Macmillan Publishers has announced the launch of a new imprint dedicated to publishing graphic novels for adults, 23rd Street Books, to be helmed by Mark Siegel as Vice President, Executive Editorial & Creative Director for both First Second and 23rd St. Editorial Director Calista Brill, who joined First Second in 2008, will work closely with Siegel on the direction of both imprints.
Mirroring the same passion for great voices and unique talents that make First Second so distinctive, 23rd Street intends to serve as a home for the very best creators in the comics field, and to deliver graphic novels that span styles and genres, from the hilarious to the serious, from the escapist to the realest, from high-octane fiction in every genre to groundbreaking nonfiction—with a trademark commitment to aesthetics and editorial excellence.
23rd Street is launching in 2025 with an impressive roster of projects. These include new publications from legendary First Second creators like Gene Luen Yang and Ben Hatke; pulling in great talents from many fields including actor/comedian Damon Wayans, Jr., and poet/performer Saul Williams, as well as projects from new talents Jesse Lonergan, Anna Meyer, and Laurel and Mia Boulton; with more to be announced. First Second’s existing collection of graphic novels for adults, including the bestselling The Adventure Zone series, will join the 23rd Street list moving forward.
First Second will continue to publish and acquire acclaimed and groundbreaking graphic novels for children and teens, and Brill and Siegel will be working closely on both. Creative Director Kirk Benshoff will oversee both art departments. Siegel, Brill, and Benshoff will continue to report to Allison Verost, SVP and Publisher. Tess Banta has joined 23rd Street Books as Editor, with additional new hires to come.
“First Second is growing . . . It’s now :01 + 23! This new line will wow you, thrill you, entertain, provoke, inform, and excite you,” said Siegel. “Whether you’re a reader, a creator, a librarian, or a bookseller, I hope that you will join us in the next chapter of this exploding comics renaissance!”
“Far more than a publishing catalog, this new imprint is a creative lab, an incubator for the future of the medium,” said Verost. “Beyond capitalizing on an existing market, 23rd Street aims to lead it, shape it, and champion its most visionary minds. I’m incredibly excited to launch 23rd Street as a place for creators to take risks and to build upon Macmillan and First Second’s history of publishing groundbreaking and best selling graphic novels.”
Under the editorial leadership of Mark Siegel and Calista Brill, First Second has flourished since its inception in 2006. The publishing house first commanded industry attention with American Born Chinese, the trailblazing graphic novel which became the first comic to seize a National Book Award nomination and the esteemed ALA’s Printz Award. First Second further made publishing history when Jillian and Mariko Tamaki’s This One Summer became the first book in any format to find its way onto both the ALA’s Caldecott and Newbery Award Honor lists. Creators from a vast range of backgrounds have published with First Second’s, including world-class talents like Vera Brosgol, Tillie Walden, Ben Hatke, Faith Erin Hicks, Scott McCloud, Rainbow Rowell, Emily Carroll, LeUyen Pham, Jen Wang, Sara Varon, Shannon Hale, Ngozi Ukazi, and the legendary Hayao Miyazaki. The list also boasts huge bestselling series like InvestiGators, the Olympians, and The Adventure Zone. The success of First Second’s collection crosses borders, with many titles landing on shelves in over 15 languages. First Second projects are also blossoming as film and TV projects at major studios. For readers across the globe, First Second continues to be a trusted favorite and a transformative presence in the medium.
