Comic book fans, DC enthusiasts, and lovers of super hero universes...it's time to get our 'Blerd' on!

MahoganyBooks is super excited to welcome both L.L. McKinney and Robyn Smith, the author and illustrator, respectively, of the new graphic novel, Nubia: Real One, to the Front Row. These talented young ladies have joined forces to bring to life one of comics strongest heroines, Nubia.

Join us on March 11th at 7PM on MahoganyBooks Front Row as we discuss this exciting graphic novel, laugh, and generally  nerd out from the comfort of our homes. See you soon!

Can you be a hero...if society doesn't see you as a person?

Nubia has always been a little bit...different. As a baby she showcased Amazonian-like strength by pushing over a tree to rescue her neighbor's cat. But despite her having similar abilities, the world has no problem telling her that she's no Wonder Woman. And even if she were, they wouldn't want her. Every time she comes to the rescue, she's reminded of how people see her: as a threat. Her moms do their best to keep her safe, but Nubia can't deny the fire within her, even if she's a little awkward about it sometimes. Even if it means people assume the worst.

When Nubia's best friend, Quisha, is threatened by a boy who thinks he owns the town, Nubia will risk it all--her safety, her home, and her crush on that cute kid in English class--to become the hero society tells her she isn't.

From the witty and powerful voice behind A Blade So Black, and with endearing and expressive art by Robyn Smith, comes a vital story for today about equality, identity, and kicking it with your squad.

Leatrice “Elle” McKinney, writing as L.L. McKinney, is an advocate for equality and inclusion in publishing, and the creator of the hashtag #WhatWoCWritersHear.

Elle’s also a gamer, Blerd, and adamant Hei Hei stan, living in Kansas City. She spends her free time plagued by her cat–Sir Chester Fluffmire Boopsnoot Purrington Wigglebottom Flooferson III, esquire, Baron o’Butterscotch or #SirChester for short.

Her works include the Nightmare-Verse books, starting with the A BLADE SO BLACK trilogy, and the upcoming works Nubia: Real One from DC, and ESCAPING MR. ROCHESTER from Harper Collins.

Elle is a Gryffindor with Slytherin tendencies.

Robyn Smith is a Jamaican cartoonist, currently based in NYC. She has an MFA from the Center for Cartoon Studies and has worked on comics for College Humor, The Nib and DC comics. She’s best known for her mini comic 'The Saddest Angriest Black Girl in Town' and for illustrating Jamila Rowser's comic 'Wash Day'. Besides comics she spends most her time watching American sitcoms and holding on to dreams of returning home, to the ocean.

Derrick and Ramunda Young are owners/founders of the award-winning, MahoganyBooks in Washington, DC where they focus on books for, by and about people of the African Diaspora. The couple have been featured in Oprah Magazine, TIME Magazine, Essence, Washington Post Steve Harvey TV and Wall Street Journal among others. Learn more at mahoganybooks.com

L.L. McKinney & Robyn Smith Discusses Nubia: Real One at MahoganyBooks