Abstract
Roman and July is a 64-page contemporary young adult graphic novel about the messiness of healing, the importance of friendship, and mistaking co-dependency for “true love.”
The story follows a 19-year-old hopeless romantic named July Cantos who receives an unexpected text from her first love, Roman Mosca, three months before she is set to graduate community college. This startling reunion sends July down a dark spiral that she is only able to pull herself out of when she finally learns to confront her unhealthy, years-long infatuation with Roman.
Designed to be an industry standard pitch packet for graphic novel publishing, this pitch packet includes an 8-page excerpt, character sheets, concept art, and a cover mock-up.
Artist Statement
Kiara Juliette Lime is a Filipino-American author and illustrator based in Spokane, Washington. In the spring of 2022, she will receive her BFA in Illustration from the Pacific Northwest College of Art located in Portland, Oregon.
Kiara’s work focuses on conveying and evoking sentimental emotions through visual storytelling and interpersonal character dynamics. She takes inspiration from Japanese shoujo and josei manga, pop music, and historical and personal history. Kiara’s recent narrative work focuses on the super specific post-high-school-but-not-yet-Real-Adult flavor of contemporary young adult drama. She is also passionate about character design, book covers, and editorial illustration.
Outside of art, Kiara is a huge nerd who enjoys travel and making memories with her loved ones. She has a special place in her heart for Germany’s Neuschwanstein Castle and Venice, Italy.
