ONI PRESS to drop new Graphic Novel about OPAL LEE and JUNETEENTH February 2026
- keepingitgeekly
- Jun 24
- 2 min read
A new Graphic Novel from Oni Press chronicling the life of Opal Lee and the history of Juneteenth is scheduled to release on February 3, 2026, five years since it was formally established as a federal holiday. Angélique Roché (My Super Hero is Black) teams up Alvin Epps (I Survived Hurricane Katrina, 2005: A Graphic Novel), Bex Glendining (the upcoming Indigo Port), and Millicent Monroe to detail Opal Lee's journey as an activist to bring recognition of American Emancipation from state capitols and even as far as the White House. Each artist will document a different interlocking chapter of Lee's life throughout 192 pages. We have a special sneak peek at some interiors as well as Cover B by Alvin Epps!
Writer: Angélique Roché Artists: Alvin Epps, Bex Glendining, and Millicent Monroe
Born in 1926, Opal Lee grew up in a racially divided America and dedicated her life to overcoming the obstacles presented therein. A lifelong educator, Ms. Opal has been a community activist all her life, and would join the movement to celebrate and commemorate Juneteenth not just as a holiday, but as a symbol of comprehensive freedom for all people.
Ms. Opal’s life personifies the resilience that leads to lasting change in the hearts and minds of people. As the Grandmother of Juneteenth says, “If people can be taught to hate, they can be taught to love.
“We’re honored to bring Opal Lee’s extraordinary story to life for a new generation through the creative vision of Angélique Roché, Alvin Epps, Bex Glendining, and Millicent Monroe,” said Polarity CEO David Steward II. “‘First Freedom’ illustrates how one voice can inspire meaningful change, chronicling Opal’s journey from grassroots activism to national recognition, elevating Juneteenth beyond a historical milestone. The graphic novel serves as a powerful testament to resilience, justice, and freedom—a narrative that embodies the values we aspire to share with our Oni readers.”
We also have a sneak peek at the second cover for First Freedom: The Story of Opal Lee and Juneteenth by Alvin Epps available down below!
Like what you've just read? Help us keep the Yeti Cave warm! Comic Book Yeti has a Patreon page for anyone who wants to contribute: https://www.patreon.com/comicbookyeti
