Hilo Presents: The Mighty

Hilo Presents #1

by Judd Winick

From the New York Times Bestselling Creator of Hilo comes Hilo Presents–introducing all new stories, new heroes, and new worlds! Miranda’s an average kid trying to make it through the school day—but is she also the SUPERHERO known as THE MIGHTY?! Get ready for Mega-sized adventure and fun!

Welcome to Willow City—home to the one and only Miranda Luna!

Miranda loves Willow City and her life…exactly as they are. But lately everything seems to be changing. Crime is up in the city. Bullying is up at school. Even Miranda’s family is acting weird. It feels like everything is out of her control…even her own body! (What’s with all this hair? And where did this super-strength come from?!) The world needs someone to fix things. There’s a local legend about a giant, furry, mythical creature who has always kept Willow City safe in times of need. But that doesn’t have anything to do with Miranda…right? Does Miranda have what it takes to be the hero that Willow City needs..and the person she was born to be?

With Hilo Presents, Judd Winick, the beloved creator of Hilo, brings his signature action-packed storytelling, laugh out loud humor and irresistible heart to brand new stories and worlds—perfect for fans of Hilo and for anyone who has ever needed a hero!

Genres: Graphic Novels, Juvenile

240 pages, Hardcover

Published February 3, 2026

About the author

Judd Winick is an American cartoonist, comic book writer, screenwriter, and former reality television personality known for his diverse contributions to storytelling across multiple media. He first entered the public eye in 1994 as a cast member on The Real World: San Francisco, where he formed a close friendship with AIDS educator Pedro Zamora, an experience that deeply influenced his later work. Winick memorialized their bond in Pedro and Me, a critically acclaimed autobiographical graphic novel that earned several literary awards and became a staple in school curricula.

Winick's career in comics took off with The Adventures of Barry Ween, Boy Genius and continued with major runs at DC Comics, including Green Lantern, Green Arrow, and Batman. His stories often explored socially relevant themes, such as HIV, homophobia, and identity. He was recognized for introducing gay characters and tackling difficult subjects with empathy and clarity. His work on Batman notably included resurrecting the character Jason Todd as the Red Hood, a storyline later adapted into the animated film Batman: Under the Red Hood, for which Winick wrote the screenplay.

Beyond comics, he created The Life and Times of Juniper Lee for Cartoon Network and served as head writer for Hulu's The Awesomes. In 2015, he launched the Hilo series, an all-ages sci-fi adventure inspired by his own children. The bestselling series has been widely praised and is expected to reach its eleventh volume in 2025.

Winick lives in San Francisco with his wife, Pam Ling, also a Real World alum, and their two children. He continues to create heartfelt and imaginative stories for audiences of all ages.

Reviews

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great graphic novel! There are many great discussion topics for readers via this wonderful graphic novel. I look forward to recommending this book to others.

[Kelly {SpaceOnTheBookcase] · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hilo Presents: The Mighty is the first book in the new graphic novel series. Miranda is just like any other girl, until she goes to dress out for PE and realizes her legs are really hairy. When her friend visits her at home that night, not only are her feet huge but so are her hands. Unsure what is causing this, Miranda freaks out and turns into a "monster." With heightened senses and a knack for stopping crime, is Miranda monster or superhero?

Miranda is such a fun character to root for. A perfectionist who struggles when things don't go her way, turning into the towns superhero is definitely not in her plans. I really liked the friendship between Miranda and Solly. Their human is very middle grade and made me laugh a few times. While she's not fighting crime, Miranda is just trying to finish her science fair project while her mom experiences a health scare. This is so relatable for many young readers who are balancing their school life with their home life.

I can't wait to see where this series goes.

Thank you Random House Kids for the gifted copy.

[Dobie9 Library · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a fan of the HiLo series, the first 'HiLo Presents' story did not disappoint. The Mighty has the same humor and heart-warming moments as HiLo, as well as the artwork and vibrant coloring. As the main character, Miranda, learns to handle the powers (aka turning into a super powered 'monster') she has been given, she learns to trust herself and have faith in herself and others. Her best friend Solly helps her adjust to the changes and is also a hoot.
The book is introduced by the HiLo Crew, letting the reader know that though the HiLo crew isn't in this story, it is set in the same world as the HiLo series.

[Dark Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really fun graphic novel as a spinoff of the Hilo series. My children love the series and loved this book too. The lessons Miranda learns in handling her newly found superpowers teach her to believe in herself and touch on responsibility to others as well. Definitely recommend, and I can't wait for more.

[Joe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Judd Winick can do no wrong, at least in the Hilo Universe. Extremely reminiscent of Hilo in feelings, characters, and emotions; but it works with a new protagonist that shares similarities to Red Panda Mei, the Hulk, and Spider-Man. She is conflicted between her sense of duty and responsibility to her city, her parents, and her childhood. I am wondering if he plans to do a bunch of origin stories like this in the Hilo Presents series or if he intends to explore more throughout each character’s story. Either way, my family will continue to follow and buy every installment he puts out.