Illinois Authors

Top Shelf Productions 2013

After the acclaimed indie film Save the Date and the bestselling all-ages humor book Darth Vader and Son, graphic novelist Jeffrey Brown (Clumsy, Unlikely) returns to the autobiographical work that first made his reputation. In A Matter of Life, Jeffrey Brown draws upon memories of three generations of Brown men: himself, his minister father, and his preschooler son Oscar. Weaving through time, passing through the quiet suburbs and colorful cities of the midwest, their stories slowly assemble into a kaleidoscopic answer to the big questions: matters of life and death, family and faith, and the search for something beyond oneself.

During their latest mission. traveling to their classmates' home planets, Jide, Petra, and the other students prank each other, perform at an open mic night, and play a game of brgbllbll.

The final chapter of Jeffrey Brown's so-called Girlfriend Trilogy. AEIOU continues to explore the subtleties of relationships examined in Clumsy and Unlikely, concentrating this time on the differences between knowing and loving someone, invoking the reader's relationship with the book as a parallel to being involved with someone. The story is told with Brown's trademark expressive drawings and juxtaposition of humor and heartache.

In this activity book, Jeffrey Brown introduces children to the idea of journaling and gets them started with creative ideas and activities.

DC 2024

With Batman still missing, Damian is worried and ready to do whatever it takes to find his dad--including telling his new friend his family's most guarded secret. Can the boys find Batman before Gotham's newest villain makes their final play?

Sidelined by a crime-fighting field trip gone wrong, Damian Wayne must refocus his attention on his life as an average student and learning how to be a team player--especially when he meets his match in his new rival, Howard. To Damian Wayne, there is nothing more important than protecting the streets of Gotham City as Robin. But when he makes a critical mistake while out on patrol, Damian finds himself benched. And what's more, Damian's dad, Bruce Wayne--a.k.a. Batman--decides that starting over in a new school will be just the distraction Damian needs from his superhero routine. Certain that Gotham Metro Academy has nothing to teach him, Damian is completely unprepared for the challenge he finds in Howard--the smartest and most athletic kid in school. The boys' rivalry is instantaneous and fierce...and both are sure only one of them can be the best in their class. What follows is a funny story of rivalry, friendship, and mystery from bestselling author and illustrator Jeffrey Brown.

Dc Comics 2024

Damian and Howard are teaming up to face an all-new mastermind villain who is ready to demolish their favorite soccer spot! Summer is in session and that means all the neighborhood patrols, soccer games, and snacks the boys can handle. But things take an unexpected turn when a new group of heroes, known as the Hero Club, approach Damian and Howard with an unusual offer—an invitation to help unmask the corporation planning to build a recycling factory in their favorite park. Together, they hope to recruit the help of Metropolis’s favorite reporter. If that weren’t enough, Batman has been acting strangely and disappearing for stretches of time. And there are ninja everywhere…What could possibly be going on? Get ready for this laugh-out-loud sequel from beloved New York Times bestselling author-illustrator Jeffrey Brown.

Top Shelf Productions, Marietta, GA : ©2004.

Jeffrey Brown is back - and with a Bighead, no less! An irreverent and clever super-hero parody, featuring the most amazing hero of all time: Bighead. Witness inept villains clash with an all-too-emotional hero, in the epic graphic novel that will leap all cliches in a single bound.

A collection of comics based on the author's cat, depicting its antics as it eats, plays, purrs, and engages in other distinctively feline behaviors.

Chronicle ; San Francisco, Calif. : 2010.

Cartoonist Jeffrey Brown's drawings perfectly capture the humor and quirkiness of cats in all their strange and charming glory. Following the success of Cat Getting Out of a Bag, this collection of color and black-and-white comic strips loosely follows the adventures of a pair of cats as they explore the world around them, indoors and out. Adventures include taking a nap, licking a shoe, attacking dust particles, hiding in cabinets, pouncing on fallen leaves, confronting the vacuum cleaner, patrolling the yard, and purring up a stormall adorably rendered in Brown's immediate and irresistible style. Sure to delight anyone who lives with cats and appreciates their sweet and batty behavior, this beautifully packaged gift book is the cat's meow.

