Press Release

As the world heads in to 2017, and in a time of uncertainty, Lion Forge’s newly acquired boutique imprint announces two gorgeous works of graphic fiction told from two wholly unique perspectives.

First, the autobiographical account by the three-time Eisner-nominated writer/artist Tony Sandoval was quietly released last year amidst threats of a border wall between the US and Mexico in the US presidential election. 

Rendez-vous in Phoenix is an honest, true story that tackles the immigration issue through the eyes of love.Tony Sandoval was born and raised in northwestern Mexico, where the temptation to cross the border into the US becomes a matter of the heart. 

Drawn by love, his urge to visit his American girlfriend can’t wait for the lengthy, frustrating visa process standing in the way of their relationship. So he makes the ultimate romantic gesture: smuggling himself across the border, despite the dangers he’ll face from the heat, coyotes, barbed wire, and—most daunting—the US border patrol…

“As wonderful as all of Tony’s works are,” says Mike Kennedy, Director of the Magnetic Collection, “Rendez-vous in Phoenix is a heartfelt, personal story from his youth that not only puts a human face on a volatile political hot-topic, but manages to do so in such a beautiful way.”

To celebrate its release, the Magnetic Collection has created a beautiful book trailer, which can be viewed here.

Another original graphic novel by Panda Likes creator Giacomo Bevilacqua, titled The Sound of the World By Heart, is a touching, vividly illustrated journey of the heart through modern New York City.

An experiment in social isolation turns into a journey of self-discovery as a photojournalist commits to spending sixty days in New York City without talking to a single person. More than just an exercise in observation and self-control, he’s hoping to forget a troubled past and mend a broken heart. But the city has a sneaky way of throwing the best-laid plans and noble efforts to waste, revealing secrets that lie right in front of him. All he has to do is open his eyes…

This beautiful new graphic novel is a unique tale of what it takes to find yourself—and maybe your soul mate—in the middle of a crowded, bustling modern world.

“Giacomo’s love letter to New York City is the kind that anyone can appreciate, whether you’ve ever been to New York or not,” continues Kennedy. “The delicate touch of magic he brings to this moving and beautiful story is truly remarkable.”

Tony Sandoval’s Rendez-vous in Phoenix is available now at your favorite comic shop or bookstore. Giacomo Bevilacqua’s The Sound of the World By Heart will be released in comic shops and bookstores everywhere on March 29. Both are presented in premium hardcover format, retailing for $19.99 and $24.99 respectively.