Last-But-Not-Least LOLA is out now!

My latest project is out now: Last-But-Not_Least Lola, an early readers' chapter book series written by Christine Pakkala. After comics, children's books and a graphic novel, this is yet another kind of illustrated books that I'm tackling for the first time.

The series is written by Christine Pakkala and tells the adventures of a young girl called Lola Zuckermann. Because of her last name, she is always called on last by the teacher, but that's not her only problem. In her class, there is a "Going Green" contest, so she has to come up with a great idea to preserve the environment. And since she'll have to go last again, she hopes not all the good ideas will be already taken…

It's been a blast illustrating this first book of the series. The humor and the relatable characters gave me a lot of ideas what to depict. I do love this format: The book has a lot of illustrations (most spreads have one), but they are light and simple, with focus on characterization. I'm grateful for the opportunity to work with Christine's wonderful script and with the awesome people at Boyd Mills.


The book is out now, it's perfect for 2nd and 3rd-graders, or to be read for even younger kids.
I'll have it with me at New York Comic Con Artist Alley, if you'd like a signed copy. Or get it at any book store, or from the publisher  as well as Amazon or IndieBound starting NOW!

Solo Show at the German Consulate, NY

I'm very proud to announce my upcoming solo-show at the German Consulate in New York. This will be the biggest solo-exhibition of my work so far, featuring editorial artwork, children's books, comics and personal works.

Needless to say this is an enormous honor for me. In addition, I will also be celebrating my ten year anniversary in the US. It would mean a lot to me to see you there, you the colleagues, friends and mentors that have been accompanying me along the way.

Opening reception:

November 5th, 2013.

871 United Nations Plaza


(1st Avenue between 48th and 49th Streets)


New York, NY

I will have more info as the event gets closer.

Many thanks to Dr. René Rubbeling und Jakob v. Wagner of the Consulate General who invited me. It is like coming home.

ProBio for The New Yorker

This piece is in today's New Yorker, it's about a show at PS1 called ProBio. The show is about how technology becomes an extension of ourselves.

I went there to check it out, did some photos and scribbles on location, and did all the sketching in their cafeteria, from IPhone photos. The sketch to the left is what was picked, and it was fun to execute it. It's a terminator hand!

Thanks so much to AD Jordan Awan!

Books of Wonder event recap

Here are some photos from Cool Teen Reads at Books of Wonder (see also my previous post). All the participants were authors of teen novels. Here is the line-up: Shawn Goodman (Kindness for Weakness), Corey Ann Haydu (OCD Love Story), Jennifer Lyne (Catch Rider), Michael Northrop (Rotten), Lili Peloquin (This Side of Jealousy), Lindsay Ribar (The Art of Wishing), Evan Roskos (Dr. Birds Advice for Sad Poets), Katie Sise (The Boyfriend App) and some dude called Paul Hoppe.

It was really interesting to hear about everybody's books which were about a wide range of topics. They also talked about how it is to be a writer, which was really inspiring.

Most of the other authors were reading from their books, but with PEANUT being a graphic novel that's tricky. Also, let's not forget, I didn't write the book, it was Ayun Halliday! When it was my turn, I talked about being an illustrator, told the plot (without giving away the end!) and also about the process of making such a book. All while also doing a "live" drawing of Sadie, our main character.
All in all I was a great day. I was very honored to be part of this group and this event, at such a great place. Many thanks to the friends and colleagues who came for support (especially Dingding Hu and Jen Hill for taking some of these photos) Books of Wonder did also a recap with some photos, which you can see here.

You can buy signed copies of all the books that were featured in the panel, including PEANUT, online or in store, and I also signed a lot of HATs for them. Please support this great place. Cheers!

Jenny Everywhere Day 2013

Jenny Everywhere aka The Shifter, is a character created by the people, for the people. She is public domain and everybody can use her for their stories. Read more about her on the Shifter Archive. I myself am currently using her in my series Tales To Behold.

Once a year, Benji Christensen, holds Jenny Everywhere Day, on August 13th, which is her virtual "birthday". Many submissions came in, and here you can see my very own image for the occasion. I wanted to show many different versions of the character, from other comics. To see my references and inspirations, I've listed them all on the BEHOLDER Blog.

You can read my Tales To Behold series, featuring the intrepid Jenny Everywhere, on THE BEHOLDER, or purchase them as high-end comic-zines here.

Books Of Wonder event: Cool Teen Reads

I'm part of an event at Books of Wonder this Sunday, August 11th, from 1-2:30 pm:

Cool Teen Reads for Summer will be a panel of YA novelists, featuring Shawn Goodman (Kindness for Weakness), Corey Ann Haydu (OCD Love Story), Jennifer H. Lyne (Catch Rider), Michael Northrop (Rotten), Lili Peloquin (This Side of Jealousy), Lindsay Ribar (The Art of Wishing), Evan Roskos (Dr. Birds Advice for Sad Poets), Katie Sise (The Boyfriend App), and yours truly! I will be talking about my graphic novel Peanut (written by Ayun Halliday, who can't join us this time).

We'll be introducing our books, answer questions from the audience, and sign copies of our newest and other books. Ages 12-16.

Books of Wonder (18 W 18th St,  NY, NY) is a lovely store entirely dedicated to children's books and young readers. This is my first event at Books of Wonder, and am thrilled to be invited. Would love to see you there!

Peanut Review by The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books (circ: 4,000) did a very nice review of Peanut. Thanks so much for the kind words!

"Anxious about fitting in at a new school, sophomore Sadie Wildhack tries to seem more interesting by inventing one little lie about herself: a severe peanut allergy. Soon she is telling elaborate stories of near-death experiences, vigilantly avoiding peanut products, and dodging the school nurse who wants medical forms signed by Sadie’s mom. When she starts to make real friends and catches the eye of a cute boy who is interested in more than her allergy, Sadie wants to leave the lie behind but can’t find a way to come clean.

A simple, honest, yet light-hearted story about a small misstep becoming a big deal, this graphic novel strikes just the right balance between charm and seriousness. Sadie and her friends are eminently likable and real, and readers will enjoy watching Sadie grow more confident amongst her peers, even as she grows increasingly anxious about her lie. Her relationship with boyfriend Zoo is sweetly supportive, even in the face of her eventual humiliation, and understanding adults help temper the impact when her lie is revealed.

The illustrations keep the focus on Sadie, leaving her the only spot of color (she’s always in a bright red top) amid the otherwise black and white scenes. This tale of a lie gone very wrong will strike a chord with readers who have fudged the truth to get attention."  AM

Tales To Behold #3 now serialized on THE COSMIC BEHOLDER

To get you into the mood for the forthcoming Tales To Behold #4 (this fall), I've started to serialize TTB3 on THE BEHOLDER. Yes, indeed, you can read it for free!

Here are are the first 6 pages:
Page 1        Page 2
Page 3        Page 4
Page 5        Page 6

If you can't wait to see how it all unfolds of the next 2 months, and make me a very happy Beholder, you might even consider purchasing the entire book here: http://www.birdcagebottombooks.com/shop/tales-to-behold-3/

It's hand-made with block-printed color elements. For $6, you get 48 pages of comics! Before the month is over, Bird Cage Bottom Books even has a special, if you order for $15 or more. For the coupon, click here and scroll to the bottom of the page:
http://us1.campaign-archive2.com/?u=b71e2e0d5cb831b482bfa9436&id=3b27a14300

But no pressure– in the meantime, hope you'll enjoy the story!