GVN Exclusive First Look – The Indoor Kid from Oni Press by Mat Heagerty & Lisa DuBois-Thompson

If there is anything I could relate to in my early youth, it would be the feeling of not belonging. I was not particularly good at sports, and while I loved playing, my abilities never measured up to my desires. Add in my innate shyness, and I was almost ALWAYS the last kid picked for any game.

With that kind of history, it is no wonder that I am a fan of Oni Press’ newest book, Indoor Kid by Mat Heagerty and Lisa DuBois-Thompson. In this delightful and imaginative graphic novel, Heagerty and DuBois-Thompson explore what it’s like for those kids who struggle with their own self-worth and those who choose to target them. But what if something happened to flip the script on this scenario?

Indoor Kid

Air-ball Arnie couldn’t be worse at sports. As much as he wishes he could score three-pointers or hit home runs, the fact is that he’s way better at video games than he is on the court or the field. What’s worse is he lives in Muscletown, a city full of the best athletes and jocks, especially the Brohemians, the town’s star athletes AND the town’s biggest bullies. The Brohemians get to decide the winners from the losers, and they’ve decided Arnie is the biggest loser of them all. But all that changes when Arnie discovers a magical medal that gives him superhuman sports powers. Now he can slam dunk better than anyone, and he’s determined to put these super sports abilities to good use by putting the Brohemian bullies in their place. But when his newfound powers start to get him the popularity and admiration he’s always craved, will he use his powers for good or will he strike out and foul on his own friends?

Coming October 28th, Oni Press’ “Indoor Kid” is sure to entertain and enlighten any reader who feels somehow less due to their abilities or lack thereof. It also emphasizes the value of friendship and doing your best. It is this story that the creators hope to share with their readers:

Mat Heagerty

“Indoor Kid is about loving something and being okay with not being great at it, or even good at it. But it’s also very much about dealing with bullies.”

Lisa DuBois-Thompson

“In these pages we get to see just how these Brohemian kids really are, and we get a sense of Arnie’s impulsive and unabashed determination and sense of justice. He’s really kinda brave here—one thing I like about Arnie is that even before he has his magic gold medal, he always goes for it and genuinely thinks he can win. Say what you will about this kid, but he isn’t afraid to give it his all.”