Top Shelf Productions, Marietta, GA : ©2002, 2015.

A collection of autobiographical comics that document the author's long-distance relationship with a woman named Theresa over the course of a year.

Chronicle Books 2017

Jeffrey Brown's reimagining of the Star Wars universe has delighted adult fans and young Jedi alike. This new adult coloring book is equally fun to share, featuring a careful translation of artwork from the bestselling Darth Vader and Son™ series to a large-format collection on crisp white paper, plus nine new images to color.

Chronicle Books 2015

In this funny and sweet new book in the bestselling Darth Vader™ series, Eisner Award–winning author Jeffrey Brown offers an intimate look at the friendships between best pals in the Star Wars universe, from Darth Vader and the Emperor to Leia and her Ewok pals, Han and Chewie, C-3PO and R2-D2, the bounty hunters, and other favorite characters. Jealousy, birthday parties, lightsaber battles, sharing, intergalactic rebellion and more all come into play as Brown's charming illustrations and humor irresistibly combine the adventures of our friends in a galaxy far, far away with everyday events closer to home.

Chronicle Books, San Francisco : ©2012.

What if Darth Vader took an active role in raising his son? What if 'Luke, I am your father' was just a stern admonishment from an annoyed dad? In this hilarious and sweet comic reimagining, Darth Vader is a dad like any other-- except with all the baggage of being the Dark Lord of the Sith. Celebrated artist Jeffrey Brown's delightful illustrations give classic Star Wars moments a fresh twist, presenting the trials and joys of parenting through the lens of a galaxy far, far away. Life lessons include lightsaber batting practice, using the Force to raid the cookie jar, Take Your Child to Work Day on the Death Star ('Er, he looks just like you, Lord Vader!'), and the special bond shared between any father and son--Publisher's web site.

Top Shelf, Marietta, Ga. : ©2005.

The cartoonist details the day-by-day events of his three week run-in with five different girls, including the ex who comes back into the picture and a growing, but poorly chosen crush.

The story of Jeffrey Brown's evolution as a cartoonist, from his youthful obsession with superhero comics to his disillusionment with fine art at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago ... [revealing] his most embarrassing personal moments in raw, intimate detail-- including how he survived high school, binge drinking, mild drug experimentation, doomed friendships, and being diagnosed with Crohn's disease.--Publisher description.

Graphix [S.l.] : 2025

A hilarious original series filled with comics, mischief, and misadventure starring the Hulk! From the mind of New York Times bestselling author and illustrator Jeffrey Brown. Bruce Banner, AKA the Hulk, is a genius scientist and super hero whose rage-outs have led him to damage way too much public property. After his latest meltdown, Tony Stark arranges a PR move to smooth things over. Hulk will perform community service -- by teaching. Can Banner make it through the school year without destroying everything? And can middle school kids really learn anything when the HULK is their teacher? This all-new middle grade story told through comics, journal entries, doodles, newspaper clippings, spot-illustrations, and two-color artwork offers a laugh-out-loud take on middle school. It ain't easy being green.

Top Shelf, Marietta, Ga. : ©2006.

Everyone needs something funny to stick in their pocket to read on the train, or on a lunch break, or in line at the DMV. This is that something. Jeffrey Brown sets aside the sappy sentimentality of his autobiographical comics to bring you this subtle and subservise, laugh-out-loud, giant-size Small collection of gag cartoons. Enjoy.

Top Shelf, Marietta, GA : ©2007.

Earth is invaded by a collection of robots who are able to change into vehicles, in a graphic novel parody and tribute to the shape-changing robot genre.

