaps RIGHTS: North America PUB MONTH: APRIL 2013 Graphic Novel ISBN 978-1-906838-35-5

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ISBN$19.95  978-1-906838-35-5 US CAN $21.95

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ith creepy, spooky art, and sinister, sus-

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penseful text, I. N. J. Culbard brings new

life—and death—to H. P. Lovecraft’s psychological

mystery of forbidden knowledge and pursuits. Young Charles Dexter Ward is fascinated by the history of Joseph Curwen, his wizard ancestor of the 17th century. Curwen was notorious for haunting graveyards, practicing alchemy, and never aging! Ward can’t help his fixation: He himself looks just like Curwen. In an attempt to duplicate his ancestor’s cabbalistic feats, he resurrects the fearsome Curwen . . . and then the true horror begins! H. P. Lovecraft (1890–1937) was one of the most influential horror writers of the 20th century. I. N. J. Culbard’s work has appeared in several anthologies, including Dark Horse Presents, Judge Dredd Magazine, and 2000 A.D. He has also adapted several classics for SelfMadeHero. He lives in Nottinghamshire, England.

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Spring 2013

Sandcastle ■ ■ W r i t t e n by P i e r r e O s c a r L é v y  ■  i l lu s t r at e d by F r e d e r i k P e e t e r s

s e lling points ■■ Sandcastle was nominated

A day at the beach turns deadly in this gripping sci-fi graphic novel

for the grand prize at the 2011 Angoulême International Comics Festival ■■ The strong black-and-white illustrations and tense narrative will appeal to readers of comics masters such as Charles Burns. ■■ Crossover appeal to graphic novel, science fiction, and

“Five stars . . . a low key sci-fi gem

mystery readers

with heart!” —SFX Magazine

s pecifications 104 black-and-white illustrations 104 pages, 6 ½ × 9 ½" Hardcover RIGHTS: North America PUB MONTH: May 2013 Graphic Novel ISBN 978-1-906838-38-6 ISBN$19.95  978-1-906838-38-6 US CAN $21.95

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t’s a perfect beach day, or so thought the family, young couple, a few tourists, and a refugee who

all end up in the same secluded, idyllic cove filled with rock pools and sandy shore, encircled by green, densely vegetated cliffs. But this utopia hides a dark secret. First there is the dead body of a woman found floating in the crystal-clear water. Then there is the odd fact that all the children are aging rapidly. Soon everybody is growing older—every half hour—and there doesn’t seem to be any way out of the cover. Levy’s dramatic storytelling works seamlessly with Peeters’ sinister art to create a profoundly disturbing and fantastical mystery. Pierre Oscar Lévy is an award-winning documentary

filmmaker. He lives in France. Frederik Peeters’s previous graphic novels have received multiple nominations for top awards at the Angoulême International Comics Festival. He lives in Switzerland.

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The Complete Don Quixote ■ ■ By M i g u e l d e C e r va n t e s  ■  a da p t e d a n d i l lu s t r at e d by R o b Dav i s

Spring 2013 s e lling points ■■ Don Quixote is one of the most enduring books of all time; this

A delightful and energetic new take on the beloved classic!

exciting graphic adaptation will quickly become the definitive new edition ■■ Stunning art work and an innovative palette ■■ The graphic format makes this book immediately accessible to a broad array of readers

s pecifications Color illustrations throughout 296 pages, 6½ × 9½" Hardcover RIGHTS: North America PUB MONTH: May 2013 Graphic Novel

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ISBN 978-1-906838-65-2 ore than 400 years ago, Spanish author

ISBN$27.50  978-1-906838-65-2 US CAN $31.50

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Miguel de Cervantes (1547–1616) sent

his irrepressible optimist of a hero out to tilt at

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windmills—and Don Quixote and his philosophical squire, Sancho Panza, still remain among the world’s most popular and entertaining figures, as well as the archetypes for the tall, thin straight man and his short, stocky comic sidekick. In this terrific adaptation of the Cervantes classic, Rob Davis uses innovative paneling and an interesting color palette to bring the Knight-Errant to life. This is sequential storytelling and art at its finest, as we follow Don Quixote on his search for adventure and chivalrous quests—and he will not be defeated by such foes as logic, propriety, or sanity. Miguel de Cervantes was a celebrated Spanish Renaissance playwright, poet, and novelist. Rob Davis has drawn Judge Dredd and Dr. Who comics and worked as an illustrator for newspapers and children’s publishers. He lives in Dorset, England.

