The ‘Adventure Time’ and ‘The Midnight Gospel’ writer’s debut graphic novel, first published online, follows the real-life challenges of being a single dad, filled with insightful humor and satirical reflections on contemporary American life.
The Eisner and Harvey Award-winning comic book and graphic novel publisher Oni Press is set to release the debut graphic novel “Cartoonshow” from single parent and creator Derek M. Ballard (Cartoon Network’s Adventure Time and Netflix’s The Midnight Gospel). Originally published online, “Cartoonshow” follows the real-life challenges of being a single dad with insightful humor and satirical reflections on contemporary American life.
“This book of cartoons is a whole slew of dumb, funny, embarrassing, and true things that happened to my kids and me,” says Ballard. “Stuff that befalls average families every single day. Oni Press made it possible to support my family while I brought my uncompromised scribbly vision to the page. That's a big deal. Unbelievable really. Extra special thanks to my editor Zack Soto.”
"I think Derek's comics are truly Great - like capital GC Great Cartooning - and the issues he's talking about are important, under-discussed stuff,” says editor Zack Soto. “It's like Hi & Lois but with a social/political consciousness. Working with Derek and designer Carey Soucey to bring ‘Cartoonshow’ to life in its current form was one of the more rewarding collaborative experiences in my editorial career to date, and I can't wait for everyone to pick up a copy!"
Ballard is a solo parent raising three kids in the American South while trying to make art. Told in a series of free-flowing and often hilarious comic essays, “Cartoonshow” gets to the heart of the struggle to be a creative person in a society that doesn't value anything other than how much it can grind out of you. COVID-19, poverty, the failing social safety net, predatory lenders, and literal acts of God can't stop our hero!
The book will be available in hardcover at retailers everywhere on August 2, 2023.
Journalist, antique shop owner, aspiring gemologist—L'Wren brings a diverse perspective to animation, where every frame reflects her varied passions.
