TONY CLIFF
TONY CLIFF is a contributor to the Flight series of anthologies, has been nominated for Shuster and Harvey awards, and has three times been nominated for an Eisner award. Delilah Dirk is his first published graphic novel.
BUBBLE
July 13, 2021
Based on the smash-hit audio serial, Bubble is a hilarious high-energy graphic novel with a satirical take on the “gig economy.”
Built and maintained by corporate benevolence, the city of Fairhaven is a literal bubble of safety and order (and amazing coffee) in the midst of the Brush, a harsh alien wilderness ruled by monstrous Imps and rogue bands of humans. Humans like Morgan, who’s Brush-born and Bubble-raised and fully capable of fending off an Imp attack during her morning jog. She’s got a great routine going―she has a chill day job, she recreationally kills the occasional Imp, then she takes that Imp home for her roommate and BFF, Annie, to transform into drugs as a side hustle. But cracks appear in her tidy life when one of those Imps nearly murders a delivery guy in her apartment, accidentally transforming him into a Brush-powered mutant in the process. And when Morgan’s company launches Huntr, a gig economy app for Imp extermination, she finds herself press-ganged into kicking her stabby side job up to the next level as she battles a parade of monsters and monstrously Brush-turned citizens, from a living hipster beard to a book club hive mind.
Praise for Bubble
Eisner Award Nominee for Best Humor Publication and Best Adaptation from Another Medium, 2022
“This sci-fi adventure comedy bounds from one escapade to another while keeping up a running satirical patter. It’s a recklessly fun, hoot and holler of a ride.”
— Publishers Weekly, starred review
LET’S GET SLEEPY!
Imprint - August 11, 2020
Young cats are on the hunt for a mouse named Sleepy in Let’s Get Sleepy, an energetic picture book from New York Times-bestselling author and illustrator Tony Cliff.
These cats are on an adventure to find that darn mouse called Sleepy.
But Sleepy is a sneaky mouse―he’s hard to find. The cats will have to look everywhere: all over town, out by the beach, up in space, and even back in time with the dinosaurs! Can the cats catch that mouse? Even if they don’t, at the end of the day, they may just get "sleepy" after all.
While seek-and-find elements are at work in the adorable artwork, the rhyming text reminds readers that the journey is more important than the destination―and that the most valuable treasure is a day richly lived with friends.
praise for let’s get sleepy!
“Only confirmed ailurophobes will fail to enjoy sharing these kitties’ day.”―Kirkus
DELILAH DIRK AND THE PILLARS OF HERCULES
First Second - August 7, 2018
Having survived a close shave in England, where she was falsely accused of spying for the French, Delilah has set out with her companion Selim for more agreeable adventures in central Asia. But when she stumbles on an artifact that may be a clue about the location of the legendary third pillar of Hercules, Delilah and Selim are drawn back to Europe on an Indiana-Jones-style archaeological caper that pits her against a ruthless enemy... and forces her to team up with the most unlikely partner of all time: her sworn enemy, Jason Merrick, the man who framed her for espionage!
From vast forgotten underground cities to an elaborate and shocking double-cross, Delilah Dirk and the Pillars of Hercules brings all the drama and excitement that fans of the series crave.
praise for delilah dirk and the pillars of hercules
"Cliff's art is striking in both action scenes and in the choice of color palette, used to convey place, tone, and mood."―Kirkus
"Compelling writing combined with colorful illustrations makes this a book that is sure to delight."―School Library Journal
"Cliff has created an engaging and daring character that is equal parts Lara Croft and Indiana Jones."―Publishers Weekly
"Awesome two-page spreads capture the grandeur of their archaeological finds...Delilah’s no-nonsense demeanor and dry sense of humor make her a joy to follow..."―Booklist
“The Delilah Dirk series is one of the most pure delights in comics. It’s like a magic trick every time, reminiscent of Lloyd Alexander’s Vesper Holly series of YA novels but fueled by Tony Cliff’s neat yet action-packed drawings. Cliff can put all the character in the world into the tilt of a nose, and god help you when he gets to draw Dirk leaping onto a horse or being thrown from an explosion. These books are for all ages and interests, including people who love superheroes.”―Paste Magazine
DELILAH DIRK AND THE KING'S SHILLING
First Second – March 8, 2016
Globetrotting troublemaker Delilah Dirk and her loyal friend Selim are just minding their own business, peacefully raiding castles and and traipsing across enemy lines, when they attract the unwanted attention of the English Army. Before they know it, Delilah and Selim have gotten themselves accused of espionage against the British crown!
