Making Books More Than Books: Jason Shiga and Adventuregame Comics

Cindy Samul

Jason Shiga's first children's book Meanwhile was groundbreaking. I was blown away by how he was able to transform the humble print book into an interactive experience — no screens, no electronics, just paper and cardboard.

In the tradition of Choose Your Own Adventure® series the reader is presented with choices throughout the story. But unlike the Choose Your Own Adventure® books, Shiga does almost everything visually. With tabbed pages and maze-like paths to follow, Meanwhile has over 3,000 story possibilities.




The thought of even attempting to plan a book like this makes my head hurt. That's where Shiga's special skill set (a comic artist who majored in pure math) combines with his interest in puzzles and video games to produce a truly engaging kid's book.

However, for many years following the release of Meanwhile, Shiga's work focused on adult subject matter.

Happily for us, Jason Shiga returned to the children's market in 2022 with the release of Leviathan, the first in a new series called Adventuregame Comics. With plans to release one a year, Leviathan and The Beyond are already available. Book three, Samurai Vs. Ninja, is due out August 27, 2024. 

Although the Adventuregame books are a smaller format and use page numbers rather than the tabbed pages of Meanwhile, they are just as fun, just as challenging, and just as satisfying.




Even as an adult I spent several hours exploring Leviathan and The Beyond — flipping back and forth, peeking, making notes, and putting my marine navigation skills to the test (you'll see). Personally, I like the smaller format. It feels more intimate and it's easier to hold my place while I cheat.

Recommended for ages 8-12 Adventuregame Comics are ideal for young readers who want or need a challenge. I also think these are great books for kids this age who aren't yet interested in reading. The story lines and puzzles of Adventuregame Comics will certainly grab their attention.

I will leave you with this video interview done in 2022 by Comic Book Herald. About 23 minutes in Shiga gives us a sneak peek of what may be his magnum opus—a 600 page, 3 spine (yes, 3 spines) interactive comic that he has been working on for the last 6 years. 

Will it make its way into print? I hope so. I'm ready to hit the pre-order button.

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