PEARL OF THE SEA

159pp., 4to., colour illus., paperback, Texas, No Date

Graphic novel set in a coastal town in South Africa.

When Pearl starts diving near a restricted wreck she meets an ancient sea monster named Otto - and discovers she's the only one who can save him.

"There is a delicate balance of nostalgia and discovery painted over the story’s coastal town to create an absolutely charming adventure with a touch of magic and unspoken bonds. A beautiful contrast between a struggle for agency and the shifting perspective of what monsters look like to us.” Bill Masuku, Razor Man, Captain South Africa

"Pearl of the Sea is an exciting and heartwarming tale, part coming-of-age story and part adventure yarn featuring a young South African heroine who is smart, brave and effortlessly relatable to readers. The art evokes both the action of classic manga and the pristinely-framed storytelling of Herge’s Tintin. Using expansive panels of sunset vistas and sub-oceanic splash pages, the book creates a sense of fantastical wonder, as the tale unfurls (often wordlessly) through the eyes of the intrepid young heroine.” Luke Molver, author and illustrator, King Shaka: Zulu Legend

Anthony Silverston is partner and Head of Development at Triggerfish Animation Studios in South Africa. He directed and co-wrote the feature film Khumba, has produced and written on Seal Team and Triggerfish’s feature, Zambezia, and was producer of the short films Belly Flop and Troll Girl.

Visual artist Willem Samuel is the author of the autobiographical novel, Mengelmoes. His comic work has featured in Bitterkomix. He art directed the pan-African comic Supa Strikas, served as Head of Story on the animated feature Seal Team and created concept art for the Warhammer+ streaming series, Hammer Bolter

Raffaella Delle Donne has developed and created content with a specific focus on Africa for Disney, eOne, Snipple Animation, Wekids, Baobab Studios and Triggerfish Animation Studios. She was the TV Development Executive for the Triggerfish Studios/ Disney Story Lab, has written on the animated series Love Monster, PKing Duckling and Monster Beach, as well as the animated features Adventures in Zambezia and Khumba.