Top Shelf Announces We Are Pan: The Extraordinary True Story of the Children Who Escaped Castro’s Cuba
History hits harder when it’s real… and this one? This one cuts deep.
In Stores June 2, Preorder Available Now
Top Shelf Productions is bringing an incredible and emotional true story to the graphic novel world with WE ARE PAN, arriving June 2, 2026. This unforgettable original graphic novel asks a powerful question that thousands of families once faced: Family… or freedom?
Created by professional illustrator and storyteller Andre Frattino, with beautiful and heartfelt art by Yasmin Flores Montanez, We Are Pan captures both the heartbreak and the hope experienced by Cuban families during one of the most extraordinary moments in modern history. The book also features a foreword from acclaimed, award-winning author Alex Segura (Secret Identity, Alter Ego), whose own family history connects deeply with this powerful story.
We Are Pan tells the true story of Operación Pedro Pan, the historic mission that helped evacuate more than 14,000 Cuban children to the United States between 1960 and 1962. As Fidel Castro’s revolution transformed Cuba and communism tightened its grip, many parents feared what the future held for their children. In an act of heartbreaking courage, families made the unimaginable decision to send their sons and daughters awayalonein hopes of giving them a better life.
Working quietly behind the scenes, the U.S. government and the Catholic Welfare Bureau helped organize the operation, allowing thousands of children to escape the island and begin new lives in America. These young refugees, later known as the “Pedro Pans,” were placed across the country, often living in foster homes or group housing. For many of them, the separation lasted years… and for some, their families would never be reunited.
We Are Pan brings their journey to life with compassion, humanity, and stunning visual storytelling, shining a light on a chapter of history that deserves to be remembered.
The graphic novel will be available wherever books are sold on June 2, 2026, as a full-color hardcover (ISBN: 978-1-60309-592-1) with a list price of $19.99.
For more information, visit the Top Shelf Productions website and discover the remarkable story behind We Are Pana powerful reminder of the sacrifices families make in the name of hope, freedom, and the future.
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!
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