(July 10, 2024) Eisner-nominated writer Jordan Morris and YALSA award-winning artist Bowen (Bones) McCurdy are collaborating on YOUTH GROUP, an all-new, original graphic novel about an Orange County teen church group that prays by day and slays demons by night. First Second will publish this hellishly funny story in July, ahead of San Diego Comic-Con International.
Los Angeles-based writer Jordan Morris is the creator and co-writer of Bubble, the hit all-star scripted podcast turned two-time Eisner-nominated graphic novel, which Seth Rogan is producing as an animated feature. He’s also written for the Archie Comics Chilling Adventures comics line and is the co-host of the long running podcast Jordan Jesse Go! with Jesse Thorn (of NPR’s Bullseye with Jesse Thorn).
“I’ve always loved stories that mix horror and comedy,” said writer Jordan Morris. “I appreciate it when creators can play with the push-pull tension between laughs and screams.”
When Kay reluctantly agreed to join the youth group at Stone Mission Church in Orange County California, she expected the Jesus talk and the dorky singalongs and the colorful posters about dodging temptation. What she didn’t expect was to stumble on her youth group leaders, Meg and Cortland, in the middle of a read-deal exorcism. Turns out they’re both soldiers in a secret organization of demon hunters in a war that’s heating up, and even if Kay wanted to stay on the sidelines, she doesn’t have a choice — she’s a “Blight,” a human who demons can’t possess, and apparently that’s made her a target. Will Kay find her place in a world that’s so much more God-fearing and monster-fighting than what she’s used to? Will the Stone Mission youth group find common cause with their badass peers of other faiths? Or will a pack of small-time demons use Blights like Kay as the key to starting some real big trouble? YOUTH GROUP mixes humor, horror and heart to tell a story about putting aside your differences to give evil the beatdown it deserves.
Bowen (Bones) McCurdy has worked with Marvel, Boom!Box, IDW, and First Second. Her first graphic novel, Specter Inspectors, co-created with Kaitlyn Musto, won the YALSA award for Great Graphic Novels for Teens.
“This was any artist’s dream collaboration, with such a kind and talented writer to boot,” said artist Bowen (Bones) McCurdy. “Jordan’s characters are immediately lovable and relatable, regardless of their faiths and/or demon-butt-kicking abilities. I’m so grateful to have been able to bring to life his goofy, affectionate, wild ride of a story.”
“One of our goals with YOUTH GROUP was to make the humor character-based rather than spoofing horror conventions,” added Morris. “Our characters are extreme goofballs but hopefully they’re not pure punchlines. Bowen has given them such humanity and likability that you’ll be genuinely concerned that they’re going to die. We want all sorts of folks to be able to enjoy this book, regardless of where they’re at with faith and religion. Our characters are all kinds of believers (non-believers included) who have to find a way to work together to achieve the common goal of not getting killed by demons.”
YOUTH GROUP will be available in bookstores and comic shops from First Second on July 16, 2024. For more information, follow Jordan Morris on Twitter, Bluesky and Instagram.
First Second | On sale 07/16/2024 | Ages 14-18 | 256 pages
Hardcover ISBN: 9781250789228 & $25.99 | Paperback ISBN: 9781250789235 & $17.99
About the creators
Jordan Morris is a Los Angeles-based writer of a bunch of different things but most importantly, comics. He’s the creator and co-writer of the two-time Eisner-nominated graphic novel Bubble and several stories for the Archie Comics Chilling Adventures line. He’s also the co-host of the not-super-popular but long running podcast Jordan Jesse Go!
Bowen (Bones) McCurdy is a 27-year-old cartoonist. She’s been creating comics since she was 13, and very happily made it her career. Her favorite genres to work with are horror and romance, so most of her work is a combination of the two. She has worked with Marvel, Boom!Box, IDW, and First Second. Her first graphic novel, Specter Inspectors, co-created with Kaitlyn Musto, was published by Boom! Studios in November 2021 and won the YALSA award for Great Graphic Novels for Teens.
About the publisher
First Second is a graphic novel publisher located in New York City. They publish graphic novels in every genre and for readers of all ages. Their graphic novels are available online, in libraries, in comic book shops, and wherever books are sold. Led by Editorial & Creative Director Mark Siegel, Editorial Director Calista Brill, and Creative Director Kirk Benshoff, each of their graphic novels is the work of an army of creators, editors, designers, and editorial staff.
