PRESS RELEASE
Dark Horse Books presents the graphic novel adaptation of screenwriter, producer, actress and Roadmap Diversity Winner Amena Kheshtchin-Kamel’s (The General, and currently unannounced AAA game studio feature adaptation) year-long social experiment living as a “popular white girl everyone wants to know” named Emma Kinsley. My Year as Emma chronicles the descent of a woman comfortable in her heritage and culture into becoming someone else to further her dreams and the toll that kind of dilution of self can take on your family, friends, and your own psyche. Kheshtchin-Kamel retells her satirical story through her own words and cover art, with illustrations by Giulia Giacomino (Gargoyles, Lilo and Stitch), and lettering by Frank Cvetkovic (Count Crowley, Cyberpunk 2077). My Year as Emma showcases a unique perspective of a passing woman of color (WOC), what her journey says about our society and the many ways modern professionals must market themselves to a white-centered palette.
Young Persian/Egyptian-American actress Amena Kheshtchin-Kamel changed her name, appearance, and legal identity to a blonde white woman to escape stereotyping and break into Hollywood. What follows is a wild ride of navigating the unlocked universe of social acceptance, Cannes Film Festival invitations, and all the perks that come with her newfound persona as Emma. But, with mounting success after cutting herself off from her culture, will she solidify her identity as Emma Kinsley or stay true to herself?
“I’m over the moon that Dark Horse and my editor Megan Walker gave me the chance to share this universal body positivity and identity story! I’m so excited for people to see what Giulia, Frank, and I have put together.” said Kheshtchin-Kamel.
Kheshtchin-Kamel is represented by Olivia Krevoy at 3 Arts Entertainment and Molly Fenton at Cohen Gardner LLP.
Based on a true story, My Year As Emma will be available in (6.625” x 10.1875”, 96 pages) paperback at bookstores on March 18, 2025, and comic shops on March 19, 2025 for $19.99. Pre-order now from TFAW, Amazon, Barnes and Noble or your local bookstore, or visit PRH Comics or Comic Shop Locator for more details and stores near you.
