Elves, Espionage, and a Family Past You Can’t Outrun, DAMSEL FROM D.I.S.T.R.E.S.S.!

A Sharp, Character-Driven Fantasy Where Spies, Sorcery, and Family Collide

Maverick, the young adult imprint of Mad Cave Studios, is proud to announce DAMSEL FROM D.I.S.T.R.E.S.S., a 122-page paperback graphic novel from writer Andrew Clemson (Bete Noir) and artist Mauricio Mora (Haunting, Major Thomás). This elves-and-espionage adventure blends sharp intrigue with a heartfelt exploration of family.

Abandoned as a child by her adventurer father and having fought her way up through the ranks of the kingdom’s premier espionage agency, Bec has become their top operative. So when a Dwarven princess is kidnapped, Bec must leap into action! But can she complete her mission when the ghosts of her family’s past hang heavy over this case?

Writer Andrew Clemson spoke of the project: “Damsel came about after my wife asked why she hadn’t appeared in any of my books as a character. So I wrote her one! Real-life Bec shares a lot of traits with Book-Bec, but to date, she hasn’t foiled any evil schemes! We also had our daughter during the process of writing the book, and I think that affected where the story went. From the initial action and bravado, I found myself detouring into a story about family and the lengths parents (in any world) will go to for their children. (But with added evil wizards!) I’m incredibly proud of the story that we ended up with, and I hope new readers will find something special inside its pages for either themselves or their own children.”

“This book holds a very special place in my heart,” added illustrator Mau Mora. “Not only did it come to me at a time when I was hungry to prove myself and grow as an artist, but its world and characters also became like a second family to me. As Andrew’s story unfolded, I grew more attached to them, and even before I could draw anything, I was already its biggest fan. When it was time to draw a new chapter, I felt like I was returning to a cozy place. I hope the reader can find some of those emotions as they read through Bec and her newfound group of misfits’ adventures.”

Perfect for fans of Spy x Family, The Princess Bride, and Six of Crows, Damsel From D.i.s.t.r.e.s.s. delivers a fast-paced fantasy with the heart of a coming-of-age story.

Damsel From D.i.s.t.r.e.s.s. will be available everywhere books are sold on February 3, 2026.

Get the latest news on Mad Cave Studios, Maverick, and all of its imprints on social media, or visit www.madcavestudios.com to check out the full lineup of new releases, licenses, and celebrated creator-owned titles!

Author Profile

Al Mega

I'm Al Mega the CEO of Comic Crusaders, CEO of the Undercover Capes Podcast Network, CEO of Geekery Magazine & Owner of Splintered Press (coming soon). I'm a fan of comics, cartoons and old school video games. Make sure to check out our podcasts/vidcasts and more!