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Fall 2012

The Nao of Brown ■ ■ By G ly n D i l lo n

An unforgettable heroine striving to make “normal” feel right s e lling points ■■ First-class graphic fiction with stunning, evocative full-color art ■■ Storytelling that blends gritty urbanism with magic realism; will appeal to fans of Guillermo del Toro and Terry Gilliam films ■■ Crossover appeal for readers interested in Buddhist thinking and mind/body/spirit topics ■■ Winner of the Angoulême Special Jury Prize 2013

s pecifications Color illustrations throughout 208 pages, 8 × 10½" Hardcover RIGHTS: North America PUB MONTH: September 2012 Graphic Novel ISBN 978-1-906838-42-3 ISBN$24.95  978-1-906838-42-3 US CAN $27.95

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wenty-eight-year-old Nao Brown, who’s hafu (half

Japanese, half English), is not well. She’s suffering

from obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and fighting

“This was the best read I

violent urges to harm other people. But that’s not who

have had in a long time.”

she really wants to be. Nao has dreams. She wants to

­­­— Chicago Tribune

quiet her unruly mind; she wants to get her design and illustration career off the ground; and she wants to find

“It’s a pleasure to observe Dillon’s characters trying to understand themselves.” —The New York Times

love, perfect love. Nao’s life continues to seesaw. Her boyfriend dumps her; a toy deal falls through. But she also meets Gregory, an interesting washing-machine repairman, and Ray, an art teacher at the Buddhist Center. She begins to draw and meditate to ease her mind and open her heart—and

“It’s a masterpiece, and I really

in doing so comes to a big realization: Life isn’t black-and-

can’t recommend it enough.”

white after all . . . it’s much more like brown.

—Comic Book Resources Glyn Dillon’s comics illustrations have appeared in several works from Vertigo, including The Sandman. He has also worked as an artist, animator, and designer in film and television. He lives in London, England.

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A Chinese Life

Fall 2012

■ ■ By L i K u n w u a n d P h i l i pp e Ôt i é

s e lling points

From Mao to now: the graphic memoir of a Chinese artist who witnessed the Great Cultural Revolution and its aftermath

■■ In keeping with recent noteworthy, big graphic novels, such as Craig Thompson’s Habibi, that use the graphic format to tell epic stories of a culture ■■ Timely, given China’s prominence in economic and world news ■■ Stunning art from a leading Chinese artist with a distinctive, traditional brushwork style ■■ Crossover appeal for readers of history and politics

s pecifications Black-and-white illustrations throughout 720 pages, 6½ × 9½" Paperback RIGHTS: North America PUB MONTH: September 2012

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Graphic Novel

Chinese Life is an astonishing graphic novel set against the backdrop of the creation of the

People’s Republic of China in 1949. This distinctively

drawn work chronicles the rise and reign of Chairman Mao Zedong, and his sweeping, often cataclysmic vision for the most populated country on the planet. Though the storyline is epic, the storytelling is intimate, reflecting the real life of the book’s artist.

ISBN 978-1-906838-55-3 ISBN$27.50  978-1-906838-55-3 US CAN $31.50

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“One of ‘The best graphic novels and art comics of 2012’” —The A.V. Club

Li Kunwu spent more than 30 years as a state artist for the Communist Party. He saw firsthand what was

“By the final page, you’ll feel

happening to his family, his neighbors, and his homeland

like you, too, have borne

during this extraordinary time. Working with Philippe Ôtié,

witness to some of the

the artist has created a memoir of self and state, a rich,

greatest transformations

very human account of a major historical moment with

of the 20th century.”

contemporary consequences. Mao said, “The masses are

—Book Dragon

the real heroes,” but A Chinese Life shows those masses as real people. Li Kunwu has had more than 30 of his comics published in the three decades he’s worked as a state artist. He lives in Kunming, Yunnan, China. Philippe Ôtié is a French diplomat who lives in Wuhan, China.

