THE GHOSTKEEPER (2024 / PENGUIN TEEN)
Created by Johanna Taylor, Lettering by Micah Myers
THE GHOSTKEEPER is author-illustrator Johanna Taylor’s debut YA graphic novel, sold at auction to Penguin’s Putnam imprint, and edited by Chris Hernandez. The story takes place in a Victorian fantasy world loosely based on late-1800s Scotland, and follows Dorian Leith, a young therapist for ghosts who teaches them how to cope with grief, loss, and regret, and move on to the next life, all while navigating his own mental health struggles, burnout, and codependent relationships. THE GHOSTKEEPER is a balanced blend of horror, hope, humor, and Celtic folklore. IN STORES NOW!
PRAISE FOR THE GHOSTKEEPER
“This gentle story probes how grief can haunt us and how we must learn to let go.”
"With breathtaking artwork and a story that lingers long after the last page, this is a must-read for fans of graphic novels and ghost stories alike. A hauntingly beautiful testament to the power of memory and the enduring bond between the past and present."
—Aiden Thomas, New York Times bestselling author of CEMETERY BOYS
“This candid, affirming look at mental health and the importance of taking care of yourself includes attainable coping mechanisms that'll benefit plenty of readers, not just the undead. A vibrant graphic novel with the gentle, feel-good vibes of House in the Cerulean Sea.”
"As a pediatrician, I wish I could gift this graphic novel to so many kids who might need help understanding their feelings or learning to allow themselves to feel what they feel … Go read this book right this second, and heal your inner child.”
“A twist puts a fresh spin on the chosen one narrative, emphasizing the importance of rest and boundaries rather than unending sacrifice and offering a love letter to altruists … Powerfully, tenderly, and empathetically examines death, grief, and the afterlife.”
“This heartwarming, emotionally intelligent tale inspired by Oscar Wilde and his Canterville Ghost novella contains many seamlessly executed examples of healthy communication and relationship dynamics without sacrificing the compelling story line. An absolute must-read.”
“Gentle, contemporary depictions of managing one’s own mental health and setting boundaries are woven throughout a warmly erudite graphic novel debut that’s rich with engaging lore. Taylor’s lush illustrations portray a visually diverse community that populates an imaginative world teeming with cozy bookshops, ghost cats, and glowing banshees, among other paranormal delights.”
“In the grand tradition of many classic ghost stories, this heartfelt tale is about being haunted by grief, the heavy pull of the past, and most importantly, finding the way to move forward.”
THE CURIE SOCIETY (2021, colorist / MIT PRESS & EINHORN PRODUCTIONS)
A covert team of young women--members of the Curie society, an elite organization dedicated to women in STEM--undertake high-stakes missions to save the world.
Created by: Heather Einhorn & Adam Staffaroni; Writer: Janet Harvey; Artist: Sonia Liao; Editor: Joan Hilty.
SELECTION OF COMIC PITCH PAGES (2024)
Written by Rusty Marcum (img 1-2), Rachel Wight (img 3-4), and Jameeleh Shelo (img 5)——art by Johanna Taylor
PERSONAL COMICS
ROLL WITH ADVANTAGE (2020)
In which I roll terribly on a charm saving throw during a D&D game.
THE DARK TROUSERS (2024)
A Tears of the Kingdom fan comic about the Bargainer Statue.
