From co-founding Scholastic’s groundbreaking Graphix imprint (yes, the one that helped launch today’s graphic novel boom for kids) to founding Kids Comics Unite, Janna has been shaping the future of children’s publishing for decades. In this interview, she opens up about her childhood in Germany, culture shocks that turned her into a voracious reader, her creative breakthroughs at Scholastic, and the hard lessons of burnout, reinvention, and recovery that every creative will relate to.
✨ Key Moments You Don’t Want to Miss:
Her childhood loneliness in Germany → how comics like Tintin and Asterix gave her connection and belonging.
The viral-worthy story of how she helped launch Scholastic Graphix, proving comics are not a genre but a storytelling medium for any subject.
The deeply human moment when Janna recalls struggling with identity in fifth grade and even narrating her life in third person because she felt so out of step with the worl.
How she turned setbacks—including professional burnout and losing her father—into fuel for creating JANACO Literary Agency and building safe, supportive spaces for storytellers.

🔥 Why this episode matters:If you’ve ever felt isolated in your creativity, questioned your path, or struggled with the push-pull of corporate work vs. personal passion, Janna’s story will resonate deeply. She reminds us that books can save lives, creativity can heal, and communities can transform entire industries.
📚 About Janna Morishima:
Co-founder of Scholastic Graphix, the imprint that brought graphic novels into mainstream children’s publishing.
Former Director of the Kids Group at Diamond Book Distributors, working with Marvel, Dark Horse, Oni Press, and IDW.
Founder of Kids Comics Unite, an online community empowering creators of kids’ and YA graphic novels.
Founder of JANACO Literary & Illustration Agency, representing diverse and visionary storytellers.
Lifelong advocate for children’s literacy and creativity.
💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
How childhood adversity can fuel lifelong creativity.
Why comics are not a genre but a medium that can tell any story.
How to navigate creative pivots when the traditional path doesn’t fit.
The role of humor, empathy, and resilience in surviving both personal and professional challenges.
Insider insights into publishing, literary agencies, and building creative communities.

Connect with Janna:
Website: https://jannaco.co/
Community Platform: https://kidscomicsunite.com/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jannamorishima/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jannaco.co/

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