Collecting previously published and rarely seen material, Change-Bots Two Point Something Something includes short stories, gallery art show pieces, game and toy designs, artwork created for fan club members, interviews with almost every Change-Bot, and more --

Archaia 2018

Dance your cares away with this omnibus collection of short stories featuring the beloved characters of Jim Henson’s Fraggle Rock. Celebrating 35 Years of Jim Henson’s Fraggle Rock! Rediscover the wonderful world of Jim Henson’s iconic television series Fraggle Rock in this definitive collection of tales from some of the most imaginative minds in comics. Mokey, Wembley, Boober, and Red are back, dancing, playing, and trying to stay out of trouble in all-new adventures. Featuring heartwarming stories by Jeffrey Brown (Star Wars: Darth Vader and Son), Cory Godbey (Jim Henson’s Labyrinth Tales), Katie Cook (My Little Pony, Gronk: A Monster’s Story), and more, Jim Henson’s Fraggle Rock Omnibus is a celebration of friendship and fun. This collection also includes forewords from Karen Prell and Dave Goelz, the puppeteers of Red and Goober in the original Fraggle Rock television series.

NBM Publishing 2024

A sweet and charming collection of comics about how strange and funny kids can be, New York Times bestselling cartoonist Jeffrey (Darth Vader & Son, Jedi Academy) Brown chronicles his life as a parent while his children speak brutal truths and make unintentionally hilarious observations.

Jeffrey Brown wryly illustrates his five-year- old son's take on the world around him, from watching TV (Elton John looks pretty in that shirt) to playing with toys (This truck can survive on very little water) to odd requests (Don't feel happy at me), capturing the sweetly weird times that mothers and fathers everywhere experience with their own curious, pure-minded kids.

Simon & Schuster, New York : 2008.

A collection of funny, poignant, and autobiographical short stories, Little Things looks at the aspects of daily life -- friendship, illness, death, work, crushes, love, jealousy, and fatherhood -- we take for granted. As each story loops into others, Jeffrey Brown shows how the smallest andseemingly most insignificant parts of everyday life can end up becoming the most meaningful. Brown's first full-length autobiographical book in several years, Little Things is also his most impressive, touching, and true.

Top Shelf Productions 2022

A pioneer of 21st-century graphic memoir, Jeffrey Brown captures timeless insights into love, intimacy, and vulnerability in three unforgettable relationship portraits. Twenty years ago, young painter Jeffrey Brown grew frustrated with the expectations of the art world and wanted desperately to make something real. In a single sketchbook, working directly in ink, he began recording his memories of a recent long-distance relationship, matching the emotional frailty of the young lovers with painfully honest writing and art. As that book, Clumsy, struck a chord with readers and spawned the follow-ups Unlikely and Any Easy Intimacy, Brown’s work proved a watershed for the emerging form of the graphic memoir. Chronicling the awkward mess of romantic relationships in unsparing and explicit detail, these works also reflect the fragmentary nature of memory, the risk of opening ourselves to pain, and the giggly rush of falling in love. Now collected into one volume for the first time, this Relationship Trilogy is a bittersweet reminder of the everyday joy, heartbreak, and humor that — despite everything— keep us coming back for more. Collects Clumsy, Unlikely, and AEIOU or Any Easy Intimacy.

From the author of the New York Times bestselling Jedi Academy books comes a hilarious graphic novel series about two young cave kids living 40,000 years ago. “Lucy & Andy are Stone Age rock stars! I loved this book!” —Lincoln Peirce, author of the Big Nate series Lucy and Andy are a sister and brother who get into trouble much like any sister and brother. Only difference? Lucy and Andy live in the Stone Age! Discover their laugh-out-loud adventures as the Paleo pair take on a wandering baby sibling, bossy teens, cave paintings, and a mammoth hunt. But what will happen when they encounter a group of humans? Includes extra information about Neanderthal life that's sure to appeal to future paleontologists and science phobes alike! And don't miss Lucy and Andy's next outing, Lucy & Andy Neanderthal: The Stone Cold Age -- coming soon! A New York City Public Library Best 50 Books for Kids 2016! A Chicago Public Library Best of the Best 2016!

