COMP CLOSED | Book Giveaway | THIS LAND, The Search for Māui

First produced as a series of comics, Scholastic is excited to publish this graphic novelisation of the first three issues to create THIS LAND Book One: The Search for Māui.

An ancient god has fallen from the sky.
A promise has been made and a bargain struck.

The Earth shook and twisted. New lands arose and the old were destroyed. From the ashes, a new continent was born in the Pacific Ocean – Te Riu-a- Māui. The world released a fever which was to change humankind forever. It is a world where new tribes have been created, with abilities beyond their understanding.

Hell’na, daughter of Axeland, must lead a group of mercenaries against her own people to clear her name and bring her whānau back from the edge of death.

Arising out of the history and heritage of Aotearoa, the concept and original story of THIS LAND was written by Mark Abnett, with the assistance of his Māori cultural advisors, and brought to life in graphic format by his team of letterers, artists and colourists, led by P.R. Dedelis.

Bold illustrations will appeal to comics fans who are keen to find stories that resonate with a local flavour and that are populated with heroes from their homeland. An action-packed story peopled with fascinating characters and told with humour.

About the Author

Mark Abnett is a Kiwi through and through. Born and raised in New Zealand, he is now based in Scotland, where he lives with his partner, Sindy. Mark is passionate about storytelling that can help bring the heritage and history of Aotearoa to life through the highly visual medium of comics. He also won the Netflix-owned Millarworld Talent Contest in 2016 with his Hit-Girl Story Mindy’s ABCs, published by Image Comics in America. Mark can often be found on his couch complaining about the Scottish weather and pining for a can of L&P. He is the owner and creator of Aroha Comics.

Mark’s culturally diverse team consists of artist P.R. Dedelis from Poland; colourist Liezl Buenaventura from the Philippines; British letterers Rob Jones and Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou; Māori communications and engagement practitioner VeronaMeiana Putaranui; designers Hekiera Mareroa and Seb Wikaraka Peni; and translator and cultural practitioner Trent Brown-Marsh.

Terms and conditions

1. 1. You must be a GrownUps member and receive our newsletter to be eligible to win.
   2. Competition closes on the 1st November 2022, winners will be notified via email by 3rd November 2022.
   3. It is your responsibility to ensure you correctly enter a New Zealand postal address where the prize can be couriered. GrownUps will not take responsibility for prizes sent to incorrect addresses.
   4. Winners are drawn at random by the GrownUps administration team.
   5. GrownUps employees and family are not eligible to enter.
   6. By entering the giveaway, you approve for GrownUps to use your name on social media as winner of the competition.
   7. One entry per person.
   8. Prize is non transferrable.
   9. You must reside in New Zealand – the prize will only be posted within New Zealand.
   10. You must be over 50 years of age to enter, check your details are correct in your membership dashboard.