Today we are very excited to share an interview with author Mike Hartigan!
Read on to learn more about the author, the book, and a giveaway!
Meet the Author: Mike Hartigan
Mike Hartigan is the creator of Super Unicorn Princess, and co-creator and artist of the Ringo Award nominated comic series SQUISH AND SQUASH with writer Niall O’Rourke as well as Chase Speedington with Franco.
He has also contributed to DC Comics’ DEADMAN TELLS THE SPOOKY TALES, a graphic novel anthology book written by the one and only Franco (Tiny Titans, Fae and the Moon, Superman of Smallville, and lots more).
He loves drawing fun, colorful all ages art, with a leaning toward Middle Grade books and Graphic Novels, and has a passion for bringing an inviting, vibrant, animated quality to his work. Nothing makes Mike happier than working on super cool, all ages content that can be enjoyed by everyone!
Mike lives in Auckland, New Zealand with his wife, three kids and a cat named Maverick (named after Tom Cruise’s character in the epic 80’s movie ‘Top Gun’)!
His debut graphic novel, ‘Super Unicorn Princess’, will be released in August 2025, followed by ‘Chase Speedington’ in November 2025.
About the Book: Super Unicorn Princess
Saving the city one rainbow at a time! A brand‑new, funny and action‑packed graphic novel series starring the cutest and toughest superhero around, Super Unicorn Princess!
There’s always danger afoot in Horizon City, but stopping bad guys is all in a day’s work for the girl in the frilly pink dress, Super Unicorn Princess! Especially when the bad guy is her archnemesis, the dastardly Leona Linus.
Join S.U.P. (and friends!) for three action-packed adventures as she faces giant ice cream monsters, a spooky ancient mummy, and a massive mutant slug.
~Author Chat~
YABC: What gave you the inspiration to write this book?
My daughters and my wanting to pass on my love of superheroes to them. There were plenty out there for my son, but I wanted to create a fun, brave, heroic girl superhero that they could hopefully see themselves in!
YABC: What research did you do to write this book?
I have been reading comics since I can remember, and when I wasn’t doing that I was watching cartoons, those two things are possibly the best research (or at least the most fun research) I could do
YABC: What came first, the concept, landscape, characters, or something else?
I would say it was the concept, followed quickly by the character. Once I had the idea I started scribbling away at designing a character that had a bit of everything my daughters loved – ballet, unicorns, rainbows etc. The concept and character quickly blended together very nicely and I was off to the races!
YABC: If you could only write one genre for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?
I would probably want to write adventure stories – because there’s always fun to be had on a great adventure!
YABC: What can readers expect to find in your books?
First and foremost I hope they find them fun. I also try to sprinkle in some some good values, and characters who want to do good.
YABC: What is your favorite snack when writing?
Chocolate. And multiple cups of tea. I also never say no to Doritos.
YABC: If you could time travel what would you want to see?
Too many things I wouldn’t know where to start (and it depends how safe a distance away from some of them I would be!) it would be cool to see what dinosaurs really looked like though. I would definitely be more interested in visiting the past than the future I think.
YABC: What other age group would you consider writing for?
I hope to try my hand at middle grade in the future!
YABC: What daily thing do you see that brings you joy?
The mailman, especially if he’s bringing me something I ordered online. Ok, my family.
YABC: What do you do when you procrastinate?
Either draw things that aren’t what I’m supposed to be working on, watch TV, or maybe a quick round of PlayStation.
YABC: What’s a book you’ve recently read and loved?
I’ve been reading Dungeon Crawler Carl, but for kids books recently my son and I have been reading the Bad Guys at bedtime, and we are having a lot of fun with that!
YABC: What is your favorite writing space or routine?
I’ll write wherever I am as long as I have my iPad, but I do have a nice little home office I like to set myself up in while the kids are at school…with a nice fresh cup of tea to get started of course!
YABC: What’s up next for you?
I’m currently working on Super Unicorn Princess book 3, after that…well, I have a few ideas brewing…
Title: Super Unicorn Princess
Author: Mike Hartigan
Illustrator: Mike Hartigan
Release Date: 7/14/2026
Publisher: Penguin Workshop
ISBN-13: 9798217244508
Genre: Middle Grade Graphic Novel
Age Range: 6-9
~ Giveaway Details ~
Use the Rafflepress Form below to enter
*Be sure to include a complete mailing address for the second entry question to qualify to win*
Five (5) winners will receive a copy of Super Unicorn Princess (Mike Hartigan) ~US Only!
