Kana thought her life couldn't get any worse--she was consistently behind on her schoolwork, she had no luck with the boys, and she was the only one of her friends who hadn't "blossomed" yet. However, when the new boy in class conjures up a portal in the girl's shower, she is transported to the magical world of Sokora--wearing nothing but a small cotton robe... Now, on top of landing at the center of a giant battle between good and evil, she finds that her body is beginning to go through some tremendous changes.

Kana
Notoriously lazy, Kana would do just about anything to go back to her old life of scarfing down junk food and dodging homework.

Veila
A powerful sorceress forced by circumstance to time-share Kana's body, Veila might just be the one to unlock the reluctant girl's true potential.

Tamara
The athlete of the group, Tamara is ready to take on any and every challenge but not without a sarcastic remark or two.

Tien
As arrogant as he is gifted, this magical wunderkind is constantly getting in over his head and only too willing to leave it to his friends to bail him out.

Julie
Endlessly patient and kindhearted to a fault, Julie is the mother figure and always the one to see the good in any situation.

Salome
A nymph with nothing on her mind but cozying up to Tristan, Salome is less than thrilled with all the cute human girls who keep showing up to vie for her elf's attention.

Tristan
Always the hero, Tristan is an elf that would much rather risk losing his life than his honor—which would be fine if his adversaries ever fought fair.

Kogurai
The living embodiment of the demon world's spirit, the vampire Kogurai would like nothing better than to find the strength to take back his homeland, and in Kana, he might have found more than a mere kindred spirit.

Griever
Never a fan of cooperation, the goyle finds that as allies this motley band might just be better for his overall health—besides it might present an opportunity to give the snotty little one, Tien, a good pounding when backs are turned.

SEGAMU:
Spent entirely too much time immersed in manga and anime before ultimately stumbling into Sokora. He has yet to find his way out. His life should be viewed as a cautionary tale. Trade thoughts with him at www.sokora.com.

MELISSA DEJESUS:
Melissa graduated from The School of Visual Arts in 2002 with a BA in Animation. Though Sokora Refugees is her first graphic novel, Melissa has worked on numerous projects as a member of the all-girl Estrigious Studios. Their credits include publishing their own illustrations and comic books and animating a short for the feature film Super Troopers. Melissa was also involved in the online animation for Urban Box Office in 2000 and is currently teaching a Cartooning class for children at LaGuardia Community College in New York.

There's a saying in manga: A little fan service goes a long way...and a lot of fan service is what you get in Sokora Refugees. But nestled between the T and the A you'll find a charming story about Kana, a girl who is trying to get noticed by someone...anyone! But when the new boy in class conjures up a portal in the girl's shower, she is transported to the magical world of Sokora—in the middle of a giant battle between good and evil! Now, on top of landing at the center of this conflict, she finds that her body is beginning to go through some tremendous changes!

~Rob Valois, Editor