Papercutz Announces Jane American: A Wartime Coming-of-Age Story About Courage, Identity & Finding Yourself

War Changed Her Forever…
Now Jane American Must Find the Courage to Become the Hero She Was Born to Be.

WEPA! Papercutz is stepping into the history-meets-hero lane with Jane American, a powerful middle-grade graphic novel that blends wartime emotion, coming-of-age discovery, and that classic “find the hero inside yourself” comic book magic. Published through Mad Cave Studios’ kids imprint, this Ringo Award-winning story is heading to a whole new generation of readers. [2]

Written by 26-year public school teacher Jason Douglas, with art by Annie Wright and letters by Dave Lentz, Jane American follows a young girl changed forever by World War II tragedy. Jane must decide whether to stay hidden and safe or embrace the incredible truth of who she is when the people she loves need her most.

Set in 1940s small-town America, this isn’t just a history lesson with panels, family. This is grief, identity, courage, gender, belonging, and resilience wrapped in a rip-roaring adventure with emotional knockout power. Think classroom-ready, comic shop-worthy, and heart-punch certified.

“At its core, Jane American is about the universal and relatable themes of identity, self-worth, you being you in a world that tells you something different, and the super-heroics of everyday people…and yet it is a deeply personal story to me. It is named after and inspired by my grandmother, who went through all of that more than 80 years ago. It is dedicated to all of the students who have passed through my classroom, still struggling with identity today.  It is much more freshly dedicated to my late grandfather, who, at the age of 99, when he realized he would not see 100, made me promise that the book that contains the name and likeness of his high school sweetheart, my grandmother, would see print.” —Jason Douglas

“Jane American is my very first graphic novel, and I’m very deeply connected to Jane’s story of bravery, reinvention, and vulnerability. It’s a touching journey that offers a valuable perspective on a young girl growing up during a time of struggle and war. I feel that her relationship with such harsh realities can transcend time, allowing the readers of today to connect with her in a personal way.” —Annie Wright

Jane American goes on sale September 1, 2026, in paperback (ISBN: 9781545836224 | $14.99) and hardcover (ISBN: 9781545836217 | $19.99) formats. The direct market Final Order Cutoff date is August 10, 2026. Preorder today at your favorite bookstore, comic shop, or from papercutz.com.

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.