and heartless, and he wants to steal children’s dreams. Everyone seems to be against her -- which only makes her more determined to find her brother. And Matt is getting closer -- isn’t he?

    When the first three issues of J. M. DeMatteis and Mike Ploog’s Abadazad hit the comic-book stores two years ago, they found an immediate -- and passionate -- audience. No one could resist the heart-tugging story of Kate and her brother Matt, lost in the world of Abadazad. No one could fail to be mesmerized by the stunning artwork -- from Queen Ija with her third eye to Wix and his bright flame to Headstrong in his wheeled chair.

    Now Abadazad is a book series -- and, true to its origins, it’s an original: it takes place in three distinct worlds; it cuts between nineteenth-century storytelling and a contemporary girl’s diary; it features comic-book panels, "antique" illustrations, and spot art -- and all the while, it seamlessly keeps kids turning page after page.

    An ultra-contemporary format with its roots in great storytelling; a group of fervid fans; an author/illustrator team with an impeccable pedigree -- welcome to the world of Abadazad.