Author: Newsroom
NOVEMBER 17, 2025 (PORTLAND, OR) — Doing good may not always be rewarded, but it always matters. Real strength comes from kindness, not toughness…
Announcing CLYDE VOL. 1—an original middle-grade graphic novel from New York Times–bestselling creator Jim Benton (Dear Dumb Diary, Franny K. Stein, Catwad), with the Spanish edition lettered by Miguel Ángel Zapata (Battlecats), in partnership with Papercutz, the beloved kids’ comics imprint of Mad Cave Studios—available in both English and Spanish editions.
As the creator of Attack of the Stuff and the global phenomenon It’s Happy Bunny, Benton’s work has sold millions of copies worldwide and has earned him multiple honors, including Comic-Con International’s Inkpot Award and several American Library Association distinctions. With his trademark mix of humor and sincerity, Benton turns his lens to a bear whose journey proves that kindness can be its own kind of rebellion.
When Clyde the bear decides to ditch his safe and peaceful life in Cubville and head off for the mean streets of Grizzly City, he learns—with the help of a reformed juvenile delinquent butterfly—that the Bad Life isn’t always so great, and there’s something to be said for helping your friends and family even though that really does kind of stink a little.
Jim Benton spoke of the project: “I really like writing stories about characters who change. And I love writing stories about characters with flaws. I wonder if that’s because I’m so flawed myself? Sooner or later, we all discover the truth about being BAD, and think the readers will get a laugh watching Clyde’s discovery.”
Praise for CLYDE
“…will draw in both robust and emerging readers, and frequent action scenes will compel all readers to keep turning pages…they will cheer when Clyde saves the day….recommended for most public and elementary school libraries.” —School Library Journal
“…fast paced, zany and just the right kind of surreal to appeal to primary school kids looking for laughs.”
—BookTrust
“…I think the best endorsement I can give is this: I read this book to my son, and we had a good time laughing together. When we finished, he immediately asked me if we could read it again. That’s an experience that I’ll remember for the rest of my life, enjoying a funny comic with my kid, and if you have kids, maybe you will too.” —ComicsNow
“Clyde is straight-up hilarious” —MomReadIt
“I loved this book so much! It was short and sweet, but such a page-turner. It kept the reader engrossed with colorful illustrations, fun characters, and lots of humor (I laughed constantly throughout the whole book).” —Life of a Female Bibliophile
“I would buy this for every kid (and grown-up!) in my life!” —bookcrushin.com
“…A light story for all ages, this one should be popular with younger readers.” —GeekDad
Perfect for fans of Dog Man and The Bad Guys, Clyde blends slapstick comedy and sincere heart in a story about self-acceptance, kindness, and the courage to be yourself. Clyde Vol. 1 is filled with laughter, empathy, and wild adventures, and delivers a laugh-out-loud story that proves even the grumpiest bears have good hearts.
Clyde Vol. 1 releases March 17, 2026, and will be available in both English and Spanish editions in hardcover ($17.99, ISBN 9781545823552), paperback ($12.99, ISBN 9781545823569), and Spanish paperback ($12.99, ISBN 9781545823576).
Papercutz is dedicated to publishing great graphic novels for all ages—from humor and adventure to mystery and heartfelt coming-of-age tales. Visit papercutz.com to explore the full lineup!
Stay up to date with Mad Cave Studios—and its imprints Papercutz, Maverick, and Nakama Press on social media, or visit www.madcavestudios.com to explore new releases, licensed series, and creator-owned titles.