Zicky

Wrath of the Rat King

By Darin S. Cape, Illustrated by Zeno Decrux, Illustrated by Hiorsh Gabotto, Illustrated by Hiorsh Gabotto

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Zicky

JUVENILE FICTION

160 Pages, 7 x 10

Formats: Trade Paper

Trade Paper, $18.99 (US $18.99) (CA $24.99)

Publication Date: April 2026

ISBN 9798992749939

Rights: WOR

SHP Comics (Apr 2026)

Price:	$18.99

Overview

Zicky: Wrath of the Rat King is an all-ages fantasy graphic novel that blends the fast-paced excitement of manga with the warmth and character-driven storytelling of classic Western comics. Filled with action, humor, and heart, it's a coming-of-age adventure that celebrates imagination, courage, perseverance, and the importance of family.

By day, Zicky is an ordinary kid whose siblings think he has an overactive imagination. By night, he becomes a hero in a dangerous fantasy world where the monsters are real, friendships are tested, and every decision matters. When the sinister Rat King begins assembling an army to invade the real world, Zicky must become the hero of not just one but two worlds.

Recognized with First Place for Best Comic in the Story Monsters Purple Dragonfly Award and a 2026 PenCraft Seasonal Book Award – Summer Competition (Graphic Novels) Zicky: Wrath of the Rat King has earned praise not only for its exciting adventure but also for its ability to connect with young readers and families.

Parents will appreciate that beneath the thrilling adventure lies a story about confidence, resilience, and believing in yourself. Zicky's journey encourages young readers to embrace creativity, solve problems, and keep moving forward in the face of setbacks. The story also explores sibling relationships, family support, responsibility, and finding the courage to do what's right.

The graphic novel's expressive artwork, cinematic action, and humorous dialogue make it especially appealing to reluctant readers and children transitioning from illustrated chapter books to longer graphic novels. Its blend of manga-inspired action with familiar Western storytelling creates an accessible gateway for both longtime graphic novel fans and families discovering the medium for the first time.

While Zicky is written for young readers, parents will find plenty to enjoy as well. Clever visual gags, witty dialogue, and humor aimed at adults make it an entertaining book to read together, creating a shared experience that families can enjoy long after bedtime.

Perfect for readers ages 9 and up, Zicky: Wrath of the Rat King offers the excitement children crave while providing the emotional depth, positive role models, and family-friendly storytelling that parents are eager to share.

Reviews

PenCraft Best Graphic Novel Summer 2026 Winner

Purple Dragonfly First Place Winner

"Smart, energetic graphic novel blending fantasy and touching real-life emotion. Cape smashes expectations and keeps the pages pleasurably turning, all while grounding the chaotic story in the growing pains of children and the anxieties of the adults raising them." —Booklife

"A boy embarks on an exhilarating adventure when his dream life bleeds into reality in this imaginative graphic novel. With tongue-in-cheek humor, the book moves at a breezy pace brought to life with dynamic manga-style art." —Foreward Reviews

"Delightful and rib-tickling comic-book adventures with an adorable young hero. Decrux and Gabotto’s vibrant illustrations wonderfully combine gleefully exaggerated action sequences with nuanced touches." —Kirkus Reviews

"Darin S. Cape’s ZICKY: WRATH OF THE RAT KING is a manga graphic novel of surprising verve and sophistication." —Craig Jones, Indie Reader

Author Biography

Shawn Hainsworth writes children's and young adult graphic novels under the pen name Darin S. Cape. A lifelong storyteller, Shawn first created the world of Zicky while telling bedtime stories to his own children, inventing adventures about a young hero who disappeared each night into a fantastic world of monsters, ninjas, and impossible quests. As those stories grew over the years, they eventually became Zicky: Wrath of the Rat King.

Today, Shawn is the founder and publisher of SHP Comics, an independent graphic novel publisher dedicated to creating imaginative, high-quality stories for readers of all ages. His work has earned critical acclaim from reviewers including Publishers Weekly's BookLife, Kirkus Reviews, IndieReader, and Foreword Reviews.

As both a father and an author, Shawn believes that the best children's books are the ones parents enjoy reading just as much as their kids.

When he isn't writing, Shawn enjoys speaking with schools, libraries, and parent organizations about graphic novels, literacy, and how visual storytelling can inspire even reluctant readers to fall in love with books.

Zeno Decrux is an accomplished illustrator and comic artist with over nine years of experience in the international independent comics scene. His work spans a diverse range of comics and manga titles, where he brings a dynamic, expressive style and a strong commitment to quality on every project. Passionate about storytelling through visuals, Zeno continues to push his craft forward with each new collaboration

Jorge Luis Gabotto, also known as Hiorsh, is an Argentine cartoonist and writer from Mar del Plata. A visual arts teacher, puppeteer, and musician, he brings a multidisciplinary approach to storytelling. For him, comics are a fusion of art and literature, a cinematic form that combines movement, atmosphere, and emotion. His work explores themes of love, time, and perception, offering readers a personal and poetic vision of the world.

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