A divorce can be tough on a child, especially when it leads to her grandfather trying to destroy Earth.
That's the premise of Emily Edison, a new graphic novel written by Arlington resident David Hopkins and drawn by Brock Rizy of Dallas.
The title character's father is an inventor who discovered a rift that leads to an alternate dimension, where he met Emily's mother. After they split up, Emily's dad won full custody because "U.S. courts do not recognize alternate dimensions."
The villain is Emily's maternal grandfather, Vigo, who wants to eliminate Earth so Emily is forced to live with her mother.
Hopkins, 29, who teaches English at Martin High School, cites Saturday morning cartoons as a big influence. Here's more from Hopkins:
Q: Are your parents divorced?
A: No. Ironic as it may sound, both Brock and I come from happy, well-adjusted families.
Q: Emily fights a monster named Stefah'nee. Do you have an ex named Stephanie?
A: It actually comes out of a conversation that my wife and I had. It seems like we've met many people who are absolutely evil who have the name Stephanie.
Q: This seems like an ideal book for teenage girls. Was that your target demographic?
A: I was really wanting to do something my daughter would enjoy. I wish more girls were reading comics. So in a sense, I was writing for an audience that doesn't exist, but I hope it does.
Dan Koller
Emily Edison?b>
Written by David Hopkins. Drawn by Brock Rizy. Due in stores tomorrow. 144 pages. $12.95. Viper Comics.
Meet David Hopkins and Brock Rizy at the Sci-Fi Expo, Saturday and Sunday at the Plano Centre. 2000 E. Spring Creek Parkway. www.scifiexpo.com.
