Unhappy White Girls is a graphic novel project making a difference, and addressing real-world issues — or it can be, if the Kickstarter project gets the support it needs by the June 15 deadline. Unhappy White Girls is the story of Tish and Branna, two teenage girls from Nowhere, New Mexico, coming to terms with their own secrets throughout the course of one turbulent day.

 

 

The graphic novel was created by Christian Beranek, of Disney's Kingdom Comics, and co-creator of Dracula vs. King Arthur, who then recruited illustrators Triska Tsang and Vivian Lee from Brooklyn, NY, to provide the art and bring the characters to life. "Triska and Vivian really understand how to convey emotion via the page," he says. "From the slightest glance to frustration and tears, they capture the teenage condition."

But Unhappy White Girls isn’t just another graphic novel — it has a greater purpose to raise awareness about teen pregnancy and LGBTQ issues. If the project meets its $6,000 goal by June 15, Christian and his team will complete production on the novella, with all remaining funds and proceeds being used to promote awareness regarding these social concerns.

 

 

Once the Unhappy White Girls Facebook page reaches 5,000 fans, Christian will also donate $1,000 to St. Anne’s, one of the most highly-regarded social services agencies in Los Angeles, providing targeted programs and support services in response to the ever-changing needs of today’s society.

"The reason I am using Kickstarter is that Unhappy White Girls has been a passion project of mine for many years," says Beranek. "I started working on it in 2005 after I was at a convention in Detroit. I was at a diner and said to my friend who was sitting with me 'Our waitress is one unhappy white girl.' Right there I knew I had a title and an idea sparked. Fom there I began to develop the story."

 

 

Helping out this long-time project is not without perks, either. For backers that pledge through Kickstarter, Christian's team offers a series of rewards, from behind-the-scenes artwork and development material to a private dinner with Christian and a graphic novel seminar in your hometown. For more details on the Unhappy White Girls project, check out the Kickstarter page.