Wrexham Glyndŵr University graduate secures publishing deal for graphic novels

A Wrexham Glyndŵr University graduate is using their artistic skills to forge a career in the world of graphic novels and comic books.

Alex Assan, who graduated with a BA (Hons) Illustration, Graphic Novels and Children’s Publishing, has secured a two-book deal with publishers HarperAlley.

The first graphic novel, Sunhead, in set in Tel Aviv in 2008 and follows a pair of unlikely friends who bond over their shared love of a vampire book.

The 27 year-old, who hails from the city, said of securing the publishing deal: “I’m beyond excited to work with them on this book and I’m very happy that they liked my story and signed me for not one, but two projects.”

The creator started their studies at Brighton in 2014 before completing the final two years of the degree course at Glyndŵr’s Regent Street campus.

“The thing I enjoyed about living in Wrexham was being around other illustration students with similar interests and ambitions,” Alex said.

“It took a while for people on my course to start socialising with each other, but once we started we became really close friends, and I still keep in touch with some of them today.”

Alex also publishes LGBTQ+ themed fantasy noir series Shaderunners with co-creator Lin Darrow. Shaderunners can be read for free online at Shaderunners.com

Wrexham Glyndŵr University currently offers a BA (Hons) Comics programme, which provides students with the technical and creative skills to develop both illustrative style and storytelling flair.

The programme introduces a broad range of creative skills, from the generation of ideas to their technical production through printmaking, bookbinding, 3D materials, life drawing, traditional and digital media, with an emphasis on drawing and the development of a unique personal style.

Alex added: “I was incredibly lucky to have wonderful tutors who cared about me and my work. Sue Thornton was especially supportive and kind, always giving helpful feedback and being there for me when I needed someone to talk to.”

Susan Thornton, a senior lecturer at Wrexham Glyndwr University, said she was “delighted” that Alex has secured the deal.

She added: “Alex was an extremely hard working and committed student who was passionate about generating comics.

It was a pleasure working with Alex, who I’m sure has a very successful career ahead.”

More information about studying the BA (Hons) Comics degree course ay Wrexham Glyndŵr University can be found here.