Archaia Open Submission Results In Magical OGN – A Girl In The Himalayas
by Hannah Means Shannon
Boom! Studios have announced a mystical new original graphic novel in their Archaia imprint in A Girl In The Himalayas.
Written and illustrated by David Jesus Vignolli, the OGN features a young girl whose arrival in a “magical land of immortal beings” threatens this “sanctuary’s” existence.
Interestingly, the publication of this work by a newcomer was the product of Archaia’s “open submission” policy through their site portal, and testifies to the benefit of being able to approach publishers directly with your work.
Archaia says what made them take an interest in the book were its “themes of inequality, love, and the chaos that lives in human hearts”.
Archaia explains the book thus:
In A GIRL IN THE HIMALAYAS, beyond the peaks and valleys of the Himalaya mountains lies a magical sanctuary that is home to immortal beings and mystical creatures. It’s a realm protected from the chaos of man. But when a young human, Vijaya, is brought into the sanctuary for her protection, the immortals fear her presence may lead to their ruin. While Vijaya makes new friends and sees wonders beyond her wildest dreams, mankind draws ever closer to the sanctuary’s borders. To protect her friends and earn her place, Vijaya will have to prove that there is more to being human than the violence her new family fears beyond their borders.
Vignolli, who was inspired by traveling in the Himalayas, says:
I imagined how a small girl who got lost in the mountains would feel and what kind of adventures she could have. A GIRL IN THE HIMALAYAS for me is a story of empowerment about a girl who wants to find her place in a world full of challenges and danger. It’s about losing a home and finding a new one; it’s about fitting in, being accepted by the group. But it’s also about remaining truthful to oneself. I hope the reader will dive in into this strange world and won’t want to leave it after the last page.
Sierra Hahn, Senior Editor at Boom! Studios adds:
A GIRL IN THE HIMALAYAS is a story that could only be told by David Vignolli. He’s created a world accessible to readers of all ages while confronting issues surrounding climate change, industrial revolution, and loss. The world is both so fun and so inspiring, we immediately knew it had a home in Archaia.
A Girl in the Himalayas will be published in softcover and features a main cover illustrated by Vignolli.
Print copies will be available for sale in April 2018 at local comic book shops.