Projects

When you include Japanese and Korean comics on the list, I’ve written, edited or adapted close to 100 distinct graphic novels. 

But since listing them all here would take hours and likely not interest anyone other than my mother, here’s a list of highlights. (Sorry, Mom!) 

 

Fraggle Rock

Click to purchase 

I’m the editor of this new ongoing comic book based on Jim Henson’s classic family fantasy series, Fraggle Rock. It’s an anthology project, so each issue features the work of multiple creators. Contributors have included Jeremy Love, Katie Cook, Jeffrey Brown, Neil Kleid, Jake Forbes, Ross Campbell, Grace Randolph and Joanna Estep. Look for a short Mokey story written by me in an upcoming issue. 

“This book is a no-brainer. It can’t be missed. There’s some seriously good cartooning and comic book storytelling in the book. It’s rare to find an anthology with three stories as strong as this one.” 

–Comic Book Resources 

“There have been a number of nostalgia-based comics over the past few years, but not many have managed to capture the magic which made the properties so special in the first place. Archaia’s Fraggle Rock has done that… and more. I give my highest possible recommendation to Fraggle Rock and would encourage everyone to pick it up.”

–Pop Culture Hound

“I loved this comic book. The writing is phenomenal, the art is spectacular, and the show lends itself so perfectly into the anthology format.” 

–Tough Pigs 

 

Muppet Robin Hood 

I wrote this four-issue miniseries that launched BOOM! Studios’ line of story-driven Muppet comics. It’s a retelling of the Robin Hood legend, as envisioned by Jim Henson’s famous cast. Kermit plays Robin Hood, Piggy is Marian, Sam the Eagle is the Sheriff of Nottingham and Sweetums is Little John (naturally!). The art is by Armand Villavert, Jr, who applies his own fun style to the iconic characters.

Muppet Robin Hood is as close to a sure thing as you can get — especially if you’re a Muppets fan.”

–MTV Splash Page

“Jim Henson would be proud! It captures the intelligence, humor and pure fun that was Henson’s Muppet Show. Nothing but enjoyment!”

–The PullBox

Muppet Robin Hood is seriously competing with The Muppet Show [comic book] series for being the definition of hysterical and fun.”

–Comic List

 

Warcraft: Legends

I co-edited the first two volumes of this anthology series and wrote the short story “Blood Runs Thicker” which ran in the fourth volume (and featured art by Ryo Kawakami). The series was designed to shine a spotlight on some interesting corners of the world of Warcraft that may get overlooked in the games and novels and featured contributions by Richard Knaak, Jae-Hwan Kim, Christie Golden, Dan Jolley and Grace Randolph, among others. My story focused on the Darkmoon Faire, Azeroth’s carnival of the unusual and strange.

“Quite an interesting story. It features almost all Darkmoon Faire characters.”

–Scrolls of Lore

“These stories work because the creators are able to make the reader feel whatever they’re trying to convey.  Whether it is the instant chaos of battle engaged, the blood-freezing surprise of an ambush, the loneliness of an outcast, or the desperate need to be accepted, the writers and artists of Warcraft sell everything from drama and comedy to defeat and ultimate victory.”

–Comic Book Bin

 

Return to Labyrinth

I served as editor for several of the volumes of this acclaimed fantasy manga series that continues the story of Jim Henson’s popular fantasy film from the 1980s. In Return to Labyrinth, Toby (the child from the movie) once again is drawn into the Labyrinth as a teenager. This time, he discovers an elaborate plot with ties to his sister that could spell destruction for all of the Goblin Kingdom if he’s unable to embrace his newfound role as Goblin King. The series is written by Jake T. Forbes and drawn by Chris Lie, and has reached #4 on the New York Times manga bestseller list.

“This continuation of the story is mindful of the source material, but unafraid to strike out and cover some new ground as well. A great book that fans of the original are sure to love.”

–IGN

“I’m enchanted all over again. For fans of the movie, Return to Labyrinth is a must read.”

–The 217

 

Legends of The Dark Crystal

Jim Henson’s The Dark Crystal has been a favorite film of mine since my early childhood, so editing this two-volume graphic novel series that serves as a prequel to the film was more or less a dream come true. In it, we see the Gelflings when they were still thriving and beginning to come to terms with the genuine danger the Skeksis and their monstrous Garthim represent. The series was written by Barbara Randall Kesel and illustrated by the amazing Heidi Arnhold.

“There’s no way a manga based on one of my favorite movies of all time, written by one of my favorite writers, could ever hope to live up to my expectations. And it didn’t. It absolutely shattered them. If you’re a fan of the movie, don’t hesitate to pick this up. 9.7 out of 10″

–IGN

“The story is richly told and shows wonderfully detailed art. It excellently captures the designs of the movie to give new life to the Mystics, the Gelflings and the Skeksis.”

–Active Anime

Legends boasts a top-notch script, sharp artwork, and appealing characters—qualities that any manga lover can appreciate.”

–PopCultureShock

 

The “Three Colors” Trilogy

I had the good fortune of editing this highly-acclaimed, Eisner-nominated Korean manhwa series for First Second. Comprised of three volumes—The Color of Earth, The Color of Water and The Color of Heaven—the Color books tell the story of a widowed mother and her young daughter trying to get by and find love and sexual fulfillment in rural Korea. It was written and drawn by Kim Dong Hwa and masterfully translated by Lauren Na.

“A moving and evocative look at love as seen through the eyes of one feeling it for the first time and another who longs to savor it once more.”

–Publishers Weekly (starred review)

“The artwork is beautiful, particularly in Hwa’s depiction of the landscape and the two main characters.”

–School Library Journal

 

Pet Shop of Horrors: Tokyo

I’m currently writing the adaptation of this endearingly weird manga series that continues the story of the seminal Pet Shop of Horrors. While it does occasionally delve into horror, the manga is more accurately described as a Japanese spin on The Twilight Zone, with each volume containing several short stories and each story featuring an unexpected, usually supernatural twist at the end. It’s written and drawn by Matsuri Akino and translated by Angela Liu. And yes, it does take place in a pet shop.

“The black-and-white artwork is eye-catching and dramatic, propelling the story forward. This is an unusual manga that will leave its readers both satisfied and perturbed.”

–School Library Journal

“An intelligent example of monkey paw theater. A-”

–PopCultureShock