BOOM! Studio unveils yet another feather in its expansive cap with the announcement of their new coming of age graphic novel Juliet Takes a Breath. Critically-acclaimed writer Gabby Rivera (b.b. free) adapts her bestselling novel alongside artist Celia Moscote and colorist James Fenner in this Coming of Age story that explores race, identity, queer, and all things involved in being true to your amazing self.
Juliet Milagros Palante is leaving the Bronx and headed to Portland, Oregon. She just came out to her family and isn’t sure if her mom will ever speak to her again. But don’t worry, Juliet has something kinda resembling a plan that’ll help her figure out what it means to be Puerto Rican, lesbian and out. See, she’s going to intern with Harlowe Brisbane – her favorite feminist author, someone whose work on feminism, self-love and lots of other things will help Juliet find her ever-elusive epiphany. There’s just one problem – Harlowe’s white, not from the Bronx and doesn’t have all the answers. Okay, maybe that’s more than one problem, but Juliet never said it was a perfect plan…
This is truly a story that resonates with writer Gabby Rivera. A queer, Bronx born, Puerto Rican herself this is, in many ways, her story as well. She’s the first Latina to write for Marvel Comics, penning the solo series America about America Chavez, a portal-punching queer Latina powerhouse. Rivera’s critically acclaimed debut novel Juliet Takes a Breath was called “f*cking outstanding” by Roxane Gay and was re-published in September 2019 by Penguin Random House. Currently, Gabby is the writer and creator of b.b. free, a new original comic series with BOOM! Studios. Stay tuned for her podcast joy revolution coming in 2020! When not writing, Gabby speaks on her experiences as a queer Puerto Rican from the Bronx, an LGBTQ youth advocate, and the importance of prioritizing joy in QTPOC communities at events across the country. Gabby makes magic on both coasts, currently residing in California. She writes for all the sweet baby queers, and her mom.
“So excited to be working with BOOM! studios on the JULIET TAKES A BREATH graphic novel. We’re blasting new energy into the story and lush colors all over the page,” said writer Gabby Rivera. “Get ready for a Juliet Milagros Palante that’s gayer, chubbier, and more confident than ever before.”
Celia Moscote is a storyboard artist and illustrator based out of the greater Los Angeles area who is best known for their work on the animated film Tina and the Gucci Flip Flop, as well as their representation of diverse characters within their zines, comics, and character designs.
“I am beyond excited for everyone to see JULIET TAKES A BREATH. I cried when I first read it! It’s a story I wish I had when I was first trying to navigate the world,” said artist Celia Moscote. “It’s an absolute honor to be able to bring such an amazing cast of characters to life. Family drama, sexual re-awakenings and a bunch of incredibly smart and hot women, what more could you ask for?”
Juliet Takes a Breath is a chance for many of us to see a world that exists all around us but we may never get a chance to see. It talks about topics and problems that we may be unable to relate to and this is an important conversation piece for our changing world.“Juliet Takes a Breath is such an important novel about coming of age and coming out so it’s been a wonderful experience to be able to live in this world and relive this story as we adapt it into a graphic novel,” said Shannon Watters, Editor, BOOM! Studios. “We are very excited to be working with Gabby and Celia to create this graphic novel that will introduce new readers to Gabby’s powerful writing and Celia’s incredible illustrations while giving longtime fans a beautiful new version to discover.”
Look for this daring coming of age story November 2020 and be on the lookout for BOOm! studios next big project.