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Lio: Happiness Is a Squishy Cephalopod

Lio: Happiness Is a Squishy Cephalopod

Silent, but Funny

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Inspired by the edgier side of childhood make-believe, cartoonist Mark Tatulli's latest creation, Lió, delivers mirthfully morbid entertainment for all ages. For the first time ever, this devilish fun is offered as a collection in Lió: Happiness is a Squishy Cephalopod (Andrews McMeel Publishing, $12.95). Tatulli describes his comic as about a "little boy with a deceptively sweet exterior and the dark, surreal world that he nonchalantly inhabits."

Lió is distinguished from its print peers due to Tatulli's utilization of the old school "pantomine" cartooning style, telling stories with images alone or as he puts it, "the art is the writing." The strip debuted in May of 2006 in more than 100 newspapers around the country and as of the start of this year, runs in nearly 300 papers!

As Tatulli declares, "I've drawn this for kids who love to look at comics... and for adults who become kids when they pick up the comics page." Lió is the perfect, unique holiday gift for the young and those who remember being young.

Lio

Drawn in the age-old style of "pantomime strips," Lio offers a decidedly new and edgy twist to the wordless comic format. In describing his strip, creator Mark Tatulli explains he was eager "to bring something truly different to the comics pages . . . something to appeal to all ages, drawn in pictures only. To tell a story without text, while updating the pantomime concept with a modern audience in mind." The result is a mind-bendingly humorous and astute journey into the darkly detailed world of young Lio, where a spit wad can put a school bus out of commission faster than a spider can hamper the efforts of the U.S. Postal Service.

Lio: Happiness Is a Squishy Cephalopod

WHO'S WHO

Lio

A curious young boy whose daydreams embark from reality destined for the dark chasm where wit and sarcasm collide.

Lio: Happiness Is a Squishy Cephalopod

Lio's Dad

It appears that Lio's dad is raising Lio on his own. Lio: Happiness Is a Squishy Cephalopod A bit sleep-deprived and haggard, he frequently turns a blind eye to the strangeness associated with his son.

Lio's Entourage

Lio is joined in his exploits by a pet snake named Frank and a squid named Ishmael. In addition, various robots and creepy, crawly monsters pop in and out.

Lio: Happiness Is a Squishy Cephalopod
Mark Tatulli
About Mark Tatulli:

Mark Tatulli is an internationally syndicated cartoonist, best known for his popular comic strip Heart of the City. In addition to cartooning, Mark is an accomplished filmmaker and animator and the recipient of three Emmy awards. He lives in a Spielbergian development in New Jersey with his wife, Donna, three children, and three nefarious cats, all of whom supply endless ideas for Lió.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — Contact: Christina Martin, (800) 851-8923, ext. 6685, cmartin@amuniversal.com

Lio: Happiness Is a Squishy Cephalopod

By: Mark Tatulli ISBN: 978-0-7407-6849-1
Format: Paperback: 8 1/2 X 9, 128 pages Price: $12.95 ($15.95 Canada)