Hello! My name is Lizzie Spratt and I'm the commissioning editor of graphic novels at Walker Books. I began working at this wonderfully creative hub and home to the best-illustrated books for young readers in February 2008.
It has been such an exciting year shaping up for the launch in 2009 of some truly exceptional novels created in the graphic-novel medium for readers of all ages, tastes and abilities. And it has been enormous fun working with the hugely-talented authors and illustrators of the books, and Patrick Insole, the art director of the list.
However, it must be said that Walker Books is not new to graphic novels – we've been publishing Marcia Williams since 1997. But we've been encouraged by the successful adaptations of Anthony Horowitz's Stormbreaker and Point Blanc to expand the range of books available to young readers. Also there has been a lot of research into the benefits of how stories told in this unique way can encourage reading.
So our aim at Walker has been to develop a programme of books told in comic-strip form for the very youngest readers right up to young adults. Beginning in May 2009 we have at least a book a month coming out – and what a varied and rich list it is!
I urge you to look out for the stunning and outstanding debut YA graphic novel Skim by cousins Mariko and Jillian Tamaki, which has been described as "the most sophisticated and sensitive North American graphic novel debut of the year".
We shall also be publishing the first three titles of Vermonia by YOYO – a ten-volumed, action-filled, magical manga epic! YOYO is a cutting-edge, Tokyo-based illustration collective made up of four young artists – I have never seen such beautiful manga artwork! Plus they have a team of geniuses developing an online game for readers to play and extend their adventures online. Definitely one to keep an eye out for.
Anthony Horowitz's Raven's Gate – the first in his Power of Five supernatural thriller series – is getting the most incredible adaptation into graphic novel from 2000ad artist Dom Reardon. I think he takes adaptations to a whole new level.
We're really proud to be welcoming to the list the acclaimed Harvey and Eisner Award-nominee comics creator, Andi Watson, with his enchanting and funny series for girls Glister.
Alex Rider returns to full-colour, high-octane, action-packed adventure in Skeleton Key – the third graphic instalment of the award-winning and best-selling series by Anthony Horowitz.
Our favourite hero, Robin Hood, also features as the first in a gorgeously-produced retelling Outlaw: The Legend of Robin Hood by Tony Lee and Brazilian-based artist Sam Hart, marking the first of our 'Heroes and Heroines' series.
And finally, in readiness for Halloween, we have the most strikingly beautiful and darkly exotic Salem Brownstone: All Along the Watchtowers by John Harris Dunning and Nikhil Singh – a sharp, surprising and strange gothic tale – NOT to be missed!
I hope these fantastic stories and adventures combined with wonderful illustration offer something for everyone and will inspire you as much as they've inspired me!