Amelia Rules! is the title of a comic book series written and drawn by Jimmy Gownley.
Amelia Rules! follows the life of Amelia Louise McBride as she adjusts to life in a new town after her parents' divorce causes her to leave life in Manhattan. She is helped along the way by an odd group of friends and her ever-cool Aunt Tanner Clark.
The book has been nominated for four Eisner Awards for "Best Title for a Younger Audience," as well as two Harvey Awards for "Best Humor publication." It was also a short list finalist for the Howard E. Day Prize in 2002. In 2007 Amelia Rules Volume 3: Superheroes won the Cybil Award for Best graphic novel for readers twelve and under.
Four book collections of the comic book stories have been published so far: Amelia Rules!: The Whole World's Crazy collects issues one through five; Amelia Rules!: What Makes You Happy collects issues six through ten; Amelia Rules!: Superheroes collects issues eleven through sixteen; and "Amelia Rules!: When the Past is a Present" collects issues seventeen through nineteen and the 2006 and 2007 Free Comic Book Day issues.
In 2008, Amelia Rules! received 4 Eisner Nominations, tying Gownley for most nominations by an individual that year. Nominations that year were for "Best Title For A Younger Audience," "Best Single Issue," "Best Coloring," and "Best Lettering. Also in 2008, the Pennsylvania Library Association named Amelia Rules! Volume 4, as one of its "One Book" award winners.
Acquisition by Simon & Schuster
In October 2008, Simon & Schuster announced they had acquired the publishing rights for Amelia Rules! under their Atheneum line.
They plan to release the first four Amelia Rules! graphic novels (originally self-published by Gownley under Renaissance Press) in 2009, then new volumes beginning in May 2010.
Amelia Rules! Superheroes is currently being performed on the speech and debate circuit by two girls from Arizona.
The Cast
Amelia McBride
Amelia Louise McBride is a 4th grade spitfire. A whip-smart, wisecracking tomboy who can be surprisingly sweet and giving. Forced out of New York City following her parents’ divorce, Amelia takes setbacks in stride...for the most part.
Reggie Grabinsky
Reggie Grabinsky will one day be the world’s preeminent retail pharmacist. Or, failing that, he will probably stick to his back-up career...evil-avenging Superhero. Reggie, in the guise of Captain Amazing, is the leader and founder of G.A.S.P. (The Gathering of Awesome Super Pals), a Superhero club that protect the neighborhood from...well, whatever happens to be bugging Reggie that day.
Rhonda Bleenie
There are some things in life no one can escape...things like heartache, unrequited love...and bad hair days. Rhonda Bleenie knows this well. her undying love for Reggie cannot be thwarted - even when Amelia shows up and becomes her competition for Captain Amazing’s affections (which, by the way, is news to Captain Amazing).Despite being ruled by love, Rhonda has a hair-trigger temper, which is most easily set off by wisecracking Amelia and her kid sister Reenie.Although she views Amelia as “The Enemy,” the unlikely duo become reluctant friends, bonding over school projects and the many misguided missions of G.A.S.P.
Pajamaman
Being popular is difficult for everyone. Being the most popular kid in class is a challenge. Being the most popular kid in class, being dirt poor, never speaking, and never changing out of your “footie” pajamas requires the magic of the man...Pajamaman. How does he do it? Pajamaman is a loyal friend, a great listener, and cute as a button. Though he’s the shy silent type, you can always know what “PM” is thinking by checking out the symbol on his jammies.
Tanner Clark
Amelia’s Aunt Tanner is a friend, a confidant, and a mentor. She’s Amelia’s Jiminy Cricket. That is, if Jiminy was a Rock ‘N Roll Hipster hottie, instead of, y’know, a bug. She always tells the truth, even when it’s difficult. At one time Tanner was a pop rock princess who ruled the charts, but she retired for mysterious reasons and now lives the quiet life in small town PA. But there’s always the chance of a big time comeback tour.
Amelia’s Mom & Dad
Typical, average parents who are going through a divorce. Amelia’s mom is a bit too overwhelmed to completely connect with her daughter at times, but her love for Amelia is evident. She uses care and caution when approaching potentially unsettling moments, like telling Amelia that they are moving (again) and breaking the news that she is going out on a date.
Amelia’s dad also loves his daughter unconditionally, but struggles to be an active part of her life, given his infrequent visits and the miles that separate them. A bit depressed from the collapse of his marriage and the dwindling popularity of the company he promotes (he’s marketing director for Softee Chicken, a once-popular kids’ franchise), he still maintains a semi-cordial relationship with his ex.
Ninja Kyle
Leader of G.A.S.P.’s arch-rivals, the Park Terrace Ninjas, Kyle comes off as an arrogant jerk, taking great delight in embarrassing (even humiliating) other kids. But Kyle’s jerk-like tendencies may be rooted in something deeper - a genuine affection for Amelia, who reluctantly gets past Kyle’s tough exterior, and even agrees to be his “date” to their first school dance. It is difficult to understand how Amelia could ignore Kyle's awful behavior, and it can only be guessed that Kyle's occasional moments of humanity make it difficult for her to remember the worse things he's done.
Sunday Jones
Amelia’s best friend from her New York days, Sunday is Amelia’s equal in terms of spunk and wit.
Ninja Joan Driscoll
Originally known to Amelia only as a member of the rival Park Terrace Ninjas, Joan became closer friends with Amelia and Rhonda after her father, a Captain in the US Army, was deployed overseas for a year. Joan’s tomboy tendencies and a quick wit make her a natural fit in Amelia’s small group of friends.
Owen
Mary Violet/Ultra Violet
Earth Dog
Bug And Iggy
External links
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