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Fall 2012

The Lovecraft Anthology Vo lu me I I ■ ■ By H . P. Lov e c r a f t  ■  e d i t e d by Da n Lo c k w o o d

s e lling points

A chilling graphic collection from the renowned master of the twisted and macabre

■■ An exciting companion to The Lovecraft Anthology, Volume I ■■ Lovecraft has a vast cult following similar to that of Edgar Allen Poe, and has inspired modern masters such as Stephen King and Alan Moore ■■ Contributors have their own fan bases, including literary podcast subscribers

s pecifications Color illustrations throughout 128 pages, 6½ × 9½" Paperback with flaps RIGHTS: North America PUB MONTH: October 2012 Graphic Novel ISBN 978-1-906838-43-0 ISBN$19.95  978-1-906838-43-0 US CAN $21.95

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Cursed the ground where dead thoughts live new and oddly bodied . . .

S

o wrote H. P. Lovecraft, the acknowledged

20th-century master of horror, fantasy,

“Don’t read either volume of

science fiction, and the subgenre known as weird

the The Lovecraft Anthology

fiction. Adapted with great craft and beautifully

before going to bed. You may

illustrated, this graphic collection, a companion

never want to turn out the light.”

to the first volume, explores Lovecraft’s favorite

—McClatchy Newspapers

themes: forbidden knowledge and insanity. The art is brilliant in its variety, each style perfectly matched to the story, whether it’s about a painter obsessed with ghouls, a submarine stuck in a mysterious city on the ocean floor, or semifluid beings floating in from the deep cosmos. Reader, beware! H. P. Lovecraft (1890–1937) was one of the most influential horror writers of the 20th century. Dan Lockwood lives in Salisbury, England. The various adaptors and artists are from the United States and Europe.

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Hellraisers

Fall 2012

■ ■ By R o b e r t S e l l e r s a n d JA Ke

So Richard Burton, Richard Harris, Peter O’Toole, and Oliver Reed walk into a bar . . . s e lling points ■■ Subjects are cultural favorites, and celebrity biographies are high-interest ■■ Author has a following for his 2008 prose book on these important actors ■■ Crossover appeal for theater- and film-loving readers

s pecifications Black-and-white illustrations throughout 160 pages, 6½ × 9½" Paperback RIGHTS: North America PUB MONTH: January 2013

R

Graphic Novel aise a glass to the story of four of the greatest actors—and boozers—of all time: Richard Burton,

Richard Harris, Peter O’Toole, and Oliver Reed. This

ISBN 978-1-906838-36-2 ISBN$22.95  978-1-906838-36-2 US CAN $25.95

52295

inventive graphic work seamlessly weaves their four biographies into one fast-paced adventure of drunken

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binges, orgies, parties, and fun. The story begins at a

“A savage sock in the jaw to

London pub one sorry Christmas and is told through the

polite, reverential biographical

eyes of Martin, a wannabe hellraiser sitting at the end of

graphic novels, these hilariously

the bar alone, drinking himself into oblivion. He’s joined

bleak shock tales make the

in turn by Burton, Harris, Reed, and O’Toole, who take

modern-day antics of Lindsay

Martin on tours of their tumultuous childhoods, rises to

Lohan look like Dr. Seuss.”

stardom, and chaotic personal lives.

—Publishers Weekly

Robert Sellers is the author of several celebrity

“The story is perfectly rendered

biographies, including the original hardcover Hellraisers:

by illustrator JAKe. The storyline

The Life and Inebriated Times of Richard Burton, Richard

itself is hallucinatory, like a severe

Harris, Peter O’Toole, and Oliver Reed, as well as books

case of the DTs, with scenes

on Sting, Tom Cruise, and the film industry. He lives in

from movies dissolving into

St. Albans, England. JAKe is an artist whose work has

boozed and drugged reality.”

appeared in Esquire and Time Out; he also works for

—Boing Boing

LucasFilm on Star Wars. Recently he illustrated the book How to Speak Wookiee. He lives in London, England.

