Margaret Atwood makes foray into world of graphic novels with ‘Angel Catbird’

MILWAUKIE, Ore. – Canadian literary treasure Margaret Atwood is delving into the world of graphic novels.

Dark Horse Comics in Milwaukie says it will publish the Man Booker Prize winner’s first graphic novel, “Angel Catbird,” next fall.

Miami-raised artist Johnnie Christmas is illustrating the story, about a male superhero who gets his power from a feline and a bird.

“Due to some spilled genetic Super-Splicer, our hero got tangled up with both a cat and an owl; hence his fur and feathers, and his identity problems,” Toronto-based Atwood said in a statement.

The story will be part of a three-volume series that’s intended for all ages.

The series is being published in tandem with Keep Cats Safe and Save Bird Lives, an initiative led by the conservation charity Nature Canada.

“What should you expect from ‘Angel Catbird?’ Imagine, if you will, a strange mix of Will Eisner’s ‘The Spirit,’ Grant Morrison and Chas Truog’s ‘Animal Man,’ and Ryan North and Erica Henderson’s ‘Squirrel Girl,’” said acquiring editor Daniel Chabon.

“‘Angel Catbird’ is a humorous, action-driven, pulp-inspired story. And the only other thing I can tell you at this early date is to expect a lot of cat puns.”