Hello Sunshine

Debut creator Young interrogates the horror media trope of mental illness resulting in violence in this atmospheric and insightful supernatural graphic novel. When teenager Noah returns home from a summer at Bible camp, he learns that classmate Alex—with whom Noah had a secret relationship—purportedly had a meltdown and went missing shortly after Noah left for the summer. Heartbroken and determined to get to the bottom of his disappearance, Noah teams up with Alex’s twin brother, Jamie; Jamie’s girlfriend, Izzy; and the twins’ transgender childhood friend Sky. As the group learns more about the events that led to Alex’s breakdown and subsequent vanishing, they face off against incompetent cops, distrustful classmates, and living nightmares that paint a haunting portrait of Alex’s final weeks. Jagged, sharp artwork with a strange, surreal feel complements the creator’s nuanced depictions of horrifying paranormal mystery and Alex’s experiencing symptoms of psychosis, such as visual and auditory hallucinations. Supernatural suspense keeps readers on their toes while complex characterizations create fodder for nuanced and empathetic discussion surrounding mental health stigma and bullying. Noah reads as white, Sky and Izzy are Asian, and the twins’ father is a member of the Haida nation. Ages 14–up. Agent: Kurestin Armada, Root Literary. (Sept.)