Andy Mangels “Fractured Fairy Tales” update “Once Upon a Time” to “Now”

By John Freeman on April 19, 2021

American comics writer, author and feature writer Andy Mangels has a huge list of credits to his name, but one of his most recent projects is a series of “Fractured Fairy Tales” – all-ages graphic novels but aimed at early teen readers.

The Fractured Fairy Tales series updates “once upon a time” to “now.” From Cinderella to Sleeping Beauty, each story celebrates the actions of boys and girls-actions that can have their own kind of magic.

Meant for libraries and schools, and some will be used in the US curriculum, the books are published by Graphic Planet is an imprint of Magic Wagon, a division of American educational publisher ABDO.

Just released in the series is Snow White and the Seven Dogs, the story of Elena, who wishes she could hide the snow-white streak in her hair from her former beauty queen stepmom. More than anything, she wishes for a dog, and grants one of her wishes by walking six neighbourhood dogs.

*A spread from Snow White and the Seven Dogs*

Other titles in the series, released late last year, all drawn by, unfortunately, uncredited South American artists, lettered by Kathryn S. Renta, include Cindy Rella, Sleeping Beauté, and Rapunzel Swings, all modern takes on old tales and all available in the UK in hardback library editions.

Digital editions are available, but only in the US, Canada and Qatar, from the publisher’s website.

Andy Mangels is the USA Today best-selling author and co-author of over 25 fiction and nonfiction books — including Star Trek, Roswell, Iron Man, The X-Files and Star Wars tomes — and is an award-winning comic book anthology editor.

As a pop culture historian, he has also contributed to international magazines and newspapers, and has scripted, directed, and produced over 40 DVD documentaries and Special Features projects. In 2012, he was awarded the prestigious Inkpot Award for Achievement in the Comic Arts at Comic-Con International.

Andy has also written licensed material based on properties by Lucasfilm, Paramount, New Line Cinema, Universal Studios, Warner Bros., Microsoft, Abrams-Gentile, and Platinum Studios, and is a member of the International Association of Media Tie-In Writers.

Over the last 25 years, Andy’s comic-book work has been seen from DC Comics, Marvel Comics, Dark Horse, Wildstorm, Image, Innovation, WaRP Graphics, Topps, MVCreations, Arcana, and others. He was the editor of the award-winning Gay Comics anthology for eight years.

He also wrote the best-selling, critically-acclaimed Wonder Woman ’77 Meets The Bionic Woman mini-series for Dynamite Entertainment and DC Comics. This series of young-adult Fractured Fairy Tales graphic novels for ABDO is his latest work.

“These are appropriate for all ages,” Andy notes. “However, adults will have fun with them, and they’re safe and fun for kids. They’re also socially aware and very diverse in their cast of characters. I’m extraordinarily proud of them.”

• The full range is available from AmazonUK (Affiliate Link)

• Snow White and the Seven Dogs
Written by Andy Mangels

This fractured fairy tale weaves the story of Elena. She wishes she could hide the snow-white streak in her hair from her former beauty queen stepmom. More than anything, she wishes for a dog.

She grants one of her wishes by walking six neighbourhood dogs. The job introduces her to Zach and his seeing-eye dog. As the teens get to know each other, Elena feels seen. Will her wish to repair her relationship with her stepmother come true?

Snow White and the Seven Dogs, the latest release in the series has a particular poignancy for Andy, as one of the dogs featured is based on one of his own, Sonny, who has, sadly, just died.

• Sleeping Beaute?
Written by Andy Mangels

This fractured fairy tale weaves the story of Beaute, or “Tay.” The sleep deprived gamer is addicted to a fantasy worldbuilding RPG. But she grows concerned when she notices not all is well with her friend, Sela, in real life and the video game world.

One night, Tay discovers that everyone has fallen asleep. Everyone except for Sela. Tay realizes they’re inside the video game. Will Tay be able to help her friend and figure out how to escape the game?

• Rapunzel Swings
Written by Andy Mangels

This fractured fairy tale weaves the story of Zelina, or “Zel.” After Zel’s mother passes away, the homeschooled teen returns to public school. But her extraordinarily long hair isn’t the only thing that draws attention to her. Zel’s smarts provoke the jealousy of a cheerleader who competes with her academically.

Zel also finds herself drawn to gymnastics despite her clumsy form. Will her rival get her down, or will Zel swing into action?

• The Little Mermaid’s Song
Written by Andy Mangels

This fractured fairy tale weaves the story of Marilla. After the talented swimmer saves her classmate Denys when he is pushed into a pool, they become friends. She teaches him how to swim, and he encourages her love of singing despite her parents’ wishes.

But with a big swim meet and singing competition coming up, a jealous teammate offers to help Marilla get an audition slot if she throws their match. Will Marilla sink or swim?

• Cindy Rella
Written by Andy Mangels

This fractured fairy tale weaves the story of Cindy Rella. With a big school dance coming up, tomboy Cindy worries she isn’t glamorous enough to attend like her vapid cousins. Plus, her career driven aunt has a list of chores for Cindy.

But with the help of a handicapped friend and his tailor father, Cindy gets her chance to go to the dance. Can she make it home and get her chores done before her family finds out?

• Beauty and the Barista
Written by Andy Mangels

This Fractured Fairy Tale weaves the story of Rosabelle or “Rosa.” The teen can’t wait to start her first job at a local coffeeshop. There, she meets and gets to know her co-worker, Draven, a troubled goth boy. When he leaves his phone at work one day, she brings it to his house, where she discovers his secret.

Later, a police encounter endangers Draven’s family and future. Can Rosabelle figure out a way to help her beastly co-worker?

• The full range is available from AmazonUK (Affiliate Link)

John Freeman

The founder of downthetubes, which he established in 1998. John works as a comics and magazine editor, writer, and on promotional work for the Lakes International Comic Art Festival. He is currently editor of Star Trek Explorer, published by Titan – his third tour of duty on the title originally titled Star Trek Magazine.

Working in British comics publishing since the 1980s, his credits include editor of titles such as Doctor Who Magazine, Babylon 5 Magazine, and more. He also edited the comics anthology STRIP Magazine and edited several audio comics for ROK Comics. He has also edited several comic collections, including volumes of “Charley’s War” and “Dan Dare”.

He’s the writer of “Pilgrim: Secrets and Lies” for B7 Comics; “Crucible”, a creator-owned project with 2000AD artist Smuzz; and “Death Duty” and “Skow Dogs” with Dave Hailwood.