Original title: Monstruos

Writer: Valentina Sánchez Fantino - Mercedes Zérbola

Illustrator: Mercedes Zérbola - Valentina Sánchez Fantino

Original Publication: Unpublished/ in progress

Format: Around 180 color pages. 16 cm x 25 cm

Rights details: Worldwide rights available

About the book:

ABOUT THE PROJECT
“Monsters” is a fantasy graphic novel that touches on natural disasters and social problems caused by the greed of some humans. It is also a coming of age story that shows the evolution of two kids who live a maturation process by means of an adventure that teaches them about people and realities that are different from their own.
The development of the project began in 2021 with Mercedes Zérbola and Valentina Sánchez Fantino as its co-authors. It received two Creation Grants from the Argentinian Arts National Fund (Fondo Nacional de las Artes, FNA). The first being in 2021, for the initial planning of the story: script, storyboard and character and concept art design. The second grant was awarded in 2023 for the completion of 10 pages of the novel with the intention of using them as a sample for its subsequent publication.
The novel is aimed at children and teenagers, as well as adults who, like us, are interested in the art of graphic novels. As references we looked at works such as Wáluk by Ana Miralles and Emilio Ruiz; and Wolfwalkers from the Cartoon Saloon animation studio; as well as interviews with meteorology and biology professionals.
Finally, we would like to mention that we consider it important that these issues are raised in a way that is accessible, both in academic formats and also in other types of media and more informal means of communication. Especially taking into account the current situation of environmental crisis, the geopolitical space in which we live and the effect this has on our community. We would like to promote the idea that people are part of the solution and that the environment also includes us. That together we stand and divided we fall, the solution is always found through empathy and camaraderie.

SUMMARY
A long time ago, a war broke out between Calidi City and Azul City because of a fearsome creature that invaded them. The confrontation ended in a peace treaty, the separation of the towns and an extremely powerful weapon obtained by the Azul citizens. That weapon is The Monster, a destructive and dangerous being, from which Azul City extracts energy for various purposes. At least, this is what the history books say in Calidi City, the great walled city where we find our protagonists, living peacefully: Timmia and Tommy.
Everything changes when Timmia receives a gift that will change the course of their lives: a key with a strange symbol. Intrigued by the mystery, the children consult Wesh, a gypsy who lives in a caravan on the outskirts of the city, next to an ever growing camp of displaced immigrants from Azúl City. There, they learn that the key is the way to find the Beings of nature, powerful creatures that work to maintain harmony in the world.
Every day they see more evidence of the imbalance in which they live: floods, fires, diseases. It all culminates with the news that the Azul City Monster escaped.
Timmia and Tommy decide to seek the help of the Beings, and with the information that Wesh gave them, they leave in search of the “Snow Coast.” Along the way they meet new characters and realities that they were not aware of. Upon reaching their destination, they are greeted by the Shaman, who introduces them to Frigus, the Being they are looking for.
Through his powers, he shows them a different story than the one the kids learned in school.
They see a small Frigus playing with another Fire Being called Calidi and some humans. To protect and use their powers, the humans separate the Beings. With the help of a blacksmith who forges the key. They lock them in prisons and build two cities around them. Much later on, Calidi's power increases due to the human’s excessive use, without the creature being able to control it. This causes the Azul City ice prison, where Frigus is located, to melt. Once free, he heads to the Snow Coast sanctuary to heal.
Timmia and Tommy understand that the monster is actually Frigus, an innocent Being who was used for his powers. The other Being is Calidi and remains locked in the City that bears its name. The key is the only way to free it.
The kids return to the refugee camp, now with the help of a group of people that grew during the adventure. There, they tell the story and join the people who demand a response from the walled city. Timmia and Tommy manage to free Calidi and show everyone the truth.
Frigus and Calidi are free and live away from humans, maintaining the balance. The people work looking for ecological alternatives and live together with greater harmony and respect.
There are still traces of the deterioration caused, but many positive developments can be seen.
Although they begin their journey looking for a higher power capable of eliminating the Monster, it is only the forces of nature, which, when bent for the benefit of humans, can no longer control the damage it causes. They understand that the only ones capable of appeasing the Monster are those who created it. With the help of all the city residents, a lot of work and what they learned along the way, Timmia and Tommy manage to regain the lost balance.

PROJECT FOLDER LINK:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1E5GRWECFX_zf_ff9-3pV87WbYUjD4sqM/view?usp=sharing