PORTLAND OR (March 13th, 2024) – Oni Press, a stalwart in the world of comic book publishing with a legacy marked by multiple Harvey and Eisner awards since its inception in 1997, has announced the triumphant return of writer Norm Harper (renowned for works like Rikki, The Sequels) and artist Louie Joyce (notable for A Fistful of Pain, Past the Last Mountain) with their fantastical graphic novel, HAPHAVEN, into the spotlight. This time, it’s set to dazzle audiences anew in the form of the HAPHAVEN DELUXE EDITION, scheduled to grace shelves on June 4th, promising readers an enhanced experience with many exclusive bonus materials.
One part fantasy, one part coming-of-age adventure, the HAPHAVEN DELUXE EDITION whisks readers away on an exhilarating journey through a world steeped in superstition and folklore. The narrative unfurls against the backdrop of a young protagonist, Alex Mills, who, driven by an unwavering belief in superstitions, finds herself entangled in a series of unexpected events.
As the tale unfolds, Alex embarks on a quest to mend the consequences of a jinx gone awry, thrusting her into the mystical realm of Haphaven, where superstitions hold sway over reality. But salvation for her ailing mother comes at a price, as she must navigate treacherous terrains and face formidable adversaries to secure a prized possession—a rabbit’s foot—that holds the key to her mother’s recovery.
“At its heart, HAPHAVEN is the story of a person torn between what her dogma is telling her to do and what she knows in her heart is right,” explained writer Norm Harper, emphasizing the thematic relevance of the narrative to contemporary challenges. “In many ways, that struggle feels more relevant today than it did just a few years ago, during our first release. I hope Alex’s quest to forge her destiny can help young readers not lose hope in the face of all the real-world Black Cats and remind them that any system, no matter how dear, can be challenged.”
Echoing Harper’s sentiment, artist Louie Joyce reflected on the profound impact of the story, stating, “Creating HAPHAVEN was such a special experience for me. Sometimes, I forget that it’s a comic book I illustrated and not an actual real adventure that I went on with my mates Alex, Penny, and Hubbub! It was a joy to revisit this world and these characters for the new Deluxe Edition cover. I’m so excited for everyone else to discover (or rediscover) the world of HAPHAVEN!”
Senior Editor Grace Scheipeter was enthusiastic about the project, noting, “HAPHAVEN is a thrilling story full of adventure and superstition. Alex is daring and brave as she learns to let go of the things controlling her life, and I hope readers find her as inspiring as I do. With the release of the new deluxe edition, it’s been a joy to reenter the world of HAPHAVEN with Norm and Louie, and I can’t wait for fans to see all the behind-the-scenes extras in the book.”
HAPHAVEN has garnered critical acclaim, earning the Silver Ledger award and receiving praise for its unique blend of fantasy and adventure. Foreword Reviews lauded it as “much more than a mere checklist of superstitions, HAPHAVEN is sure to please fans of unique fantasies.” Fans and newcomers alike can anticipate the visionary return of Norm Harper and Louie Joyce’s HAPHAVEN: DELUXE EDITION on June 4th.
HAPHAVEN: DELUXE EDITION
WRITTEN BY NORM HARPER
ILLUSTRATED BY LOUIE JOYCE
$24.99 | HARDCOVER | 176 pgs. | FC
ON SALE JUNE 4th, 2024
IOC: 4/25/2024
FOC: 5/13/2024
About the Creators:
Norm Harper is a Los Angeles–based writer known for his penchant for weaving tales featuring silly talking animals, scary monsters, and characters grappling with existential revelations. His portfolio boasts the Eisner–nominated Rikki, the Ledger award-winning YA fantasy Haphaven, and the critically acclaimed ’80s nostalgia meta-commentary adventure The Sequels.
Louie Joyce, an award-winning comics creator and illustrator hailing from Dharawal Country, Australia, has left an indelible mark with his works, including A Fistful of Pain, Haphaven (Winner of a 2019 Silver Ledger Award), Past the Last Mountain (Winner of a 2017 Silver Ledger Award), and Godzilla: Skate or Die. Beyond his artistic pursuits, Joyce shares his passion through teaching and conducting creative workshops and courses on comics, storytelling, and illustration.
About Oni Press:
Established in 1997, Oni Press boasts a 25-year legacy as a bastion of excellence in comic book publishing, earning accolades for its award-winning comic books and graphic novels. Notable titles include Bryan Lee O’Malley’s Scott Pilgrim, K. O’Neill’s Tea Dragon Society, Cullen Bunn & Brian Hurtt’s The Sixth Gun, Maia Kobabe’s Gender Queer, Ezra Claytan Daniels’ Upgrade Soul, Brenna Thummler’s Sheets trilogy, among many others.
In 2019, Oni Press merged with Lion Forge Comics, resulting in the creation of one of the largest independent libraries of comics content under the umbrella of the Oni-Lion Forge Publishing Group, a subsidiary of Polarity, a diversified global media company founded by Academy Award-winning producer and entrepreneur David Steward II.
The Oni-Lion Forge Publishing Group continues to enrich the literary landscape with more than 60 original and licensed graphic novels annually and an extensive catalog of periodical comics, captivating audiences worldwide with its diverse and compelling narratives.
