Picture an American storyteller who weaves magic and identity into vibrant graphic novels—meet Molly Knox Ostertag! This acclaimed cartoonist and writer has captured hearts with her middle-grade masterpieces like The Witch Boy and The Girl from the Sea. With a knack for blending fantasy, queer representation, and emotional depth, Ostertag’s work invites young readers to embrace their true selves.
Born on October 28, 1991, in upstate New York, Ostertag’s journey from a forest-dwelling dreamer to a celebrated graphic novelist is as enchanting as her stories. Her unique perspective and bold storytelling have earned her a devoted readership and a spot on Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list in 2021. Ready to dive into her world?
The Making of Molly Knox Ostertag
Growing up surrounded by the lush forests of upstate New York, Molly Knox Ostertag spent her childhood lost in books about fantastical adventures. She channeled this passion into live-action roleplaying, wielding foam swords and imagining epic tales. After studying at Bard College, she honed her craft at the School of Visual Arts in New York City, graduating in 2014 with a degree in illustration and cartooning. Her early career kicked off with illustrating the superhero webcomic Strong Female Protagonist, co-created with Brennan Lee Mulligan, which gained acclaim for its sharp storytelling.
Moving to Los Angeles in 2016, Ostertag’s career soared as she balanced comics and animation. Her work as a designer for Star vs. the Forces of Evil and a writer for The Owl House showcased her ability to craft compelling narratives across mediums. These experiences shaped her signature style: vivid, expressive art paired with stories that champion diversity and self-discovery.
Molly Knox Ostertag’s Unforgettable Stories
Ostertag’s graphic novels are a love letter to young readers navigating identity and belonging. Her breakout work, The Witch Boy (2017), follows Aster, a boy in a magical community where boys are shapeshifters and girls are witches. Aster’s journey to embrace his witchy talents defies gender norms, earning praise as a “parable for gender conformity.” Sequels The Hidden Witch (2018) and The Midwinter Witch (2019) continue Aster’s heartfelt saga, with Netflix adapting the first book into an animated musical.
In The Girl from the Sea (2021), Ostertag dives into romance with a queer selkie tale. This YA bestseller follows Morgan, a teen whose summer fling with a magical sea creature unravels secrets and self-acceptance. Her 2024 graphic novel, The Deep Dark, tackles darker themes, blending mystery and queer identity in a desert town. Ostertag’s art—described as “deft and varied” with emotive eyes and body language—brings her diverse, multiracial casts to life, resonating with readers who see themselves in her characters.
Beyond graphic novels, Ostertag’s work on The Owl House made history with Disney’s first same-sex romance, while her Dungeons & Dragons: Dungeon Club series with Xanthe Bouma invites readers into adventurous, friendship-driven stories. Her stories consistently weave social justice, magic, and queer joy, making her a standout in middle-grade and YA comics.
Why Molly Knox Ostertag Matters
Molly Knox Ostertag’s impact lies in her fearless storytelling and commitment to representation. Her works challenge gender norms and celebrate queer identities, offering young readers mirrors to see themselves and windows to understand others. Awards like the 2018 Ignatz for Outstanding Story and Prism Award highlight her influence in comics, while her animation work pushes boundaries in mainstream media. Ostertag’s stories remind us that magic lies in embracing who you are, inspiring a generation to be brave and authentic.
- Birth Date: October 28, 1991
- Key Works: The Witch Boy, The Girl from the Sea, The Deep Dark
- Awards: 2018 Ignatz Award, Prism Award, Forbes 30 Under 30 (2021)
Snag The Witch Boy or The Girl from the Sea and dive into Molly Knox Ostertag’s spellbinding world of magic and heart!