What to Read

Comic Corner: Kami Garcia Gushes about Her Comic “Teen Titans: Beast Boy”

[Note from Frolic: Our resident YA and graphic novel expert Aurora got the opportunity to interview author Kami Garcia and ask her five(ish) questions. Kami’s graphic novel Teen Titans: Beast Boy is out now!]

Aurora: What was your inspiration behind your most recent graphic novel?

Kami Garcia: Teen Titans: Beast Boy is an origin story about Garfield Logan, a high school senior who develops the ability to transform into animals, but he doesn’t know how to control it.

What character in this graphic novel do you most relate to and why?

I relate to Beast Boy’s best friend Stella. She’s stubborn and opinionated. She speaks her mind and she’s a loyal friend.

Why do you feel graphic novels with powerful and unique characters are so popular and have such a voice right now?

Teens are really unique age powerful. They want to read about characters they can relate to and who face some of the same problems they do.

What’s next for you in the comics and writing world?

Right now I’m finishing Beast Boy Loves Raven, the next graphic novel in my Teen Titans series with Gabriel Picolo. There’s a preview of the book in the back of BEAST BOY. I also have another unannounced project with DC.

Who is your current favorite writer and comic book artist? Why?

I love writers Jeff Lemire and Kelly Sue DeConnick. Their characters are unique, but also relatable. Aside from Gabriel Picolo, I love the work of Mico Suayan and Jason Badower, my artists on my bimonthly adult DC comic Joker/Harley: Criminal Sanity because they’re work is so detailed and nuanced. I also love David Mack who worked on the the special issue. He creates gorgeous collages and water color portraits.

Any writing advice for aspiring writers?

Don’t start projects and abandon them. Learn how to finish a book or a script.

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Aurora Dominguez

Aurora Dominguez is a high school English teacher, college professor and journalist in South Florida. Her work has appeared in The Miami Herald, Where Magazine and J-14 Magazine, all places where she worked as a writer and editor before going from the newsroom to the classroom. Her favorite days are "Caturdays," which she spends with a good book, her husband, Sebastian, and her cat, Luna. Her motto when it comes to reading: "No book left behind!"