Some lives are so extraordinary that they seem destined for the comics page. This year, Oni Press shines a spotlight on one of the most influential and inspiring artists of the 20th century with THE JUICIEST TOMATO OF ALL: CORITA KENT, POP NUN, a graphic memoir from bestselling creator Alison Oliver (BabyLit, Be Bold Baby). Chronicling the remarkable life of Corita Kent, the revolutionary artist, educator, and former nun whose vibrant work challenged conventions and celebrated creativity, the book offers readers an intimate look at a true cultural trailblazer.

Blending heartfelt storytelling with dazzling visuals, Oliver brings Kent’s journey to life for a new generation, capturing the passion, optimism, and artistic courage that made her an icon. Today, GVN is excited to share an exclusive art excerpt from THE JUICIEST TOMATO OF ALL: CORITA KENT, POP NUN, offering readers a first glimpse into this inspiring graphic memoir and the unforgettable woman at its center. This is followed by its original Press Release:

Press Release

PORTLAND, OR (August 14, 2026)– Oni Press, the multiple Eisner and Harvey Award–winning publisher of groundbreaking comics and graphic novels since 1997, is proud to announce THE JUICIEST TOMATO OF ALL: CORITA KENT, POP NUN, a graphic memoir from bestselling creator Alison Oliver (BabyLit, Be Bold Baby) about the life and times of trailblazing artist Corita Kent. Though not as well-known as her contemporary Andy Warhol, Corita Kent earned international acclaim throughout the 1960s as one of the pop art movement’s leading lights. In the height of her popularity, Kent appeared on the cover of Newsweek, was named one the Los Angeles Times’ Women of the Year, and saw her work exhibited at the Metropolitan Gallery of Art and The Smithsonian. For the first time, THE JUICIEST TOMATO OF ALL: CORITA KENT, POP NUN tells the inspirational story of how a nun living in Los Angeles managed to become an unlikely hero of America’s cultural revolution… and left an indelible mark on the art world and the face of Catholic sisterhood through her searingly fearless artwork.

Alison Oliver

“I have been captivated by Corita Kent since first discovering her work in 2009. Realizing the striking artwork was made by a nun was shocking, and the details of her life, and how she came to be a Pop nun, are so compelling that I kept finding myself asking, ‘Why don’t we know Corita Kent?’ The conclusion I have come to is that she embodied two very powerful archetypes: the artist and the religious person, and we don’t often accept that kind of complexity in a person. As we have become more polarized as a society I think we are at a crucial time to allow for the contradictions that make us human. Corita’s story is captivating because of her iconoclastic nature. It is a story that I think has become more relevant even over the course of time I have spent with her because of her refusal to accept what society demanded of her—that she fit into an easily understandable box.”

Oni Press Editor Allyson Gronowitz

“So much of Corita Kent’s story is still timely for our world today. Corita challenged the status quo, speaking out against censorship, war, racial inequality, social injustices, and more. She used her art as a tool to change hearts and minds, all the while emanating a contagious joy and deep-rooted sincerity. What better way to experience the story of this woman in art history than through the visual storytelling medium of graphic novels? Alison Oliver’s beautifully illustrated reimagining of historical events brings Corita’s life to tangible reality through a book that celebrates Corita as both an artist and a nun, as well as everything she stood for.”

Through brightly colored silkscreens and pop culture references, Corita Kent told stories that united her two worlds—a spiritual life and one full of art and beauty. THE JUICIEST TOMATO OF ALL depicts the tale of this Iconoclast woman in history who cared deeply about the world she lived in and saw grace and radiance in everything around her.

Alison Oliver’s THE JUICIEST TOMATO OF ALL will be available from Oni Press on May 11, 2027 wherever graphic novels are sold.

In addition, The 7th Annual Corita Day Festival will be held on Saturday, November 7, 2026, from 12:00–4:00 pm at SCI‑Arc in Los Angeles’ Arts District, offering free admission with a day of art, music, food, and community creativity inspired by Corita Kent’s legacy.