'Avatar: The Last Airbender,' 'Star Wars' distributor to publish this New Bedford novel.
NEW BEDFORD — After releasing "Planeta Blu Volume 1: Rise of Agoo" in 2021, New Bedford hip-hop artist and author Tem Blessed's graphic novel is soaring to new heights with the help of Dark Horse Comics, one of the largest comic book distributors in the country.
Known for publishing and licensing works such as "Stranger Things," "Avatar: The Last Airbender," "The Legend of Korra," "Minecraft" and "Star Wars," Blessed's novel is now part of its prestigious catalogue.
"It's almost unbelievable and honestly a dream come true," Blessed said. "It's really surreal to have something go from just an idea, a story that I'm telling my kids at bedtime, to be recognized by Dark Horse Comics."
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The young adult graphic novel is about courage, compassion, love and sacrifice to make the world a better place. Illustrated by Michael LaRiccia, this story is about four teens who gain magical abilities as they uncover a looming war between the animal kingdom and a billionaire oil tycoon who threatens their mission of saving the planet.
The Dark Horse edition will include exclusive bonus content and a new cover and it will be sold at major retailers such as Target and Walmart across the country.
"It is really exciting for us to get this story out to as many readers as we can because for any artist exposure is welcome," he said.
How it all started in New Bedford
Blessed, whose full name is Temistocles Ferreria, was born in Guinea-Bissau, West Africa to Cape Verdean parents and, at 3-years-old, moved to New Bedford. He made the most of his academic education, graduating from New Bedford High School as the senior class president and furthering his scholarship at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where he studied legal studies, sociology and African American studies.
Simultaneously, he began his journey of creating music by pioneering Busted Fro – a developing hip-hop band. Not only is Blessed an acclaimed hip-hop artist, but he is also an environmental activist.
By also working with youth, including a science enrichment program and UMass Dartmouth's Upward Bound program, Blessed said he likes to encourage New Bedford's young generation to surpass their limitations and flourish in the art and culture that his hometown offers.
What's next for 'Planeta Blu'
The 272-page graphic novel is geared for children as young as seven to older high schoolers. So far, Blessed said the reception of the book has been incredible with comments from young people responding passionately to its vibrant illustrations.
Though the storyline deals with a potential apocalypse, Blessed said it still encourages optimism with captivating colors and a heroic character determined to beat the odds.
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As the residential director of Better Chance Home, an ABC House in New Bedford, Blessed said it has helped him tremendously with writing a YA (young adult) novel. Currently working on the novel's audio book that will feature youth voices, Blessed is hoping Dark Horse Comics will also help open bigger doors for the book's future.
"I have blended two of my passions — recording and music — in order to create an audio book specifically written in the language spoken by younger people," he said. "Not only that, I have also composed an original score for the book."
With the potential of it being turned into a movie or TV series, Blessed said he has had some very promising conversations with some of the major studios and streaming platforms.
"Although I cannot provide specifics on it right now, I strongly believe that this vision of turning a written book into a movie or series will happen," he said.
While comic books was the entry point to literature for Blessed, he said he is glad that people still acknowledge the strength of comics and graphic novels.
"In the past, comics were seen almost like magazines, but now are getting the respect that they deserve. And so I urge everyone to check it out," he added. "If you're a kid at heart, or just love good stories, at the end of the day it's about storytelling and the journey."
Standard-Times staff writer Seth Chitwood can be reached at schitwood@s-t.com. Support local journalism by purchasing a digital or print subscription to The Standard-Times today.
This article originally appeared on Standard-Times: Dark Horse Comics to publish New Bedford author, 'Planeta Blu'
