Exclusive: Papercutz Announces A Wish Worth Chasing In ‘Ever Trip’

Two brothers set out on a madcap road-trip adventure to collect the seven pieces of the Ever Star. Along the way, they discover wild worlds, unforgettable friends, and the power of chasing your one true wish.

This fall, Mad Cave Studios’ kids imprint Papercutz has announced Ever Trip Vol. 1. The vibrant middle-grade graphic novel comes from writer A.C. Medina and Chicago-based artist Max Bare, featuring color assistance by Allison Bilbey and lettering by Lucas Gattoni. Bursting with imaginative worldbuilding, video game-inspired adventure, and a lovable cast of characters, Ever Trip sends readers on a fast-paced journey filled with humor, heart, and discovery.

Legend has it that when the seven pieces of the Ever Star are brought together, all in its presence are granted their one true wish. This is an Ever Trip. Brothers Nedd and Karter have dreamt their whole lives of going on their very own Ever Trip … and now their van is loaded up and the time has finally come!

Along the way, Nedd and Karter create a band of friends and adventurers: Macha the realest rollerblading bear, Mo the mechanical monk and martial artist, Lex.e the form-less artificial being (that’s also very naturally intelligent), and Crys the child of the illusive Mt. Colossus — a literal mountain! Traveling the digital streets of Network City or protecting the ancient roots of the Infinitree, the boys’ journey finds the attention of Princess Roma, whose kingdom floats above the world in the AstroNova Constellation.

Can they collect all seven pieces of the Ever Star? Find out in this madcap road trip adventure with your new BFFs, Nedd and Karter, as they discover vibrant worlds, equip new friends, encounter (and defeat!) random enemies in a road trip that’s a real wish come true!

“I can still remember the first story I ever wanted to tell,” shared Medina. “Fast forward to 2020, a dark year for many reasons, when imagination became one of the few escapes to happier places, and I found myself returning to that idea. That’s when I put pen to paper and promised myself that when the world returned to something resembling normal, Ever Trip would be the first project I’d bring to life. 

“In many ways, that’s the best way to describe this book; an ultimate escape filled with joy, wonder, and adventure,” he continued. “It’s the story I’ve carried with me the longest, and I was incredibly fortunate to bring it to life alongside the right creative partner, team, and publisher. At its heart, it’s a journey fueled by dreams, friendship, and the pursuit of something bigger than yourself, and being able to share it with readers has truly been a wish come true for me.”

“When A.C. rolled up with this story about the most epic of road trips, I just had to jump in for the ride!” Bare added. “What attracted me right away was the variety of fun characters that make up Nedd & Karter’s adventuring party. Soon the sketchbook started to fill as we designed a vibrant cast. Each carries their own story, strengths, and struggles in their look; Nedd & Karter behind the wheel, always with room for one more. Since I was a kid, I have loved long car rides, full of mix tapes, games, and silliness to pass the time with plenty of drawing on the passenger side. We wanted to capture the fun of a road trip, that anticipation of new experiences, adventures, and friends you make along the way.”

Ever Trip Vol. 1 arrives October 6th, 2026 in paperback (ISBN: 9781545833988 | $10.99) and hardcover (ISBN: 9781545833995 | $15.99) formats. Preorder now through your local comic shop or bookstore.