The Secret Childhood of Leonardo da Vinci: Half-Artist, Half-Engineer, All Hero!
|
After moving to Florence, young Leo da Vinci teams up with two unlikely friends to challenge corruption with art, pranks, and inventions—all before their world ends!
Papercutz, an imprint of Mad Cave Studios, proudly presents LEO DA VINCI: RENAISSANCE KID, a dazzling, full-color middle-grade adventure from award-winning writer Richard Ashley Hamilton (How to Train Your Dragon, Troll Hunters) and Italian illustrator Marco Matrone (Fearbook Club, Tectiv). This exciting historical romp re-imagines the world’s most iconic genius as a rebellious, prank-loving kid on a mission to prove that imagination can change the world!
Most people think of Leonardo da Vinci as some old guy who painted stuff hundreds of years ago—but even da Vinci was once a bold, troublemaking kid who craved adventure!
Young Leo spends his childhood exploring art (and creepy caves) while engineering fantastical machines of wonder in the freedom of his hometown…until his estranged dad drags Leo to an apprenticeship far away. Now our boy genius finds himself out of his depth and in a city on the brink of war! Fortunately, Leo also finds two new friends who will change his life forever. Together, they uncover a deadly conspiracy that threatens the entire world, even if nobody believes them. So Leo must grab everyone’s attention the only way he knows how—with elaborate pranks that harness the true power of art to open eyes, change minds, and save the day.
“Leonardo da Vinci isn’t just one of my favorite artists—he’s one of my favorite people! Seeing his sketchbooks in person showed me the energy and inventiveness behind his genius,” said Author Richard Ashley Hamilton. “He used words and pictures to imagine things that didn’t (or couldn’t) exist, just like comics! The more I learned about da Vinci, the more I admired this left-handed, vegetarian, subversively funny, proudly gay, creative rebel. There’s something timeless and kinda punk about him, sort of like the Tony Stark of his era, who balances art and science, technology and humanity, all while poking fun at authority via some clever, borderline-illegal pranks. Imagine my surprise, then, when I shared these thoughts about Leo with my good friend, Marco Matrone, he said he felt the same way. Da Vinci is the hero we need right now, and I think he’d be a fan of this book.”
Illustrator and Co-Creator Marco Matrone added, “I’ve been fascinated by Leonardo da Vinci since I was a kid, and I’ve always felt a strong sense of connection and admiration for him. (Funnily enough, Leonardo was even my favorite Ninja Turtle!) So when Richard asked me to collaborate on a comic about Leonardo, I was thrilled. It felt like a chance to truly connect with him—to step into his world, and to use my own imagination and creativity to bring that world to life in a playful new way. I hope readers will feel the same sense of wonder and curiosity that Leonardo inspires in me—and maybe see that fantasy, creativity, and friendship can make any adventure possible.”
Leo Da Vinci: Renaissance Kid brings together the humor of Besties: Prank War, the adventure of Percy Jackson, and the historical intrigue of History Comics. It’s Sherlock Holmes meets Indiana Jones for the middle-grade set—an energetic, heart-forward romp for young readers, art lovers, and aspiring inventors alike.
Leo Da Vinci: Renaissance Kid (HC 9781545823743 | PB 9781545823750) hits bookstores, comic shops, and digital retailers April 14, 2026 (the day before Leonardo Da Vinci’s actual birthday!)
Papercutz is dedicated to publishing great graphic novels for all ages—from humor and adventure to mystery and heartfelt coming-of-age tales. Visit papercutz.com to explore the full lineup!
Stay up to date with Mad Cave Studios—and its imprints Papercutz, Maverick, and Nakama Press on social media, or visit www.madcavestudios.com to explore new releases, licensed series, and creator-owned titles.
Author Profile
- 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!
Latest entries
Comic Book NewsNovember 20, 2025The Secret Childhood of Leonardo da Vinci: Half-Artist, Half-Engineer, All Hero!
Comic BooksNovember 20, 2025🎮⚔️ A DANGEROUS NEW ADVERSARY ENTERS THE SCENE IN KEY ISSUE LOST FANTASY #6 HITTING SHELVES NEXT MONTH
Comic Book NewsNovember 20, 2025Love is Pain in EC Comics’ TORTURED HEARTS #1 – A Violent Bouquet of Brutality Coming in February!
ColumnsNovember 20, 2025Alternative Rock Trio MINDLESS VITALITY Unleashes Blistering New Single ‘ASHES
