Written and drawn by Ariela Kristantina, the highly anticipated graphic novel, Whale, arrived digitally from Comixology Originals on September 23, 2025 and printed on March 31, 2026 by Dark Horse Comics.
In The Girl Who Paints a Whale, Christina takes readers on a powerful, atmospheric journey through lush island environments inspired by her Indonesian hometown. It is a story of Sarah Stern’s soft and beautiful colors and the charming and visually stunning exploration and discovery of a letter by Bernard Blythe, a whale-painting girl. This epic young adult adventure is the first graphic novel written and illustrated by Christina.
Combining the themes of Southeast Asian folklore and colonization with the unwavering powers of art and storytelling, the girl portrays a whale is a coming-of-age story, believing in your resistance, brothers, and your voice, even when no one else is around.
Art by Ariela Christina
Christina said this about the book:
“This story is about trust. about believing in yourself. What happens when no one else does, except for those who always do.”
Brothers Wangi and Banyu live in sea villas of apocalyptic worlds for centuries after the Great Flood changed the face of the world. Wangi shares a mysterious bond with the whales visiting their waters, allowing her to paint their backs. One day a whale arrives alone, injured and decorated with strange new markings that appear to be conveying messages from other lost settlements. Wangi believes that is what seeks help. No one listens – except Banyu.
Motivated by this mystery, Wangi vows to investigate. Forbidden by their parents and village elders, Wangi and Banyu embark on a mysterious sea journey into the unknown, only to stumble in a much bigger battle. Together, they must fight to save their home.
The girl who portrays a whale is a testament to the power of the story. Their eerie abilities entertain us, educate us, and ultimately unite us. You can see the preview page for the graphic novel below.
Ariela Christina Art Ariela Christina Art Ariela Christina Art Ariela Christina Art Ariela Christina Art Ariela Christina Art
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