Crown Books for Young Readers 2018

From the author of the New York Times bestselling Jedi Academy books comes book three in the laugh-out-loud graphic novel series about cave kid siblings Lucy and Andy. Fans of Big Nate, Diary of a Wimpy Kid, and The Terrible Two won't want to miss it! "Lucy & Andy are Stone Age rock stars! I loved this book!" -LINCOLN PEIRCE, author of the BIG NATE series Lucy and Andy have some extra space in the cave now the humans have moved out. But they do miss hanging with Sasha and Tommy. Luckily, their new friends live right around the ice block, close enough to form the first-ever explorer's club! These adventurers are on the hunt. Their first big discovery: dinosaur bones! Jeffrey Brown masterfully blends facts with funny in this graphic novel series. Includes theories about how Neanderthals went extinct; a timeline covering the history of Earth, dinosaurs, Neanderthals, and present day; museums, caves, and paleontologists of note; and Neanderthal Fact vs. Fiction.

Crown Books for Young Readers 2017

From the author of the New York Times bestselling Jedi Academy books comes book two in the laugh-out-loud graphic novel series about Neanderthal siblings Lucy and Andy. Fans of Big Nate, Diary of a Wimpy Kid, and The Terrible Two won’t want to miss it! “Lucy & Andy are Stone Age rock stars! I loved this book!” —Lincoln Peirce, author of the Big Nate series Neanderthal siblings Lucy and Andy are back to their paleo pranks. This time, they have to put up with more than just each other—the cave is feeling awfully cramped since the humans moved in. They’re in the Ice Age, and legroom comes at a real premium! Jeffrey Brown skillfully blends humor and history with paleontologist sections: Timeline of Key Discoveries, Ice Age Fact vs. Fiction, Silly Cavemen Myths, and more.

Chronicle Books 2025

Jeffrey Brown brings his irresistible comic spin to the X-Men, one of the most beloved and popular teams of the Marvel Universe. Welcome to Xavier’s School for Gifted Youngsters, where Professor X has his hands full supervising an unruly gaggle of elementary school aged mutants! From the creator of Thor and Loki: Midgard Family Mayhem and the bestselling Darth Vader and Son series, this fun collection sees Wolverine using his claws to roast marshmallows, Nightcrawler playing teleport tag, Danger Room practice hijinks, babysitting duty with the New Mutants, Magneto as a surprise substitute teacher, young Cyclops and Phoenix as sweethearts, Sentinels turned into playground equipment, and much more. Full of warm humor and inside jokes hatched from true fandom, Jeffrey Brown’s adorable interpretations of a classic era for the team will delight fans of all ages.

Top Shelf, Marietta, Ga. : ©2005.

Jeffrey Brown takes a break from books about girls for this humorous short story collection featuring fiction, gags and autobiography. Included are such gems as "My Brother Knows Kung Fu" and "Action Television Show."

From the author of the "New York Times"-bestselling Jedi Academy books comes an imaginative picture book about a kid whose creative outlook has everyone at school seeing the world through new eyes. Fred does not want to go to school because it's boring. Especially since he thinks his teacher is a robot. If only Fred could imagine a way for his day to be more exciting...

Jide and Petra are just two normal kids until they are selected to leave Earth and join their new alien classmates on an intergalactic research mission to Mars. Too bad Jide has no idea how she ended up in the program, seeing as the closest she wants to get to space is being a sci-fi writer. Petra, on the other hand, is the brains of the mission, but his helicopter parents make it clear he hasn't left their gravitational pull behind quite yet.

What if Rey had not grown up alone on the dusty planet of Jakku, but instead had a galaxy of friends to share her adventures, all under the watchful eyes of Luke, Leia, Han and Chewie?

In this Episode, the Sith Lord must soothe his rambunctious twins, Luke and Leia, who are not ready to sleep and who insist on a story. As Vader reads, the book looks in on favorite creatures, droids, and characters, such as Yoda, R2-D2, Han Solo, Chewbacca, Darth Maul, Admiral Ackbar, Boba Fett, and many others as they tuck in, yawn, and settle down to dream.

