mientus-andrew:

Heartfelt and featuring an inclusive cast of characters, the Backstagers series follows a band of theater misfits as they go on paranormal, action-packed adventures. In the series’ first installment, protagonist Jory doesn’t know what to expect when he transfers to St. Genesius Prep, an all-boys school known for its incredible theater department. He ends up on the stage crew, or “backstagers” as they like to call themselves. When some of the cast members decide to play with a spirit board, the ghost light goes out. Ghost lights are supposed to protect the theater from ghosts sneaking in the shadows. The kids don’t think too much of it. However, when they decide to put on the musical Phantasm, strange things start happening: a fallen light, a missing prop, a star with something to hide. Could there be evil spirits in the theater?

“We’re thrilled to have Andy writing these original adventures and expanding upon the magical world of the Backstagers in exciting new ways,” says Andrew Smith. “His experience as a multitalented performer makes him the perfect storyteller for the Backstagers. We’re excited to partner with BOOM! Studios once again on a fiction series that celebrates inclusivity, fitting in, and friendship-and one that will have wide appeal among fans and new readers alike.”

Andy Mientus says, “From my first journey through the original run of comics by James Tynion IV and Rian Sygh, I was completely taken with the mysterious world of the Backstagers and the endearing cast of characters exploring it-a cast I believe any kid could see themself in. It has been such an honor to expand that world and cast in this new series of books. I have always been fascinated by the rituals and legends surrounding theater and I have loved exploring the ways in which real-life theater lore plays with the lore James and Rian created.”

The Backstagers is an incredibly personal and important project for both Rian and myself,“ added James Tynion, one of the original graphic novel cocreators. “When we created these characters and the magical backstage world around them, we were trying to create the kind of story our younger selves needed to see in the world, but didn’t exist. Now, seeing these characters brought to life in a new medium by an incredible talent like Andy Mientus, we hope to see them reach the young readers who need them the most. I couldn’t be more excited or proud.”

Broadway’s Andy Mientus Pens New Book Series THE BACKSTAGERS