In early October, Mad Cave’s young adult label Maverick announced a civic-minded graphic novel for spring 2025. Student Government is co-written by Dave Justus and Lilah Sturges, with art by Joe Aisma.
The book is set at the second oldest university in the United States and tells the story of four teenagers in a transitional student government who try to save their school from demolition by exploiting a charter loophole. They face enormous and growing pressure and outright hostility from their boards and campuses. But it’s not all bad…right?
Today, The Beat can exclusively reveal the book’s behind-the-scenes voting guide, just in time for the 2024 U.S. presidential election.
“Student Government is first and foremost a comedy, but the story revolves around voting…and voting is a serious subject. So if you’re newly eligible to vote, or your right to vote is just around the corner, This may seem incredibly scary,” Justus said in a statement to The Beat. “But that shouldn’t be daunting. It should be empowering! That’s why when Maverick suggested including a voter guide in the graphic novel supplement, we jumped at the opportunity. This is a very inspired way to bring the political passions of the characters, especially the heroine Parker, into the real world.
“Voting is truly one of the most direct ways to make our voices heard on issues that matter to us in this country. And how often do we think, ‘My vote doesn’t matter that much?’ I know how tempting it is. How much of a difference can just one individual’s vote really make? ” continued Justus. “Ask Texas Congresswoman Donna Howard, who represents my district here in Austin. In 2010, she defended her seat with just 12 official votes, and in one hearing, she lost just four votes. He retained his seat by a narrow margin.
“Every vote counts and is vitally important…just like you. You deserve an equal say in the future you want to see. And this voter guide will help you get to the polls.” It would be a great honor for the student government team to take this first step,” Justus concluded.
Check out the guide and Student Government cover art below.
Student Government will be available everywhere books are sold on March 11, 2025. Pre-orders are available now.
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