First Look: THE SUMMONING VOL. 1 – Inside Elyse Castro’s Spellbinding Debut Graphic Novel!
The First of Three Magikal Original Graphic Novels from Oni Press – In Stores Everywhere October 7th, 2025!
COVER BY ELYSE CASTRO
PORTLAND, OR (April 30, 2025) – Oni Press, the multiple Eisner and Harvey Award-winning publisher of groundbreaking comics and graphic novels since 1997, is proud to unveil a look inside THE SUMMONING VOLUME ONE: THE ART OF THE CRAFT, the spooky debut graphic novel from cartoonist Elyse Castro (Go! Cartoons)—materializing in bookshops on October 7th! Expanding on the world first introduced in the hit YouTube short – created by Castro and produced by FredFilms (Adventure Time)—that has since accrued more than 6 million views worldwide, the long-awaited, full-length first volume of Castro’s graphic novel trilogy weaves a cozy, coming-of-age-tale that follows Claire, a young witch, and her kitty familiar, Edgar, as they seek to hone her magikal abilities.
In THE SUMMONING VOLUME ONE: THE ART OF THE CRAFT, Claire specializes in the magik of manifestation, creating art pieces that are capable of coming to life! But she wants to do more—and to be more—so when she learns that a prestigious magikal institution called the Ridgewood Coven is accepting applicants for the first time in years, she’s determined to improve her skills and make her mark.
But first, Claire has to pass the Coven’s rigorous application process. With the help of her best friend Edgar; her curmudgeonly rabbit neighbor Flufftops; her magikal rival Swan; and a host of new friends, Claire is going summon ghosts, battle trolls, and even befriend Death—but will it be enough to impress the Coven and secure a spot within their ranks? Or will Claire’s self-doubt keep her from manifesting magikal art ever again?
Through it all, the sinister secrets of the closed-off Ridgewood Coven slowly come to light. Not everything is as it seems, and difficult decisions lie ahead: Will Claire be up to the task?
“For as long as I can remember my imagination has been home to the whimsical, witchy world of Ridgewood,” said creator Elyse Castro, “where Claire and Edgar experiment with magik, eat tasty treats and accidentally annoy their fluffy neighbour. It's nearly been 8 years since I was able to bring some of this world to you all through The Summoning cartoon short, and I’m ‘over the broom’ to share one of Claire and Edgar's most important adventures with you all in The Art of the Craft. Please enjoy, and remember—do no harm.”
“I was immediately impressed by Elyse’s charming and rich world starring the gentle Claire and her best bud, the hilariously charming Edgar,” said Sierra Hahn, Editor in Chief. “The Summoning is a story of friendship and wonder, where Claire will face numerous challenges to overcome her own insecurities and discover what it truly means to be herself as an artist.”
A wonderful world of magik, art, and friendship awaits readers in the first volume of The Summoning, the debut graphic novel from the exciting new voice of Elyse Castro, creator of the animated short of the same name! Just in time for Halloween, THE SUMMONING VOLUME ONE: THE ART OF THE CRAFT appears in comic shops and bookstores on October 7th, 2025.
INTERIOR ART BY ELYSE CASTRO
Creator bio:
Elyse Castro is an accomplished artist and educator based in Montville, Australia. She began her journey studying fine arts and theatre at university, which inspired her to begin an apprenticeship as a tattoo artist, specializing in intricate black and gray designs. After honing her craft, Elyse returned to academia to train as an educator and now teaches Drama and Visual Art. In 2017, she created the animated short The Summoning, produced by FredFilms and Sony Animation. Elyse’s passion for storytelling and illustration has culminated in her debut graphic novel, The Summoning, Vol. 1: The Art of the Craft.
About FredFilms
FredFIlms is the producer and packager of The Summoning. One of the leading independent animation producers in the world, they’re behind hit franchises like Adventure Time, Castlevania, and The Fairly OddParents.