Valiant Entertainment is teaming up with publisher HarperCollins and its Balzer + Bray imprint to launch a brand new line of Young Adult graphic novels featuring some of Valiant's most iconic heroes. The line will launch in Spring 2020 with FAITH: Taking Flight by #1 New York Times bestselling author Julie Murphy. Murphy is perhaps best known for writing Dumplin', the bestselling title that was recently adapted into a film by Netflix.
While Valiant didn't announce any additional titles at this time, the company did confirm that future YA titles will see younger versions of classic Valiant heroes as they learn to control their superpowers, battle evil elements, and deal with the trials of growing up. More announcements regarding the next books in this new series are expected to be made soon.
“We are always looking for masterful storytellers to bring our stories and characters to life in new and exciting mediums,” said Russell Brown, Valiant President of Consumer Products, Promotions & Ad Sales. “Julie Murphy is one of the best. Having read several of her previous YA novels, we knew she was the perfect author to write about one of our most popular characters, Faith Herbert. Through this and more Valiant YA novels to be announced, we can’t wait to introduce a new generation of fans to the Valiant Universe.”
This marks the first graphic novel for Murphy, who has written titles such as Dumplin', Ramona Blue, and Side Effects May Vary. “Collaborating with Valiant on FAITH: Taking Flight has been such a thrill!" Murphy continued, "I've been able to write what I love—body positive stories about young people on the brink of self-discovery—while getting to stretch my legs and play in the world of comics and superheroes.”
FAITH: Taking Flight will tell the story of Faith Herbert, who is a regular teen that spends much of her time at the local animal shelter or obsessing over the long-running teen drama The Grove -- when she isn't with her two best friends, Matt and Ches. While most of her senior year has been spent worrying about crushes and staying close to her Grandma Lou after graduation, there's also the small matter of Faith discovering that she can fly.
The character of Faith was first created by Jim Shooter and David Lapham in 1992. She received her first solo series in 2016 from writer Jody Houser and artists Francis Portela and Marguerite Sauvage, helping to propel her into a new level of popularity among comic fans. A Faith movie was in development at Sony with American Gods writer Maria Melnik set to pen the screenplay, however, it's unknown whether or not the project is currently moving forward at its new home, Paramount.