Masks: A Graphic Novel

Poe, Rice, and Shelley are three monster kids who hide from the outside world. But when they learn about "Halloween," they realize it's their one night of the year where they can be their true selves--scales and all. This quirky, heartwarming (or should we say, heart-worm-ing?) graphic novel is perfect for fans of Nimona and Sheets.

Poe was only a little monster when the hunters came for her parents. If it weren't for one of the hunters taking pity on her, she knows she'd have met the same fate, too.

Ten years later, Poe lives with her two "siblings"--more monster kids in hiding--Rice and Shelley. Under her protective eye, Poe makes sure that the siblings have everything they need, but Rice and Shelley want more out of life than running away. So when their most recent home is slated to be demolished by a real estate group, the monster kids venture out to find their place, and end up getting whisked away to a Halloween party that changes their lives.

Debut creator Margaret Rae and Brian Nathanson (author of The Many Deaths of Barnaby James) are experts in the spooky, haunting craft. They've woven a story full of heart, humor, and hope--one that examines the masks in which we all live. With quirky, stunning illustrations by Beck Kubrick and colorist Tom Philipson, Masks is the quintessential graphic novel about accepting who you are, masks and all.

Perfect for fans of ND Stevenson's Nimona, Brenna Thummler's Sheets, with kid-friendly elements of The Witcher and a little bit of Peter Pan.

"The illustrations, which are full of emotion, feature muted colors and loose linework. A heartfelt twist on tales of monsters and bad guys." - Kirkus Reviews

Author: Margaret Rae,Brian Nathanson
Publisher: Andrews McMeel Publishing
Published: 07/29/2025
Pages: 240
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 1.25lbs
Size: 9.10h x 6.10w x 0.80d
ISBN: 9781524886462
Audience: Ages 9-12


Review Citation(s):
Publishers Weekly 06/09/2025
School Library Journal 08/01/2025 pg. 80

About the Author
Margaret Rae is a debut fiction writer and physician specializing in infectious diseases. She lives in Los Angeles, California, with husband Brian and daughter Fiona.

Since graduating from USC's School of Cinematic Arts, Brian Nathanson has written screenplays for studios such as Disney and Warner Bros. After releasing The Many Deaths of Barnaby James through Dark Horse, Masks will be his second graphic novel.

Beck Kubrick is a UK-based writer and cartoonist. They like comedy-horror and thinking about the apocalypse. They are known for "dark humor and knowing wit." They have worked with Cartoon Network, Oni Press, MadCave Studios and more. They won Broken Frontier's best one-shot 2023, and their upcoming work includes Dead Girls (Atheneum Books, 2026).