Athens, GA.–A popular children’s author celebrated the release of a new graphic novel here in Athens.

It was standing room only at Avid Bookshop last night where author and illustrator Ben Hatke celebrated the release of his new children’s book, Mighty Jack. Hatke did a live reading and signing of the book, and many people showed up to hear him.The two hundred page, graphic novel style book is a contemporary retelling of Jack and the Beanstalk.

Double Helix School student Jack Ingalls likes being able to see Hatke’s characters grow before his eyes.

“I like the way he tells his stories and the character development that he’s created. It’s my favorite,” he said.

Parents were also excited to see Hatke read his books. Nissa Mckinney enjoys them so much that she steals her daughter’s copies.

“She’s the one who latched onto the books right away and then I started stealing them from her and reading them when she was done. I’ve always liked the graphic novel genre,” she exclaimed.

Graphic novelist Andrew Runton traveled from Atlanta to see Hatke perform his latest works.

“When the artist and writer is actually talking, it just brings it to life. And he was doing the voices and everything. It was great,” said Runton.

For Hatke, his happiness was in seeing others enjoy his work.

“There’s the fun of making a thing and then there’s the fun of sharing a thing and seeing if people like it and if they like it you think ‘I should keep doing this’ because it’s bringing laughter or joy or some sense of fun to people.”

Hatke confirmed a sequel to Mighty Jack is already in the works, but no release date is set.

By: Nathaniel McDaniel @nate8929