In 2023, Island Press published a graphic nonfiction book about the Nonhuman Rights Project’s unique legal fight for nonhuman animal rights. Illustrated and written by comic artists Sam Machado and Cynthia Sousa Machado with the NhRPâs late founder Steven M. Wise, Thing: Inside the Struggle for Animal Personhood focuses on our elephant client Happyâs life story and makes clear, through moving imagery, a sweeping narrative, and thoughtful explorations of law, philosophy, history, science, and more, all that Happy has lost through her decades of captivity in the Bronx Zoo and how her court case has forever changed the legal landscape for nonhuman animals.
We’re excited to share the news that this bookâthe first graphic nonfiction book about animal rightsâhas been nominated for a prestigious Eisner Award for Best Reality-Based Work, which is the comic book equivalent of being nominated for an Oscar. The ceremony will take place on July 26th as part of San Diego Comic-Con. We congratulate Sam, Cynthia, and Island Press on this nomination and know Steve would’ve been thrilled by it.
If you’d like to purchase a copy of this book, which Publishers Weekly called âthought-provoking and inspiringly hopeful,â you can do so on the Island Press website at islandpress.org/books/thing. Best of luck Sam and Cynthia!