Exclusive: Maverick to Publish YA Adaptation of ‘Pantomime’ | News

Today we have an unusual bit of news: Mad Cave Studios is retooling one of their adult comics, Pantomime, as a YA graphic novel for their Maverick YA imprint. In both its incarnations Pantomime, by writer Christopher Sebela and artist Dave Stoll, is a heist story with a group of Deaf and heard of hearing teenagers as the main characters. 

Haley and her brother, Max, are alone after their mother’s death and are sent to Wayfair Academy, a special needs boarding school. Eventually, they find family amongst other deaf children. One night the group decides to dip their toes into crime… the thrill is too much to leave behind. They soon find out that stealing from the wrong person, has its consequences With no one to turn to but each other, they must make a choice, one where no one comes out the same.

Or as Stoll put it, “If you’re into found-family heist books with a strong female lead and are as excited as we are to include the deaf community in this absolutely killer story, welcome to the table!”

The story was originally published as a six-issue comic series in 2020, then collected into a trade paperback in 2021. “While the original story remains the same,” explains editor Lauren Hitzhusen, “we worked with the Pantomime team to make small updates making it more accessible for young adult readers.  We are thrilled to bring Pantomime to the family and cannot wait to share it with everyone!” 

The Maverick edition of Pantomime is rated for ages 12 and up and will go on sale on January 21, 2025. Here’s a preview! (Click images to embiggen and launch gallery view.)

Filed under: News, Young Adult