FA L L 2 0 1 2   ■   1 7


Spring 2012

Chico & Rita ■ ■ By Jav i e r M a r i s c a l & F e r n a n d o T r u e b a

s e lling points ■■ The award-winning animated movie of Chico & Rita premiered in New York in February 2012 ■■ One of the “28 Graphic Novels to illustrate African American History Month.” January 2013,

A love story set in Cuba and New York about a young musician and a beautiful young singer

Library Journal

s pecifications Color illustrations throughout 216 pages, 6½ x 9½"

Hardcover RIGHTS: North America Pub Month: February 2012

Original Fiction • Graphic novels ISBN: 978-1-906838-29-4 ISBN$24.95  978-1-906838-29-4 US CAN $27.95

52495

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C

uba, 1948. Chico is a young piano player with big dreams. Rita is a beautiful singer with an

extraordinary voice. Music and romantic desire unite them, but their journey brings heartache and torment. From Havana to New York, Paris, Hollywood, and Las

Vegas, two passionate individuals battle impossible odds to unite in music and love.

“A work of art in its own right...

Mariscal’s art perfectly captures the steamy, vibrant

I defy anyone to reach the end

atmosphere of 1940s’ Havana and transports the reader

of it without a tear in their eye.”

back to a time filled with music and romance. Based

—The Observer

on the true story of Grammy Award–winning Cuban pianist and bandleader Bebo Valdes, this graphic novel is adapted from the animated feature film Chico & Rita, directed by Trueba and Mariscal. Fernando Trueba is a multiaward-winning writer, director, and producer, with a career spanning more than three decades in film, television, documentaries, theater, and music. Javier Mariscal is an artist and designer working in multiple fields, including illustration, graphics, comic books, paintings, animation, interiors, product design, furniture, and web design. He has a long-standing association with The New Yorker. Both creators live in Barcelona, Spain.

18 ■ SPRING 2012


Kiki de Montparnasse ■ ■ By C at e l & B o c q u e t

Kiki de Montparnasse, muse to famous photographer and artist Man Ray

I

Spring 2012 s pecifications Black-and-white illustrations

n bohemian Montparnasse of the 1920s, Kiki

throughout

escaped poverty to become one of the most

416 pages, 6½ x 9½"

charismatic figures of the avant garde years

Paperback with flaps

between the wars. Partner to Man Ray, and one of

RIGHTS: North America

the first emancipated women of the 20th century,

PUB MONTH: March 2012

Kiki made her mark with her freedom of style, word,

Graphic novels •

and thought that could be learned from only one

Biography

school—the school of life. José-Luis Bocquet is a writer, comic book editor, and former journalist. Catel Muller is a renowned

ISBN 978-1-906838-25-6 ISBN 978-1-906838-25-6 US $24.95  CAN $27.95 52495

author of children’s books and mature graphic novels. They jointly won the Angoulême Festival Grand Prize, France’s most prestigious graphic novel award. Both creators live in Paris, France.

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“The toast of France, Catel Muller and José-Louis Bocquet’s award-winning graphic novel Kiki de Montparnasse now seduces American audiences.” —Vanity Fair

Best of Enemies A history of U S an d M i d d l e E ast re l ations , Part one : 1 7 8 3 – 1 9 5 3 ■ ■ By J e a n - P i e r r e F i l i u a n d Dav i d B .

Volume one of an original graphic novel recounting the history of US–Middle East relations

D

s pecifications Black-and-white illustrations throughout 120 pages, 6½ x 9½"

avid B. and Filiu draw striking parallels between ancient and contemporary

political history in this look at the US–Middle East

Hardcover RIGHTS: North America

conflict. The reader is transported to the pirate-

PUB MONTH: May 2012

choked Mediterranean sea, where Christians and

Graphic novels •

Muslims continue the crusades, only this time

History and Criticism

on water. As the centuries pass, the traditional victims of the Muslim pirates—the British, French,

ISBN 978-1-906838-45-4 ISBN 978-1-906838-45-4 US $24.95  CAN $27.95

52495

and Spanish—all become empire-building powers whose sights lie beyond the Mediterranean.

