AfterShock Comics and social action organization Women of Color Unite (WOCU), which focuses on fair access, fair treatment and fair pay for women of color in the entertainment and media industries, announce a partnership to publish ANIMUS, the first-ever graphic novel created by women of color with diverse voices and unique writing styles.

WOCU’s #StartWith8 Hollywood Edition program brings together the creative talents of L.C. Cruell, Manon de Reeper, Natasha M. Hall, Stephanie Johnson, Diandra Pendleton-Thompson, Joël René Scoville, and Michelle Wilens under the mentorship of comic and TV/writer producer Aron Eli Coleite to develop the story of ANIMUS.

The world of ANIMUS is similar to our own, with similar problems: the economy, the environment, conflicts between nations, and countries leaning more and more to the political far right. In this world, there is one big difference: psychic abilities exist. Though rare, these gifts come in many forms including telepathy, telekinesis, healing and teleportation. But only women can possess them. These women are heroes, villains and vigilantes, CEOs, doctors, politicians, artists, soldiers, activists and even petty thieves. In ANIMUS, each has their own story and place in the world.