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Artwork by artist Kelly Williams for METAPHASE, a graphic novel written by Chip Reece.
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Anyone who’s been around Tag(g)lines for any amount of time knows I’m crazy about my adorable nephew Oliver.
Ollie was born in 2010 with Down Syndrome and two congenital heart defects. Within his first 24 hours, he was life flighted to Children’s Mercy in Kansas City where he spent over seven months. Ollie has survived three open heart surgeries. And he is…
Amazing.
A total miracle.
The cutest and happiest little guy ever.
A superhero.
And now his dad, Chip Reece–my brother-in-law and a long-time comic book fan–is writing a graphic novel inspired by Ollie and other little heroes with Down Syndrome. Chip has teamed up with artist Kelly Williams to create METAPHASE…which is releasing soon from Alterna Comics.
You can read a press release about it here.
And become a fan of the METAPHASE facebook page here.
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| Super Ollie |
Chip started telling me about his graphic novel idea several months ago and the storyteller in me got sooo excited.
But the aunt in me, well, she was just–and stil is–completely over the moon. Ollie has inspired so many people in his life so far. He has inspired me in more ways than I’ve got room to list here.
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| Cover art concept by artist Kelly Williams |
More about METAPHASE:
What happens when a son’s quest for power leads to the destruction of his father, the world’s strongest superhero? METAPHASE is a graphic novel about Ollie, a boy with Down Syndrome who just wants to be “super” too. If it wasn’t hard enough sizing himself up with the most average of human strength, Ollie has grown up with a front row seat to the upper extreme of the physical spectrum! Incredibly, an opportunity may exist that could get him the power he desires…
Powers, Inc. is a company looking for volunteers to test their controversial and experimental chromosome treatment. This process promises to give super powers to anyone who wants them…or so it seems. As with any scheme that sounds too good to be true, there are sinister motives…ones that directly involve destroying the greatest superhero of all time, Ollie’s dad!
Chip has been an active supporter of the comic book community through his work as a writer, interviewer, and admin through the website StashMyComics.com. The majority of that support has been through his weekly column, Crowd Funding Flash, a feature that spotlights crowd funding comic book projects using sites like Kickstarter and Indiegogo. It’s through his work on this front that he met artist Kelly Williams via his talents on the successfully crowd funded graphic novel, THE CABINET. You can find Chip actively promoting other projects on Twitter (@ChipReece).
And be sure to become a fan of the METAPHASE facebook page!
Comments 29
Oh! I used to read comic books all the time! My favorite was the X-Men series:) This is too cool. Seriously, great story-line for a comic series, great graphics, and an amazing reason to get the message out. You should be smiling, Auntie:)
Oh yeah, lots of reasons to smile. 🙂
I’m so absolutely thrilled for Chip, Amy and Super Ollie. What an incredible way to bring joy and knowledge to the public!! This post brings me to tears for the way they are empowering others in similar situations to find the true superheroes!
I haven’t read graphic novels since my childhood Archie days, but both of my boys love them!
My superhero is my niece Lilly who was born with special abilities, including a seizure disorder and cerebral palsy. She is the sweetest person I know and spreads sunshine wherever she goes! She has taught our family what special truly means. My sister and my brother-in-law are also my superheroes because they’re amazing parents who are active voices for their daughter. Their courage and compassion humble me.
I love it whenever I hear you talk about Lilly, Lisa. Your love for her just shines through!
I learned to read with comic books when I was 5, way before I went to school. Superman will always be my favorite! So excited about Ollie’s graphic novel!! already started tweeting and facebooking it!
I love Superman too…especially all the backstory. 🙂 Thanks for helping spread the word, too!
Thanks Melissa! Appreciate the advice you gave when this started coming together. I’m sure I’ll be hitting you with some questions throughout!
It’s just soooo fun to see this become a reality, Chip. I’m way excited for you!!
Aw, this is just the sweetest thing ever!!!
And um, I used to read the Archie comics…do those count? 😉
Haha, ummm, sure they count. 🙂
I love this! What a wonderful idea!
Graphic novels were huge with teens when we were in youth ministry. My husband got a graphic novel version of the Bible for a boy in our group with autism. He loved it and totally related to the pictures with the text.
