Author Kami Garcia (Beautiful Creatures) and artist Gabriel Picolo, the creative duo behind the New York Times, USA Today, and Publishers Weekly bestseller Teen Titans: Raven, take you on a journey of self-discovery and acceptance, while reminding us the value of true friendship–especially when life gets wild.
We had the pleasure of asking Kami a few questions about her latest release!
Kami, can you tell us a bit about yourself and about your upcoming graphic novel, Teen Titans: Beast Boy?
I’m a former teacher turned YA author. I wrote my first novel Beautiful Creatures with my best friend/coauthor Margaret Stohl, on a dare from seven of my students. Teen Titans: Beast Boy is the story of how Gar Logan discovers his powers and how they change the way he views himself.
How did you come to start writing about the Teen Titans?
When DC approached me about writing for their YA line, I asked if there were any characters they were dying for someone to write. When they mentioned the Teen Titans, I jumped on it because I’m a fan.
In what ways has the graphic novel journey been different from traditional publishing?
The biggest difference is that my co-creator is an artist — Gabriel Picolo in this case. I’ve written with another author before, but this was the first time I had ever worked with an artist and it was amazing. Gabriel brings so much to the project. It’s incredible.
How was it like coordinating with an artist to bring the graphic novel to life?
The art brings the story to another level. It gives readers a sense if the characters and the emotional impact of what’s happening to them in a way that words can’t.
When writing about Beast Boy, what was something that you really wanted readers to focus on?
Gar has to decide if he’s going to let other people define him or if he’s going to define himself. I think that’s a question we all face.
What is your favorite aspect of Beast Boy?
He’s a genuinely sweet and decent guy. Sweet guys don’t get enough credit or page time.
Of all of the Titans, who do you feel you relate with the most?
Definitely Raven. She’s unsure of herself in a way I really identified with as a teen. I also tend to be a little dark.
If you could have a power, which would you choose and why?
That’s a hard one. I wouldn’t want to absorb people’s emotions or hear their thoughts like Raven and I wouldn’t want to fly because I’m afraid of heights. I wouldn’t mind having the power to influence people. A close second would be the ability to turn anything into pizza.
What is coming next for the Teen Titans series?
Beast Boy Loves Raven is the third book in the Teen Titans series. There a preview in the back of Teen Titans: Beast Boy. Gabriel and I think readers will love it.