Delilah will do whatever it takes to clear her good name, be it sneaking, skirmishing, or even sword fighting… But can she bring herself to wear a pretty dress and have a nice cup of tea with her mother? Delilah Dirk may be defeated at last. By tulle.
Praise for DELILAH DIRK AND THE KING’S SHILLING
Amazon Best Book of the Year 2016
Amazon Best Book of the Month
Barnes & Noble Best Book of the Month
A New York Public Library Best Book for the Teen Age
Entertainment Weekly Best YA Books of 2016
“A story jam-packed with action and spectacle, but at its heart is a story of friendship and trust. A fantastic addition to a stellar series!“―Noelle Stevenson, author of Nimona
“Gorgeous.“―Emily Carroll, author of Through the Woods
“With perfect comic timing and a hefty dose of charm thrown in with the adventure, Delilah Dirk and the King’s Shilling is absolutely thrilling!“―Kate Beaton, author of Hark! A Vagrant
“One of the most beautifully illustrated books I’ve ever seen. Cheers to the swashbuckling adventures of Delilah and Selim!“―Kazu Kibuishi, author of the Amulet series
“The character development adds welcome depth to an already absorbing adventure. Irresistible and exhilarating.“―Kirkus Reviews, starred review
“Another whirlwind adventure that builds upon Cliff’s unifying factor―true friendship.“―School Library Journal, starred review
“It’s the dynamic between Delilah and Selim, a headstrong woman and pliant man who remain platonic companions, that gives the book its compelling emotional center.“―Publishers Weekly, starred review
“Marvellous and exceptionally lovely… this is the pure, distilled essence of adventure”—Cory Doctorow, BoingBoing
“Move over, Indiana Jones…with gorgeous illustrations and clever writing, Cliff seamlessly blends action and comedy into a charming tale that is so much fun you’ll wish you brought popcorn.”—Entertainment Weekly
“Cliff’s artwork and storytelling skill make this graphic novel a fine purchase for those looking to expand their graphic novel collection beyond capes and manga.”—Voya Magazine, starred review
“The Delilah Dirk books are things of beauty—Swashbuckling old-school (in the best possible way) adventure stories, super smooth and beautifully drawn.”—Mike Mignola, author of Hellboy
DELILAH DIRK AND THE TURKISH LIEUTENANT
First Second – August 27, 2013
Lovable ne’er-do-well Delilah Dirk is an Indiana Jones for the 19th century. She has traveled to Japan, Indonesia, France, and even the New World. Using the skills she’s picked up on the way, Delilah’s adventures continue as she plots to rob a rich and corrupt Sultan in Constantinople. With the aid of her flying boat and her newfound friend, Selim, she evades the Sultan’s guards, leaves angry pirates in the dust, and fights her way through the countryside. For Delilah, one adventure leads to the next in this thrilling and funny installment in her exciting life.
A little bit Tintin, a little bit Indiana Jones, Tony Cliff’s Delilah Dirk and the Turkish Lieutenant is a great pick for any reader looking for a smart and foolhardy heroine…and globetrotting adventures.
Praise for DELILAH DIRK AND THE TURKISH LIEUTENANT
New York Times Bestseller
Publisher Weekly Best Books
“Anchoring the story is Cliff’s lush artwork. Each panel brims with distinctive people and detailed settings without ever feeling overstuffed. His glowing, vibrant color palette changes smoothly, transitioning easily from warm candlelight to dusty fields to grassy farmland. One two-page spread in particular is a masterpiece of serenity, as Delilah and Selim enjoy a quiet, purple-hued night by a campfire before once more rushing into the fray, whisking readers eagerly along with them. A terrific action story for both older and younger teens and anyone else with an insatiable appetite for high adventure.“—Booklist, starred review
“Eisner-nominated as a webcomic, the graphic novel is glorious in print. The rich, saturated colors and dashing linework pop off the page, and the author wisely lets his characters’ dynamic body language and expressive faces mostly speak for themselves during the action sequences…Fast-paced and unabashed fun, this romp will leave readers longing for additional installments.“—Kirkus Reviews, starred review
“A scrumptious Turkish delight.“—School Library Journal
“Wonderful.“—Midwest Book Review
“A vehicle for blood-pumping episodes of derring-do and heroism.“—Publisher’s Weekly
“Like Indiana Jones meets The Venture Bros., except with a female lead.“—The Mary Sue