Illustration Alum's Comic Book becomes a Netflix Series
September 27, 2019
In 2015, Jason Piperberg BFA ’12 (Illustration) released his original comic book Raising Dion, written by Dennis Liu. Shortly after, Liu wrote and directed a short film based on the comic. Now, Piperberg’s illustrations will truly come to life on screen in a Netflix series adaptation set to premiere Oct. 4. The TV adaptation features a stellar cast, including Michael B. Jordan (Black Panther, Creed, Fantastic Four), Alisha Wainwright (Shadowhunters) and newcomer Ja’Siah Young.
“When we finally released both the comic and the short film after many months of work—years, in Dennis’s case—the response was overwhelmingly positive, and it was clear that people wanted to see more,” says Piperberg.
Raising Dion follows the life of widow Nicole Reese and her inquisitive son, Dion, a 7-year-old who is developing some very special (and scary) abilities. On top of the typical struggles of single motherhood, Nicole must learn to manage Dion’s manifesting supernatural powers. Fearing for his safety, Nicole keeps her son’s gifts a secret to protect Dion from those who are out to exploit him, while attempting to learn where the powers originated in the first place.
“It’s essentially Superman, but from the perspective of Martha Kent (Superman’s adopted Earth mother),” says Piperberg. “It’s incredible and a bit surreal to know that something that I worked on has gotten this far, and I’m honored to have been a part of Dion’s journey from page to screen.”
It’s no surprise that Piperberg’s vibrant illustrations have developed into a full-blown, sci-fi family drama. Since graduating from UArts, Piperberg has been working as a freelance illustrator with clients such as Archie Comics, Lays, Leaf Pile Media, Pepsi and Vogue Bambini. He also specializes in book illustration, concept art, editorial illustration, T-shirts, posters, album art and tattoo design.