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“This will prove a riveting read Jean-Pierre Filiu is a world-renowned expert on

to many aficionados, teens

the Middle East. David B. is a prominent French

and up, of Marjane Satrapi’s

comics artist whose graphic memoir, Epileptic, was

Persepolis and others interested

nominated for an Eisner and won an Ignatz Award,

in Middle East issues.”

as well as top prizes at the Angoulême International

—Library Journal

Comics Festival. Both creators live in Paris, France.

S P R I N G 2 0 1 2  ■   1 9


Spring 2012 s pecifications Color illustrations throughout 120 pages, 6½ x 9½"

The Lovecraft Anthology Vo lume I ■ ■ by H . P. Lov e c r a ft ■ ■ E d i t e d by Da n Lo c k w o o d

A graphic anthology of tales from the renowned master of the eerie, H.P. Lovecraft

Paperback with flaps

Graphic novels •

A

Sci Fi and Horror

Lovecraft Anthology showcases Lovecraft’s talent

RIGHTS: North America PUB MONTH: March 2012

graphic anthology of tales featuring collaborations between established

writers and artists and debut contributors, The

for the macabre. From the insidious mutations of “The Shadow over Innsmouth” to the mind-bending

ISBN 978-1-906838-53-9 ISBN 978-1-906838-53-9

threat of “The Call of Cthulhu,” this collection

US $19.95  CAN $21.95

51995

explores themes of insanity, inherited guilt, and arcane ritual to startling effect.

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“The Lovecraft Anthology, Vol. 1 H. P. Lovecraft (1890–1937) was one of the most

provides the goods.”

influential horror writers of the 20th century.

—GeekDad.com

Dan Lockwood lives in Salisbury, England. The various adaptors and artists are from the United States and Europe.

But I Really Wanted to Be an Anthropologist s pecifications Color illustrations throughout 176 pages, 6½ x 9½" Hardcover RIGHTS: North America PUB MONTH: April 2012 Graphic novels • Humor

■ ■ By M a r g au x M ot i n

An original diary chronicling life as an artist, blogger, mother, and shoe fanatic in Paris

B

ut I Really Wanted to Be an Anthropologist is an introduction to the world of

Margaux, a charming 30-something living in Paris, navigating the world as an illustrator. This

diary documents her day-to-day existence with

ISBN 978-1-906838-46-1

her boyfriend and young daughter, drinking

ISBN 978-1-906838-46-1 US $24.95  CAN $27.95

and smoking, and the difficulties of a persistent

52495

9 781906 838461

and precocious child. Anyone who’s ever worn inappropriate shoes to the supermarket or

“Ms. Motin has a perfect

danced around the house in their underwear will

sense of humor and can lay

be charmed by Motin’s irreverent humor.

claim, as she suggests at the end of this book, to being the

Margaux Motin’s illustration credits include cov-

Sarah Silverman of comics.”

ers for the French editions of Bridget Jones’ Diary,

—Comics Grinder

Elle, and Cosmopolitan. She lives in Paris, France.

20 ■  S P R I N G 2 0 1 2


That the company has established a strong international presence in just a few years is further evidence of [the] market’s hunger for original and unique content, and of SelfMadeHero’s own strategic perspicacity. —Publishers Weekly

SelfMadeHero exemplifies the diverse breadth of the graphic novel medium. —The Beat

Contact Details Publisher

Sales & Distribution by Abrams

SelfMadeHero

Abrams

115 West 18th Street New York NY 10011 T: 212-206-7715 General enquiries: info@selfmadehero.com F: 212-645-8437 Rights: rights@selfmadehero.com www.abramsbooks.com/selfmadehero.html Press: press@selfmadehero.com 5 Upper Wimpole Street London W1G 6BP T: +44 (0)20 7487 4395

www.selfmadehero.com

North American Ordering and Customer Service Information: Hachette Book Group USA T: 800-759-0190 F: 800-286-9471 (8:30 AM—5:30 PM EST)

Canada Canadian Manda Group 165 Dufferin Street, Toronto, Canada M6K 3H6 T: 416-516-0911 F: 416-516-0917 E: general@mandagroup.com


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