Oni Press to Release Brenna Thummler's Much-Anticipated 'Lights'

The Beloved 'Sheets' Trilogy Comes to An End on September 6

Oni Press, the multiple Eisner, and Harvey Award-winning comic book and graphic novel independent publisher, have announced the much-anticipated release date for the graphic novel Lights, on September 6, 2023. Lights follow the events of Sheets and Delicates, bringing Brenna Thummler’s characters, artwork, and ghostly charm back to life in the third and final installment of the Sheets trilogy. In Lights, Wendell will finally uncover the truth of his human life. Marjorie and Eliza will learn that some people really can change. Most of all, they start to see that everything can cast shadows, but if you look hard enough, you can find the light. For more information on the Sheets trilogy visit Oni Press.

“Lights takes a small step outside of where the first two books have been, into a space that’s more snowy, sad, and suspenseful,” says creator Brenna Thummler. “With Wendell at the forefront, this book examines the complexities of relationships as all three protagonists grow more self-aware. These characters have lived in my headspace for the past six years, and in Lights especially, have made me record some of their most hard-hitting experiences. While there is always a sense of relief that comes from saying farewell to long-term house guests, there is also a heavy sort of emptiness, and it was important that I send them off the right way. Marjorie, Eliza, and Wendell have shaped me just as I have shaped them, and I hope readers will find a new kind of comfort in their final story.”

“Brenna has created a unique world you can’t help but want to live in with characters that feel like your own friends you’ve grown up with,” says editor Grace Scheipeter. "In Lights, readers will relate to Marjorie's experiences looking ahead to high school, and all the nerve-racking and scary parts that go along with the dynamics of friendships during that big life change. And readers will also get a glimpse into Wendell's human life as a young child, something that adds a whole new level of imagination and whimsy – but also a true touch of melancholy – to this beloved character. Lots of fans have been eager to get Wendell's full story before his life as a sheet ghost, and they'll finally get to dive into that now when they read Lights."

Thummler’s work has been celebrated both by critics and the community including Sheets was selected as one of Barnes & Noble’s Best Books of 2018 followed by Delicates accolades including an American Library Association 2021 nominee for Best Graphic Novels for Children and a 2021 Cybil Award nomination.

The critics on Sheets:

“This heartfelt, lingering tale of friendship, family, and forgiveness will captivate children and adults alike, especially those who have experienced loss.” – School Library Journal

“...a subtle, gentle work that expresses empathy and warmth even while depicting life's more painful experiences." —Shelf Awareness

“Thummler’s debut graphic novel tempers references to Marjorie’s adult-size responsibilities with a lighter splash of the supernatural to create a smart story about friendship and grit.” – Publishers Weekly

“Sheets is one of those magical books that kids and adults can enjoy. The art is lovely; the story poignant.” – Time

Critical acclaim for Delicates:

“An original exploration of what it means to be seen and accepted.” – Kirkus Reviews

“Delicates tells a powerful story about what it means to fit in, and those left on the outside. It shows what it’s like to feel invisible, and the importance of feeling seen. Above all, it is a story of asking for help when all seems dark and bringing help and light to those who need it most.” – Multiversity

“It’s Freaks and Geeks with talking sheets; and although the characters sometimes speak with a wisdom that seems beyond their years (the 13-year-olds can feel like therapists for the adults) the book makes some important observations about paying attention to what those around us say and do, rather than what we imagine their story might be.” – The Stranger

"Delicates is a sophisticated, beautiful graphic novel that gets to the heart of being a teenager."– Foreword Reviews, starred review

Book Description

Marjorie Glatt’s life was forever changed the day she discovered a group of ghosts hiding in her family’s laundromat. One of those ghosts was Wendell: a lonely phantom turned Marjorie’s best friend. When he and Marjorie are joined by ghost enthusiast Eliza Duncan, the three friends band together in friendship, bravery, and all things paranormal.

Wendell died far too young and now must wander the Land of Humans with nothing more than a sheet for a body. He knows how he died—a tragic drowning accident—but lately he’s grown curious about his past life. He wants to know more about why he died, not just how he died. It’s not easy, though, since Wendell’s memory of his human life has grown increasingly blurry. With Marjorie and Eliza’s help, they set out on a journey to find out more. When they hear a rumor about Wendell’s death, they wonder if it might not have been an accident after all. Meanwhile, Marjorie and Eliza’s friendship is tested when Marjorie starts to befriend the very people who used to bully Eliza.

Lights will be available in paperback (ISBN: 978-1-63715-231-7), at both digital and physical retailers everywhere on September 6, 2023.