DC Comics has been having huge success with its line of Young-Adult and All-Age graphic novels. The publisher has been diversifying from it’s normal comic book fare by bringing in new creative teams to craft standalone stories featuring some of their more diverse cast of characters.
The next of those graphic novels is The Oracle Code, written by Marieke Nijkamp and illustrated by Manuel Preitano. Set within a mysterious thriller, this moving coming-of-age tale follows teenager Barbara Gordon as she adapts to a new normal after a tragic accident and begins her path to becoming Oracle, one of DC’s fiercest Super Heroes.
Nijkamp is the author of bestselling YA novels This Is Where It Ends and Before I Let Go and has built a celebrated career advocating for and writing stories that elevate disabled voices. She is the editor of the YA anthology Unbroken: 13 Stories Starring Disabled Teens, and is also a co-founder of We Need Diverse Books, a nonprofit organization created to promote diversity of multiple forms in children’s literature and publishing. Now, Nijkamp brings her thoughtful and authentic storytelling expertise to DC to put a fresh twist on one of the publisher’s most beloved disabled characters.
“The Oracle Code is my love letter to Barbara Gordon, to Oracle,” said Nijkamp. “It’s a book for everyone who’s ever felt like the puzzle pieces don’t quite fit, whether they’re in a creepy Arkham institute or simply figuring out themselves. And it’s for every disabled reader who knows they can be a hero too.”
The Oracle Code marks Nijkamp and Preitano’s first work with DC. Preitano is an Italian illustrator and graphic designer, best known for the Destiny, NY, series he co-created with author Pat Shand.
“Illustrating The Oracle Code was a great challenge and an opportunity to grow as an artist,” said Preitano. “The strength Barbara, Yeong, Issy, and the other characters displayed was truly inspiring, which reflects Marieke’s attention to details. The script really made me feel the mood of the scenes I was going to draw and we worked together to get the best out of each sequence.”
Nijkamp added, “Manuel’s art brought the story to life in a way that was beyond my wildest dreams. He got the characters from the very first sketch and his eye for detail made their whole world shine!”
“I hope readers will see the incredible work the whole team (writer, colorist, letterer, editors…and maybe this humble artist, too!) did with this book, reflected in every page!” said Preitano. “And I hope this will inspire them too!”
The Oracle Code is available to preorder now and hits stores and online retailers everywhere books are sold March 10, 2020.
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