Miles and Rhys know each other only as Gryphon and Backslash, and in the video game Mecha Melee they’re an unstoppable team. They’re the best friends they’ve got, online or in the real world, and they don’t even realize they go to the same middle school.
But real-life wrongdoing blasts their duo into a crater the size of Arcticon. With life online and off a complete mess and BattleCon—and the Every Game Ever tournament—just weeks away, can the boys play their way back to each other?
- Pages: 224
- Publisher: HarperCollins
- Imprint: Clarion Books
- Series: A Power Up Graphic Novel
- Publication Date: 23rd February 2021
- Trim Size: 5.5 x 8 in
- Illustration Note: full-color illustrations
- ISBN: 9780358325659
"Bright, vivid colors and varied layouts communicate the intensity, high stakes, and drama of the video game sequences, making them all the more immersive. In the midst of the action, at the story’s core is a sensitive narrative about the desire to find belonging. A high-scoring power combo of fast-action gaming and real-life friendship."—Kirkus Reviews "Bold, colorful artwork full of dynamic action and an inclusive cast of characters make this graphic novel a quick and engaging read.... A fun and heartening story that shows that a new best friend could be right around the corner."—Booklist —
Darnell Johnson, a Miami, Florida native, discovered his passion for art when watching Saturday morning cartoons as a kid. He would spend time designing his own characters and making comics about them. It was in high school Darnell knew he wanted to pursue a career in art. Currently he lives in Alpharetta, Georgia, with his beautiful wife and son. Darnell pulls inspiration from his faith, family, friends, and life to pour into his illustrations. He hopes the lines, colors, and shapes he makes spark the imagination of young readers.
Miles and Rhys know each other only as Gryphon and Backslash, and in the video game Mecha Melee they’re an unstoppable team. They’re the best friends they’ve got, online or in the real world, and they don’t even realize they go to the same middle school.
But real-life wrongdoing blasts their duo into a crater the size of Arcticon. With life online and off a complete mess and BattleCon—and the Every Game Ever tournament—just weeks away, can the boys play their way back to each other?
- Pages: 224
- Publisher: HarperCollins
- Imprint: Clarion Books
- Series: A Power Up Graphic Novel
- Publication Date: 23rd February 2021
- Trim Size: 5.5 x 8 in
- Illustrations Note: full-color illustrations
- ISBN: 9780358325659
"Bright, vivid colors and varied layouts communicate the intensity, high stakes, and drama of the video game sequences, making them all the more immersive. In the midst of the action, at the story’s core is a sensitive narrative about the desire to find belonging. A high-scoring power combo of fast-action gaming and real-life friendship."—Kirkus Reviews "Bold, colorful artwork full of dynamic action and an inclusive cast of characters make this graphic novel a quick and engaging read.... A fun and heartening story that shows that a new best friend could be right around the corner."—Booklist —
Darnell Johnson, a Miami, Florida native, discovered his passion for art when watching Saturday morning cartoons as a kid. He would spend time designing his own characters and making comics about them. It was in high school Darnell knew he wanted to pursue a career in art. Currently he lives in Alpharetta, Georgia, with his beautiful wife and son. Darnell pulls inspiration from his faith, family, friends, and life to pour into his illustrations. He hopes the lines, colors, and shapes he makes spark the imagination of young readers.