No doubt this will be a huge blessing to so many!
Oh how cool! One of my author faves, Ted Dekker, had his Circle series turned into a graphic novel series. I should check it out one of these days.
How awesome! Super Ollie to the rescue! What a great idea. I’m heading over to like the METAPHASE Facebook page. I can’t wait to see what happens to Super Ollie!
I’ve never read a graphic novel, but I bought the Action Bible for my nephew a couple years ago and he LOVES it! I’m sure we’ll be getting one for my boys, too.
I can see an action bible being perfect for kids!
Ollie is a super hero! I love this idea! Congrats to your brother in law. I have read several graphic novels before. My hubby is thinking of turning his Civil War novel into a graphic novel.
Down Syndrome, autism, Parkinson’s, and childhood cancer (St Jude Hospital) are close to my heart.
You should check out this new comic book: Nistar, A Superhero for children with Cancer.
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Metaphase-A-Graphic-Novel-Inspired-by-Little-Heroes-with-Down-Syndrome/115872185269994?ref=hl#!/shiracfrimer?fref=ts
You listed some particularly good causes, Loree. And I would totally read a Civil War graphic novel…one of the most fascinating points in our country’s relatively short history.
Melissa, three cheers for sweet Ollie and his dad! May your BIL have much success!
My superhero is Superman. I always think of Christopher Reeve when I think of him–who was, indeed, a super man!
He was a pretty cool guy, wasn’t he!
This blesses my heart so much and Ollie is such a gem. A real super hero for sure! I’m grinning and wiping wet eyes at the same time.
That’s exactly how I was last week when I saw the artwork, Jess!
How awesome is this?!?! I LOVE it!! When I was 22, I started working at a salon that employed a young man with Downs Syndrome. Jody’s job at the salon, included washing, drying, and folding towels, emptying the trash cans, helping to sweep up hair, straightening magazines, and dusting and restocking shelves. He did an awesome job, but more than just his job, Jody worked to show a bunch of young women (who’d never spent any time with anyone like Jody) how to be patient, accepting, and encouraging by being patient, accepting, and encouraging of US!! In addition, he did a job that might seem small, but to busy stylists (who often forgot to do these chores) he was a lifesaver…dare I say it, a superhero!!
My husband worked at the salon for a few years as the front desk manager, and then went on to be a children’s pastor–equipped in a new way by his time with Jody. And because my two boys were at the salon a lot (since at one point both parents worked there) and they became good friends with Jody. He’s my superhero for teaching us so much about the people that society might be quick to dismiss…we learned what an amazing gift they are to us. My favorite thing about Jody was the mischevious twinkle he got in his eye when he was making a joke. He had a fantastic sense of humor. So much joy! Jody moved across the U.S. several years ago, but every time I see Ollie grinning from ear to ear, it reminds me of Jody, and it makes me miss him! I’m thrilled for a comic book that has Ollie as the main character!
The only graphic novels I’ve read are those based on Ted Dekker’s books. They are pretty awesome, and my boys loved them! (I’m assuming you’ve read them, Melissa, since you are The Biggest Dekker Fan on the Planet…)
Ohh, I loved hearing about your friend Joey. Truly sweet, Heidi!
Actually, I haven’t read the Dekker GNs yet. I’m failing in my ultimate Dekker fan status!!!
Melissa- I totally had a dream about you and Ollie running down the street with him in his superman costume after I saw Chip post about this! He was a fast little runner in my dream!
Awww…soon Ollie IS going to be running around. 🙂 Amy says he walks great with his walker no, so I’m sure it’s just a matter of time. 🙂
Superman…weak, Batman…probably has rabies, Spiderman…no one likes spiders, but Super Ollie…greatest superhero ever. Just became a comic book fan.
Superman…weak, Batman…probably has rabies, Spiderman…no one likes spiders, but Super Ollie…greatest superhero ever. Just became a comic book fan.
“Batman…probably has rabies.”
Quite possibly the best comment ever made on Tag(g)lines. You rock, Mel!! And I agree, Ollie is the best superhero ever. Oh how I love that little guy. 🙂
Very cool, Melissa!
Just liked the FB page!