Episode 37.
Title: "Planeta Blu - Rise of Agoo: An ****Epic Afro-Futuristic Graphic Adventure Novel to Save Our Planet with author Tem Blessed and Illustrator Mike LaRiccia "
<aside> 💡 Planeta Blu - Rise of Agoo is a fantastic afro-futuristic graphic novel adventure that tells the tale of New Bedford inner-city youth: Lares, her brother Angel, Tomé, and Tyler as they fight to save humanity and animal kind from the apocalyptic plans of Zander, oil tycoon billionaire, turned evil world conqueror. Planeta Blu is where Narnia meets the magic of Harry Potter and where The gritty reality of the Hunger Games meets the courageous talking animals of The Jungle Book. Classic themes such as courage, compassion, sacrifice, and love connect present-day teenage sheroes and heroes as they join forces and gain extraordinary powers from animals to save the planet from toxic global genocide.
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Tem Blessed is a socially conscious Hip-Hop artist that has been making relevant music with a message for over a decade. Born in Guinea-Bissau, West Africa to Cape Verdean parents, “Tem” has worked for over 19 years empowering youth through music. While tucking his 4 children in at night, he created original bedtime stories. Those fantastic stories became the framework for his debut novel Planeta Blu, which has beckoned him since, to see the light of day.
Why did I write this Book?
As an African American born in west Africa, I was called to write this book to create a world where a strong, young black woman would be the hero and that other youth of color could see themselves in the same heroic, positive light. This was a calling to create a unique and inclusive literary experience that helps to inspire diverse young readers to face whatever challenges comes their way in the real world.
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Mike LaRiccia is a Xeric award-winning comic book artist, illustrator, animator, and graphic designer. He has created illustrations for multiple tabletop games, developed animation for corporations and fundraisers, and done graphic design work for nonprofits and schools. In his free time, he’s completing his original fantasy graphic novel DECAY Death of All Things.
Find out more about Mike at www.mikelariccia.com
"Embark on a captivating adventure in 'Planeta Blu Volume 1: The Rise of Agoo,' a revolutionary graphic novel for young adults brought to you by Dark Horse Books. Within these pages, a powerful narrative unfolds, addressing the pressing issues of our time: the global climate crisis, rampant pollution, and the nefarious ambitions of a billionaire oil magnate. Immerse yourself in a tale of solidarity, tenacity, and collective resolve, where the animal kingdom joins forces with a group of inspiring young heroes to effect change.
Join us on an enthralling journey as we engage in a stimulating conversation with the talented author, Tem Blessed, and the visionary illustrator, Mike LaRicca, right here on the All Things Black Podcast.