Praise for THE WENDY PROJECT
2018 EGL Awards finalist in the Young Adult Books category
“Black-and-white drawings with splashes of color effortlessly stir up a feeling of loss.” – SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL’s Top Ten Graphic Novels of 2017
“This unexpected gem stands out among latter-day versions of Peter Pan thanks to its embrace of genuine emotion and psychological gravity. Highly recommended to all graphic novel and fantasy fans, and especially to YA readers.” – SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL (starred review)
“Tight writing that’s true to the rawness of teenage feelings…smart artwork, and a girls’-eye-view of a boyhood tale will make readers believe–maybe not in fairies, but in Wendy.” – Publisher’s Weekly (starred review)
“Fish draws Wendy’s actual surroundings in jagged, splintery black lines and gray wash. Wherever the “Peter Pan” fantasy turns up, though, her artwork blooms into color… Fish’s inventive, dramatic staging is striking in its own right.” – The New York Times
“Osborne and Fish conjure a visually striking portrait of mourning and acceptance Wendy’s reality is evinced through black-and-white sketches, transitioning to a glorious wash of watercolors when her imagination takes over.” – Kirkus Review
ICv2 lists The Wendy Project as one of the Top 10 Kids Graphic Novels of 2017.
”Osborne and Fish deliver a heartrending YA drama with this graphic novel, showcasing how the building blocks of a fairy tale can be reassembled into something new and enlightening.” — A.V. Club
The Wendy Project gets honorable mention in 10 Best Graphic Novels of 2017 — Forbes
“In a world of constant reboots and reimaginings it might be easy to dismiss a comic that retells the story of Peter Pan in a modern setting. But with The Wendy Project, creators Melissa Jane Osborne and Veronica Fish have created an incredible exploration of grief, family, imagination, and mental health.” – Nerdist
“A book reminiscent in its exploration of youthful yearning, imagination, and grief to classic young adult fiction like Bridge to Terabithia. With beautiful artwork that guides the reader gently through the pain of unimaginable loss, this book is an important one for readers of all ages.” – Hope Nicholson, editor of THE SECRET LOVES OF GEEK GIRLS
“There are few other comics on the market today as visually stunning as The Wendy Project. Fish is an incredible illustrator, and Osborne has provided her with compelling, rich material with which to create a gorgeously illustrated world that manages to be deeply emotional in even the simplest panels. It would be a gift to see Osborne and Fish reunite for similarly innovative and moving interpretations of other classic tales – there are a number of creators whose work modernizes well-known archetypes and tropes with success, but of this genre, The Wendy Project is truly one of a kind.” – Newsarama (10 out of 10)
“An excellent exploration of something we cannot always fully know, but that affects us in varying ways. The Wendy Project is an excellent addition to any library and could be a vital tool in helping children, adolescents, and adults learn to process their own difficult emotions.” — Comicosity (10 out of 10 stars)
“While Osborne has written a touching and contemplative work, Fish has turned it into career-making work. Her use of vibrant splashes of color amidst mostly black and white sketches represents pieces of Neverland that work their way into Wendy’s reality, making this book feel as magical as it is melancholy.” – Mental Floss (The 9 Most Interesting Comics of July)
“[T]his is the kind of book that makes the strengths of the comic medium evident and rewards readers that take the time to explore it.” – NJ.COM
“’The Wendy Project’ is a hauntingly beautiful peek into the psychological trauma of loss.” – Multiversity Comics
“Wonderful in every sense of the word, The Wendy Project tells a moving story about not only the loss of a family member but also the loss of innocence as children become adults.” – FOREWORD REVIEWS
“[The Wendy Project] draws its power from the human ability to reconcile our grief in deeply personal ways […] it is a story that lets us look through the window of a grieving soul trying to find a way to understand how to move forward.” – Comic Crusaders
“Writer Melissa Jane Osbourne does an excellent job at depicting grief, whether from the lead character’s family, or Wendy herself. She arouses a thought-provoking look at the fantastic possibilities encountered by a traumatic event, as well as a true characterization of the trials of adolescence.” – Pop Culture HQ
“I love this title and can NOT recommend it enough. If you like the literary tale of Peter Pan, if you like young adult stories, if you like art and a great story, you need to read this.” – Comics Dungeon
“This little book broke my heart in 96 pages. It’s a surprisingly full story for such a short one. I love how such dark subjects like grief, the nature of reality, guilt, anger, and desire are all dealt with so gently and yet with a raw and honest quality.” – Books for MKs
“Heartbreakingly lovely modern-day take on the Peter Pan/Neverland story. I thought I’d read a little and then go to bed, but I couldn’t stop once I’d started. The illustrations perfectly captured the disconnect between real and fantasy along with the spillover.” – Redefining Perfect
“[T]he nuance displayed in The Wendy Project is a rare gem I hope to read more of soon. The first issue is an example for other writers on how to subtly and gently address deep issues with finesse.” – Black Girl Nerds
Melissa Jane Osborne’s The Wendy Project is a beautiful graphic novel interpretation of Peter Pan. The story is told from the point of view of 16 year old Wendy who is behind the wheel when a car accident kills her youngest brother (Michael). The graphic novel follows Wendy’s journey of grief as she comes to terms with her brother’s death. It’s a short graphic novel, but the story is interesting, and accompanying artwork, which switches from black and white to stunning watercolor brings the story to life. This would be a great book for a child or young adult dealing with grief.” – GOODREADS
“A haunting, luminescent reinterpretation of a classic story.” – Stuart Moore, author of THE ZODIAC LEGACY
The Wendy Project is a masterpiece. Melissa Jane Osborne and Veronica Fish tell an intimate story about grief that is both brutal and beautiful.” – David Gallaher, author of THE ONLY LIVING BOY