Chronicle Books 2021

Celebrate Sithmas in style and good cheer with this sweetly funny holiday gift book from the New York Times bestselling author of Darth Vader and Son Sithmas time is here, and the Vader family—little Luke, Leia, and the Dark Lord of the Sith—are busy trimming the tree, hanging their stockings, building stormtrooper snowmen, and listening for Santa's tauntons on the roof. This sweetly funny seasonal celebration sees Vader doing his best to raise his rebellious kids while running the galactic Empire and navigating holiday cheer (including the Imperial gift exchange). Featuring Force-wielding snowball fights, gingerbread Death Stars, sledding with Han Solo, and much more, this charming family album of festivity in Jeffrey Brown's now-classic New York Times bestselling Vader series is the stocking stuffer of the season for fans across the galaxy far, far away. CLASSIC HOLIDAY CHEER WITH A STAR WARS TWIST: Whether it's trimming the tree with Yoda or using the Force for a snowball fight, baking a gingerbread Death Star or sledding with Han Solo, this book is full of the spirit of the season. RETURN OF THE BELOVED SERIES: The next installment in Jeffrey Brown's bestselling series, Darth Vader and Son. Featuring the galaxy's first family and their friends in the delightful style you know and love. FESTIVE FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY: Kids will love this sweet collection of holiday celebrations and adults will laugh along with the trials of running a galactic Empire AND making the season bright for the family.

Author/illustrator Jeffrey Brown takes readers to a middle school in a galaxy far, far away.... Also, a NY Times Bestseller! This incredible, original story captures all of the humor, awkwardness, fun, and frustrations of middle school--all told through one boy's comics, journal entries, letters, doodles, and newspaper clippings. The setting? A galaxy far, far away... Roan's one dream is to leave home and attend Pilot Academy like his older brother, father, and grandfather. But just as Roan is mysteriously denied entrance to Pilot School, he is invited to attend Jedi Academy--a school that he didn't apply to and only recruits children when they are just a few years old. That is, until now... This inventive novel follows Roan's first year at Jedi Academy where, under the tutelage of Master Yoda, he learns that he possesses more strength and potential than he could have ever dreamed. Oh, and he learns other important things too--like how to make a baking soda volcano, fence with a lightsaber, slow dance with a girl, and lift boulders with the Force.

Top Shelf Productions, Marietta : 2008.

In Deadly Awesome, Jeffrey Brown explores the world of mixed martial arts and the nature of violence in this tribute to no-holds-barred cage fighting! Featuring (yes, it's true) an incredible 80-page fight scene, aging veteran fighter Haruki Rabasaku faces off against young powerhouse Eldark Garprub. With furious strikes and technical submission holds, this story will thrill newbies as well as hardcore fans of ultimate fighting!

Top Shelf Productions 2008

This pocket-sized, graphic novel series showcases a variety of Jeffrey Brown's all-new experimental comics. In Sulk Volume 1: Bighead & Friends, Bighead returns! And then he dies. And then he returns! It also features all-new villains like Beefy Hipster, and introduces Little Bighead — who must stop the villainous Sleeper before naptime.

Top Shelf Productions 2009

Jeffrey Brown explores the world of fantasy and science fiction, and turns it on its head. Or rather, just kind of tilts it slightly to the side. Two brothers deal with a giant monster rampaging through their city, and an 11-year-old genius and his robot best friend attempt to adjust to college life. There are also stories of pirates, time-travelling babies, martial arts masterminds, and an all-new short story from Elfworld.

Hyperion Avenue 2023

You know The X-Files. Now, for the first time, here are The eXtra Files. Acclaimed cartoonist and fellow X-Phile Jeffrey Brown revisits classic X-Files episodes for weird, bizarre, and funny takes on both fan favorite cases and overlooked gems. He'll rejoin Mulder and Scully as they investigate the unexplained incidents, paranormal events, and extraterrestrial encounters, and show that not only is the truth out there, the humor is as well. The eXtra Files will ask—and even attempt to answer—questions about Mulder and Scully's cases and their history, providing a fresh and funny take on both that will be accessible to casual fans but also engaging for X-Philes.

