Posted in: Comics | Tagged: Comics, entertainment, kickstarter

A Reason To Smile Today

Published Sun, 03 May 2015 11:00:39 -0500

Last updated Sun, 03 May 2015 15:47:23 -0500

"A Reason to Smile!" Vol. 2. Written & Illustrated by Javier Cruz Winnik. Kickstarter close date: May 22nd

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Has anyone ever told you that what you want to do can't be done? Have you ever believed in something so much that it was all you could think of? Luiza is a big dreamer and with her family and friends around, she can do anything!

"A Reason to Smile" is a story that began with Volume 1 about a little girl who is a walking silver lining. The kickstarter for that book can be found here. This endearing story is about a kid who, while walking through New York City, gets to help people out. Though the problems didn't go away, they find that working together helps them deal with the problems easier. That book is just the tip of the iceberg. I hope to write and illustrate more stories exploring the journey that Luiza Brillante has in her life!

Why should you take the time and your hard earned money to read the tales of this Puerto Rican kid from New York City? One reason I enjoyed writing this story and getting to know this happy kid is she helps to remind me of the things I may take for granted in my life. We all deal with problems, large or small, and Luiza helps to remind us that if we can see the bright side of a scenario, we might find solace in our day to day issues. This is especially the case since in most comics, problems are generally solved while using superpowers or while having a supernatural connection. Luiza's superpower is her natural energy and vibrancy for life. It can be quite infectious and bring smiles unexpectedly. You've got to love a story where you can see yourself in the shoes of the hero!

Drawing and writing Luiza Brillante's experience in the concrete jungle also fills me with a sense of joy because I get to see the iconography and visual imagery of Puerto Rican art. Many cry out for diversity in pop culture, and in comics especially, and with there being very few comics focused on the adventures of female characters, I have brought forth one that both males and females of all ages can relate to. I believe I have a great opportunity to bring that change of pace to the table. Though the story never mentions her heritage or background, "A Reason to Smile!" exposes us to a person whose life and look is quite different from what is portrayed in the media. We get to meet a great new character all while walking the streets of the coolest city in the world (New York, New York, it's a hellava town!).

I have written a story about a character that young kids can aspire to be like, older kids can see themselves in, and a story sophisticated enough that adults can relate to, all while creating a detailed and vibrant New York City that you can actually see referenced in the art. Within the 6 months that "A Reason to Smile!" has been published (debuting at New York Comic Con with 44 books sold!), all 500 copies have sold out! I was fortunate enough to have a successful kickstarter to fund the publishing of this book, and I have now become an officially published author and illustrator. I hope to continue this series of books until I no long can. My dream is to have this series of graphic novels in schools, libraries and into the hands of those who need something positive and uplifting in their lives. You need this story in your life because sooner or later we all need a reason to smile!

I am excited to have reached 5% which can be seen here. If the campaign happens to get over the $1000 mark today, everyone who has pre-ordered a hardcopy of the book will receive a 8.5×11 print of the cover of Volume 2! If we reach $1500, I'll also include a print of Volume 1 as well! Thank you all for your time and I can't wait to get this book in your hands!