Shawn Martinbrough is the author of “How to Draw Noir Comics: The Art and Technique of Visual Storytelling” by Penguin Random House and an Eisner Award-nominated artist whose comic book projects include; “Batman: Detective Comics”, “DMZ”, “Luke Cage Noir”, “The Black Panther: Man Without Fear” and “Hellboy”. Shawn is a Vanity Fair contributor and the writer of “Red Hood” for DC Comics. His two-part story revisited the Gotham City neighborhood of “The Hill”, in which he co-created and introduced new characters to the Batman Universe. Shawn is currently writing the six-part sequel which is scheduled for 2023.
Shawn is also the co-author of “Judge Kim and the Kids’ Court”, a Level 3 Ready-to-Read Graphics series from Simon & Schuster about an intrepid young judge who presides over conflicts big and small from her treehouse courthouse. This engaging and purposeful children’s book is making a positive impact, helping our children understand the law.
Q&A With Shawn Martinbrough
How was this book idea birthed? A lawyer friend and I would always discuss the law, urban myths, and the accuracy of fictional legal dramas like “Law & Order”. She explained to me how much I didn’t know about the legal system, and that led to the realization that most people fall victim to the legal system because they don’t understand how it works. That gave me the idea of an entertaining way to teach kids and their families about the law and problem-solving. I reached out to my friends and fellow writers Milo Stone, Joseph Illidge, and artist Chris Jordan with the concept and soon after, “Judge Kim and The Kids’ Court” was born.
How have you seen this book make a positive impact to help our kids understand the law? Well, the first book was just released, but everyone who learns about it loves the concept and instantly buys a copy for their kids or someone else’s kids. I think it will be a very popular holiday gift this season.
What has been the response from parents/educators? One of the most touching stories that I’ve heard was from the mother of a child with autism. She said that her daughter really responded well to the layout of the book and its story and was the first book her daughter finished reading on her own. That’s the effect we hope “Judge Kim” will continue to have. I highly encourage parents to buy the book for their kids or for anyone you know who has kids. Hopefully, “Judge Kim” will help parents and their children learn a bit more about the law and be more empathetic to others.
Are there any upcoming plans or projects you are working on to help promote this book and get the message out to our children? Simon & Schuster has a publicity department, and our agent Regina Brooks of Serendipity Literary has been making the rounds promoting “Judge Kim”. My co-authors and I have been using our connections to get the word out as well to parents and educators. Grassroots word-of-mouth is a powerful marketing tool.
What are your short-term and long-term goals for this book? The second book, “Judge Kim and The Case of the Doggie Defendant” just went to the printers, and we’re excited to continue to introduce more characters and themes in the series. We have a series bible with various potential storylines and have already received inquiries about possible adaptations to television and streaming. However, right now, we’re focused on making great books.
Are there any partners/anyone you want to particularly mention who has helped publish this book? Co-authors Milo, Joe, and I worked really hard on “Judge Kim”, but I want to praise our artist and co-creator Christopher Jordan for creating so much amazing art for the project, even prior to us landing the deal with Simon & Schuster. I’m very excited to share that Chris’s art will be on display in a special “Judge Kim” exhibition early next year at The Society of Illustrators in New York City.
For more about Shawn Martinbrough, please visit www.shawnmartinbrough.com. You can purchase copies of “Judge Kim and the Kids’ Court” at Simon & Schuster.