Chronicle Books 2023

Author of the bestselling Darth Vader and Son series (more than 3 million copies sold), Jeffrey Brown, brings his charmingly funny take on the Star Wars galaxy to The Mandalorian! Din Djarin, the terse Mandalorian bounty hunter, travels the galaxy with the adorable Grogu in tow. Whether he is keeping Grogu from messing with the ship's controls or stopping him from using the Force to steal extra snacks, Mando’s lessons as a caretaker will be instantly fun and recognizable to all families. Brown’s colorful all-ages style and spin complement the show’s gritty milieu while accentuating the sweetness of the found family at the heart of the story. His unexpectedly funny touches and twists, and lighthearted interpretations of favorite characters, including Bo-Katan, Moff Gideon, The Armorer, Luke Skywalker, Ahsoka Tano, IG-11, Peli Motto, and many more, will thrill fans and give them a way to appreciate all three seasons of the show in a whole new way.

It's hard to believe this is Roan's last year at Jedi Academy. He's been busier than ever learning to fly (and wash) starships, swimming in the Lake Country on Naboo, studying for the Jedi obstacle course exam, and tracking down dozens of vorpak clones--don't ask. But now, someone is setting him up to get in trouble with everyone at school, including Yoda. If he doesn't find out who it is, and fast, he may get kicked out of school! Why can't middle school just be easy.

Chronicle Books 2023

Jeffrey Brown's irresistible comic spin comes to Marvel! Young Thor and Loki have traveled with their parents Odin and Frigga across the ten realms to their favorite world, and Midgard (aka Earth) may never be the same. From the creator of the beloved and bestselling Darth Vader and Son series, this sweetly funny comic collection finds the kid gods of thunder and mischief suffering helmet hair (Thor), trying to ride the school bus as an alligator (Loki), playing freeze tag with the Avengers, crafting Odin an All-Father's Day present, discovering a mysteriously delicious food Midgardians call "mac and cheese," and much more. Jeffrey Brown's Eisner Award-winning humor, inventive colorful artwork, and playful approach to the characters make this a must-have for Marvel fans of all ages.

Top Shelf, Marietta, Ga. : ©2010.

Undeleted Scenes presents a decade's worth of shorter works from indie comics legend Jeffrey Brown. This huge compendium contains stories from the previous collections Minisulk, Every Girl Is the End of the World for Me, and Feeble Attempts, as well as Jeffrey's work from anthologies such as Kramers Ergot and McSweeney's, plus rare material from minicomics and elsewhere, including dozens of pages of never-before-seen material. Spanning humor, autobiography, and beyond, some of Jeffrey's most beloved comics are in here - including the fan-favorite self-parody collection Be A Man.

Top Shelf Productions, Marietta, GA : [2003]

The cartoonist uses a full-length graphic novel format to tell the bittersweet story of how he lost his virginity at age 24 and presents vignettes from his relationship with Allisyn that take place before and after the event.

Darth Vader is learning that being a Sith lord and dedicated father to Princess Leia isn't quite so easy... In this irresistibly funny follow-up to the breakout bestseller Darth Vader and Son, Vader—Sith Lord and leader of the Galactic Empire—now faces the trials, joys, and mood swings of raising his daughter Leia as she grows from a sweet little girl into a rebellious teenager. Smart and funny illustrations by artist Jeffrey Brown give classic Star Wars moments a twist by bringing these iconic family relations together under one roof. From tea parties to teaching Leia how to fly a TIE fighter, regulating the time she spends talking with friends via R2-D2's hologram, and making sure Leia doesn't leave the house wearing only a skirted metal bikini, Vader's parenting skills are put hilariously to the test. Gives kids a unique look into the "real" life of Darth Vader The ideal Star Wars bedtime story book for little Jedi and Sith across the galaxy Hilariously showcases the ins and outs of being a father in the Star Wars universe