I Am Here! comic books issue 1

Later printing. Story and art by Abner Dean. What Am I Doing Here? is a startling masterwork by one of the forgotten innovators of American comics. In 1945, after more than a decade as a commercial illustrator, Abner Dean invented a genre all his own: One might call it the Existential Gag Cartoon. He used the elegant draftsmanship and single-panel format of the standard cartoons of the day, but turned them to a deeper, stranger purpose. What Am I Doing Here? depicts a world at once alien and familiar, in which Dean's unclad Everyman searches for love, happiness, and the answers to life's biggest questions. Hardcover, 160 pages, B&W. Mature Readers Cover price $2.75.

1st printing. Story and art by Cara Bean. Join author-illustrator Cara Bean in HERE I AM, I AM ME, as she takes readers on an illustrated journey to the center of the brain. Each of the 9 chapters explores a different aspect of mental health, from the brain and the mind, to feelings and emotions. By portraying complex neuroscience concepts with a cast of illustrated characters (that represent parts of the brain), the book explains what is really going on in the reader's head in an accessible, approachable way that ultimately serves to empower the reader. Cara Bean masterfully discusses crucial topics like depression, substance use and addiction, and suicide, all while equipping readers with mindfulness tips, specific resources, and empathetic affirmations. Softcover, 6-in. x 9-in., 288 pages, full color. Cover price $17.99.

Add to cart Near Mint $6.00

1st printing. Story and art by Cara Bean. A full-color graphic novel-style adventure through the brain that demystifies and destigmatizes emotional and mental health for children ages 12 and up. Join author-illustrator Cara Bean in HERE I AM, I AM ME, as she takes readers on an illustrated journey to the center of the brain. Each of the 9 chapters explores a different aspect of mental health, from the brain and the mind, to feelings and emotions. By portraying complex neuroscience concepts with a cast of illustrated characters (that represent parts of the brain), the book explains what is really going on in the reader's head in an accessible, approachable way that ultimately serves to empower the reader. Each chapter includes a "question map" that gives context to and helps frame the pages that follow as well as a "Bean Memory," which shares a first-person true story that illustrates the chapter's subject matter as it has played out in the author's life. The book doesn't talk down to its readers, and it doesn't pretend that teens are immune to mental health struggles: Cara Bean masterfully discusses crucial topics like depression, substance use and addiction, and suicide, all while equipping readers with mindfulness tips, specific resources, and empathetic affirmations. Readers will learn to destigmatize the conversation around mental health by reframing their thinking, learning how to use conscious language, and helping themselves and others through mental health dilemmas. Hardcover, 6-in. x 9-in., 288 pages, full color. Cover price $24.99.

Volume 1 - 1st printing. Story and art by Ema Toyama. A touching coming-of-age manga from the author of the popular Tokyopop series, Pixie Pop. Hikage Sumino is shy and insecure about herself. Due to her introverted personality, she has a tough time making friends and she spends most of her time alone. The only place Hikage feels comfortable expressing herself is her blog that she maintains, and there she has two friends online who support her emotionally. One day a popular male student, Hinata confesses his romantic interest to Hikage. As she grows closer to Hinata, Hikage starts to gain confidence. Will Hinata help Hikage overcome her insecurities and blossom into the person she always wanted to be? Softcover, 5-in. x 7-in., 408 pages, B&W. Cover price $16.99.

Add to cart Fine $4.70

Volume 1 - 2nd and later prints. Story and art by Ema Toyama. A touching coming-of-age manga from the author of the popular Tokyopop series, Pixie Pop. Hikage Sumino is shy and insecure about herself. Due to her introverted personality, she has a tough time making friends and she spends most of her time alone. The only place Hikage feels comfortable expressing herself is her blog that she maintains, and there she has two friends online who support her emotionally. One day a popular male student, Hinata confesses his romantic interest to Hikage. As she grows closer to Hinata, Hikage starts to gain confidence. Will Hinata help Hikage overcome her insecurities and blossom into the person she always wanted to be? Softcover, 5-in. x 7-in., 408 pages, B&W. Cover price $16.99.

1st printing. Story and art by Abner Dean. What Am I Doing Here? is a startling masterwork by one of the forgotten innovators of American comics. In 1945, after more than a decade as a commercial illustrator, Abner Dean invented a genre all his own: One might call it the Existential Gag Cartoon. He used the elegant draftsmanship and single-panel format of the standard cartoons of the day, but turned them to a deeper, stranger purpose. What Am I Doing Here? depicts a world at once alien and familiar, in which Dean's unclad Everyman searches for love, happiness, and the answers to life's biggest questions. Hardcover, 168 pages, full color. Mature Readers Cover price $22.95.