On Wednesday, April 1st, Dark Horse Comics is releasing a trade paperback of the ComiXology Originals original graphic novel THE GIRL WHO DRAWS ON WHALES OGN!
From Ariela Kristantina, artist of the Eisner Award-nominated graphic novel Adora and the Distance, The Girl Who Draws on Whales is a testimony to the power of stories—their uncanny ability to entertain, educate and, ultimately, unite us.
Reminiscent of stories like Moana, Princess Mononoke, The Never-Ending Story, Frozen, and Snow Angels, The Girl Who Draws on Whales is an epic YA grahic novel adventure about two siblings struggling for survival, who must use their art to save their world.
Here’s a look at the cover, storyline, and preview pages for this week’s
new release from Dark Horse Comics on New Comic Book Day…
THE GIRL WHO DRAWS ON WHALES OGN
Written by Ariela Kristantina
Illustrated by Ariela Kristantina
Colors by Sarah Stern
Letters by Bernardo Brice
Edited by Will Dennis
Genre: Fantasy, Action/Adventure
Format: FC, 116 pages
Age range: 12+
SRP: $22.99
Release Date: April 01, 2026
The Girl Who Draws on Whales is set in a fantasy world, several centuries after “The Great Flood.” Sister Wangi and younger brother Banyu live in a sea-village. Wangi has a special bond with the Great Whales that visit their sea-village and they allow Wangi to draw on their backs. Sometimes they return with new drawings on them. Wangi believes that there are other sea-villages or island settlements scattered around and that they are sending her messages but, none of the elders listen to her.
One day, a new whale arrives in the village alone, wounded, and dying—this whale has a new drawing on her back that doesn’t look like the previous drawings. Inspired by this mystery, Wangi vows to investigate. Although forbidden by her parents and the village elders, Wangi—along with a stowaway, who happens to be her brother Banyu—embark on a wondrous journey to investigate where the drawings are coming from only to find much more than they were expecting.
Here’s our interview with Ariela Kristantina & editor WIll Dennis
discussing THE GIRL WHO DRAWS ON WHALES!
Praise for The Girl Who Draws on Whales:
“I already loved Ariela’s work, and this book sets a new benchmark — beautifully evocative artwork coupled with a touching tale for the ages. Highly recommended.”—JOCK (Gone, Wytches, Detective Comics)
About Dark Horse Comics:
Founded in 1986 by Mike Richardson, Dark Horse Comics is an excellent example of how integrity and innovation can help broaden a unique storytelling medium and transform a company with humble beginnings into an industry giant.
Over the years, Dark Horse has published the work of creative legends such as Yoshitaka Amano, Margaret Atwood, Paul Chadwick, Geof Darrow, Will Eisner, Neil Gaiman, Dave Gibbons, Faith Erin Hicks, Kazuo Koike, Matt Kindt, Jeff Lemire, Mike Mignola, Frank Miller, Kentaro Miura, Moebius, Chuck Palahniuk, Wendy Pini, Richard Pini, and Gerard Way. In addition, Dark Horse has a long tradition of establishing exciting new creative talent throughout all of its divisions.
The company has also set the industry standard for quality licensed comics, graphic novels, collectibles, and art books, including Stranger Things, Avatar: The Last Airbender, The Legend of Korra, Minecraft, The Legend of Zelda, Super Mario, Dragon Age, James Cameron’s Avatar, Game of Thrones, Mass Effect, StarCraft, The Witcher, and Halo. Today, Dark Horse Comics is one of the world’s leading entertainment publishers.
About ComiXology:
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