Undergrowth | Preview

Today we have a preview of the YA graphic novel Undergrowth, by writer Ricky Lima and artist Daniele Aquilani, due out from Top Shelf on September 3. The story is set in a world that is being terrorized by four giant robot monsters, and stars four human friends who are killed but immediately reincarnated and sent to pilot ancient forest monsters. It sounds like Evangelion x Swamp Thing, which is already an awesome concept, but there’s more to it, as Lima explains in a statement accompanying the announcement:

Every character in this book (even the robot!) is affected by trauma in some way and the way each one deals with it is different. My goal was to have people read this book and enjoy the big action scenes, but also hopefully see a bit of themselves in one of the characters. I tried to present both good and bad ways of dealing with trauma. Not that the book gives anyone answers or tools to deal with their issues, but hopefully by having something outside of themselves a reader can start thinking about how they deal with trauma.

The publisher recommends the book for ages 13 to 17, we have a preview from partway through the book so you can check out the storytelling. Enjoy!

Filed under: Graphic Novels, Previews, Young Adult