Secrets of a Successful Graphic Novel! - In-person

Dark Horse Comics graphic novelist Sierra Barnes tells all!

Local graphic novelist Sierra Barnes turned her webcomic into a historical fantasy graphic novel series from major publisher Dark Horse—Hans Vogel Is Dead Vol. 1 is available now! Questions welcomed!

Do you like graphic novels? Do you love creating comics or want to learn more? Do you have dreams of getting published? Do you want to know behind-the-scenes secrets to success as a writer, illustrator, or graphic novelist? Comic creator and historian Sierra Barnes, who turned her webcomic Hans Vogel is Dead into a successful graphic novel series from major publisher Dark Horse Comics, will discuss her experiences with all of the above! This talk will include a Q&A session.

Teens—join us for this SSL hour opportunity & enjoy snacks!

Sierra's debut graphic novel, Hans Vogel is Dead: Volume 1, was released through Dark Horse in October 2023; Volumes 2 and 3 are forthcoming from Dark Horse. Hans Vogel is Dead launched as a webcomic in 2015 and continues to be updated at Sierra's website. As of November 2023, Sierra is a Resident Artist with the Torpedo Factory Art Center in Alexandria, VA.

Hans Vogel is Dead is an anti-fascist fairytale with elements of historical fantasy. When a German fighter pilot is shot down and dies during a World War II air raid over London, it's only the beginning of his journey. Accompanied by Reineke, a young girl cursed in the body of a fox, he sets out to unlearn the fascism and cruelty he learned in life, undo its power in the fairytale world, and maybe, just maybe, do better this time around.

Sierra makes webcomics and print comics based on history and folklore. She is particularly interested in the relationship between history, mythology, and memory, and her comics (especially Hans Vogel is Dead) reflect this. Sierra graduated in 2014 from the College of William & Mary with a double major in History and German Studies, and graduated in August 2019 with a MFA in Comics from California College of the Arts. When she’s not making comics, you can usually find her haunting boba shops and museums like a very nerdy ghost.

Questions about this program? Contact Brigadier General Charles E. McGee Library at 240-773-9420.

Looking for more fun things to do at MCPL? Teens ages 14-19—ditch the stereotypes and figure out love & relationship styles that work for you at Writing Your Script for a Healthy Relationship, our Mental Health Awareness Month workshop Wednesday, May 22 from 4:30-6:00! We want you to get what you need, including SSL hours & snacks! Open or anonymous questions encouraged. This workshop is presented by SMYAL (Supporting and Mentoring Youth Advocates and Leaders).

Take a look at these resources for suggested graphic novels and nonfiction for teens and for adults. Don't have a card right now? No worries! Find out how to Get a Library Card.

Accommodation Requests

People who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing should request English-language captioning or sign-language interpretation at least five days before the library-sponsored program they plan to attend. Contact the Assistant Facilities and Accessibility Program Manager at 240-777-0002 with all other accommodation requests.

cm 1.1 01/03/2023

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