Cover for The Unlikely Story of Felix and Macabber. Artwork by Juni Ba.

Today SLJ unveils an exclusive preview of Dark Horse’s upcoming graphic novel, The Unlikely Story of Felix and Macabber. This forthcoming title is a writing debut for PanelxPanel editor and award-winning letterer, Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou, who is joined by acclaimed artist and colorist, Juni Ba (Djeliya, Monkey Meat). Here is the publisher’s description of the upcoming title.

Felix is a shy little beast growing up in a world where monster wrestling is the biggest spectacle there is. Lonely and constantly bullied by the bigger monsters his age, Felix struggles to prove himself and find his place in the world. Their fate is changed forever when a dare lands them on the doorstep of one of the scariest monsters in the whole world—Macabber Tails, one of the most famous monstering champions in history. Together they travel across the land and face battles for their life, but not always in ways that are physical and by the end, Felix and Macabber may learn a thing or two about being tough.

"With Felix and Macabber, Juni and I wanted to explore the idea of doing whatever it takes to become something great,” says Otsmane-Elhaou. “Who are the role models that people look up to? And how do the pressures on your own life change the way we understand those role models?”

The Unlikely Story of Felix and Macabber, aimed for an audience of ages 10 and older, will be available in libraries and bookstores everywhere on October 24, 2023, and in comic shops on October 25, 2023. Enjoy this exclusive preview.