DC Comics has unveiled the latest trailer for the upcoming young adult graphic novel The Oracle Code. The new Barbara Gordon-starring book is written by Marieke Nijkamp (Unbroken) and artist Manuel Preitano and tells the story of the former Batgirl finding her way following a tragic accident that leaves her paralyzed.
The Oracle Code will be DC's next young adult graphic novel offering among a seriously impressive catalog. Originally under the imprint DC Ink, the comic publisher has focused on putting out quality standalone graphic novels from some of the most talented writers and artists in the YA world. Books released so far include Teen Titans: Raven by Kami Garcia (Beautiful Creatures), and Gabriel Picolo, Harley Quinn: Looking Glass by Mariko Tamaki (Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up with Me) and Steve Pugh (Animal Man), and Batman: Nightwalker - The Graphic Novel- by Marie Lu (Legend), Stuart Moore (Firestorm) and Chris Wildgoose (Porcelain: A Gothic Fairy Tale). The books have done an excellent job of telling new and exciting stories of classic DC characters that are diverse and tackle plenty of real-life issues while offering a lot to say.
Nijkamp has worked on a number of YA novels and has written stories featuring disabled characters with strong voices. They co-founded "We Need Diverse Books," which is a non-profit that advocates change in the publishing industry so that all young people have diverse book options. They said they wrote The Oracle Code is for everyone "who's ever felt like the puzzle pieces don't quite fit."
The Oracle Code is my love letter to Barbara Gordon, to Oracle,” said Nijkamp. “It’s a book for everyone who’s ever felt like the puzzle pieces don’t quite fit, whether they’re in a creepy Arkham institute or simply figuring out themselves. And it’s for every disabled reader who knows they can be a hero too.
Preitano said the book was a great challenge for him to grow as an artist.
Illustrating The Oracle Code was a great challenge and an opportunity to grow as an artist,” said Preitano. “The strength Barbara, Yeong, Issy, and the other characters displayed was truly inspiring, which reflects Marieke’s attention to details. The script really made me feel the mood of the scenes I was going to draw and we worked together to get the best out of each sequence.
The Oracle Code appears to be a fresh take on a popular character that's sure to inspire readers along the way. Check out the solicit for the book below.
- The Oracle Code (Graphic Novel)
- Written by Marieke Nijkamp
- Art by Manuel Preitano
- Colored by Jordie Bellaire and Manuel Preitano
- Lettered by Clayton Cowles.
- After a gunshot leaves her paralyzed below the waist, Barbara Gordon undergoes physical and mental rehabilitation at the Arkham Center for Independence. She must adapt to a new normal, but she cannot shake the feeling that something is dangerously amiss. Strange sounds escape at night while patients start to go missing. Is this suspicion simply a result of her trauma? Or does Barbara actually hear voices coming from the center’s labyrinthine hallways? It’s up to her to put the pieces together to solve the mysteries behind the walls. In The Oracle Code, universal truths cannot be escaped, and Barbara Gordon must battle the phantoms of her past before they consume her future.
- In stores March 10th, 2020.