industry reviews
Zak VS. Zombies is a new, award winning graphic novel for kids and families.
"ZAK VS. ZOMBIES is hilarious, action-packed, and impossible to resist – a must-read for kids who love graphic novels!” ~ Justin Santistevan - Co-founder of Wonderstorm (Emmy winner, The Dragon Prince, Netflix)
"Simply charming and so entertaining! ZAK VS. ZOMBIES is a delightful graphic novel that blends sweet, clever characters in a timely critique of excessive screen time. When a horde of cellphone-enabled zombies invade his hometown, Zak and his friends find a way to unite on a daring quest for survival to save everyone. Elisa's vibrant illustrations and dynamic storytelling breathe life into her endearing characters, crafting an exciting and extremely fun coming-of-age story underscoring the importance of friendship, forgiveness, and human connection. With its captivating characters and timely themes, ZAK VS. ZOMBIES promises to enchant readers of all ages!" ~ Christine Woertink - SVP Product, Age of Learning / ABC Mouse
"...Who doesn’t like Zombies? Zak! Elisa Eliot walks a fine line between horror and hilarity, and a little social commentary, with her “graphic" graphic novel of the undead stalking the mindless middle class world of suburbia." ~ Duncan Rouleau - Co-creator of Ben 10 and Big Hero Six, Founding partner in Man of Action Entertainment
"ZAK VS. ZOMBIES is a fantastic debut graphic novel by Elisa Eliot. Her characters are fun and diverse and the story is fresh, action packed, and delivers a great message for kids. And worry not, the Zombies aren't scary" ~ Chris M. Williams, Founder & CEO, pocket.watch (Ryan's World)
" Prepare your kids for giggles and chills with ZAK VS. ZOMBIES. This frightfully funny graphic novel for kids delivers a wickedly funny tale filled with engaging characters and side-splitting humor. Young readers will be delightfully spooked and thoroughly entertained. With its clever blend of comedy and spook, this book is sure to be a laugh out loud hit among adventurous young readers!" ~ Sander Schwartz - Former President of Warner Bros. Animation, Sony Pictures, and Fremantle Media.
“ZAK VS. ZOMBIES is everything I look for in a graphic novel: artful, entertaining and tons of fun. I loved spending time in Zak’s world, which offers some important messages for making ours a better place.” ~ Lacey Rose - Multi Award-Winning Journalist and TV Host
"If you can put this book down, you're probably the type of person who eats their oatmeal and starts the day off with a cold plunge and five mile jog. My daughter and I sat and read until we'd finished Eliot's creation in one delightful, enjoyable sitting. The world is immersive and the moral is one every parent can get behind. Get your children off their devices and put this book in their hands, stat! And while they're reading and distracted, go sneak yourself a bowl of ice cream." ~ Anna Redmond - Author, Kids Content Producer & Founder of Hippo Reads & Braav
“ZAK VS. ZOMBIES is a fun, laugh-out-loud twist on the zombie genre that appeals to kids and grownups of all ages. Tightly written and beautifully illustrated, the book manages to weave some wickedly funny commentary on cell phone addiction into a fast-paced, movie-worthy plot...it’s a surefire crowd-pleaser for every kid that’s ever had to battle a screen for a grownup’s attention.” ~Jonathan Leven - Writer/Producer
“This exciting, action packed, graphic novel will keep your kids spellbound with its engaging story, relatable characters, terrific illustrations, and hilarious moments. Eliot does an incredible job crafting a clever modern-day zombie story that is fun for kids of all ages!” ~ Shauna Shapiro Jackson - Founder Showcase Entertainment & Showcase Kids
"Simply charming and so entertaining! ZAK VS. ZOMBIES is a delightful graphic novel that blends sweet, clever characters in a timely critique of excessive screen time. When a horde of cellphone-enabled zombies invade his hometown, Zak and his friends find a way to unite on a daring quest for survival to save everyone. Elisa's vibrant illustrations and dynamic storytelling breathe life into her endearing characters, crafting an exciting and extremely fun coming-of-age story underscoring the importance of friendship, forgiveness, and human connection. With its captivating characters and timely themes, ZAK VS. ZOMBIES promises to enchant readers of all ages!" ~ Christine Woertink - SVP Product, Age of Learning / ABC Mouse
"...Who doesn’t like Zombies? Zak! Elisa Eliot walks a fine line between horror and hilarity, and a little social commentary, with her “graphic" graphic novel of the undead stalking the mindless middle class world of suburbia." ~ Duncan Rouleau - Co-creator of Ben 10 and Big Hero Six, Founding partner in Man of Action Entertainment
"ZAK VS. ZOMBIES is a fantastic debut graphic novel by Elisa Eliot. Her characters are fun and diverse and the story is fresh, action packed, and delivers a great message for kids. And worry not, the Zombies aren't scary" ~ Chris M. Williams, Founder & CEO, pocket.watch (Ryan's World)
" Prepare your kids for giggles and chills with ZAK VS. ZOMBIES. This frightfully funny graphic novel for kids delivers a wickedly funny tale filled with engaging characters and side-splitting humor. Young readers will be delightfully spooked and thoroughly entertained. With its clever blend of comedy and spook, this book is sure to be a laugh out loud hit among adventurous young readers!" ~ Sander Schwartz - Former President of Warner Bros. Animation, Sony Pictures, and Fremantle Media.
“ZAK VS. ZOMBIES is everything I look for in a graphic novel: artful, entertaining and tons of fun. I loved spending time in Zak’s world, which offers some important messages for making ours a better place.” ~ Lacey Rose - Multi Award-Winning Journalist and TV Host
"If you can put this book down, you're probably the type of person who eats their oatmeal and starts the day off with a cold plunge and five mile jog. My daughter and I sat and read until we'd finished Eliot's creation in one delightful, enjoyable sitting. The world is immersive and the moral is one every parent can get behind. Get your children off their devices and put this book in their hands, stat! And while they're reading and distracted, go sneak yourself a bowl of ice cream." ~ Anna Redmond - Author, Kids Content Producer & Founder of Hippo Reads & Braav
“ZAK VS. ZOMBIES is a fun, laugh-out-loud twist on the zombie genre that appeals to kids and grownups of all ages. Tightly written and beautifully illustrated, the book manages to weave some wickedly funny commentary on cell phone addiction into a fast-paced, movie-worthy plot...it’s a surefire crowd-pleaser for every kid that’s ever had to battle a screen for a grownup’s attention.” ~Jonathan Leven - Writer/Producer
“This exciting, action packed, graphic novel will keep your kids spellbound with its engaging story, relatable characters, terrific illustrations, and hilarious moments. Eliot does an incredible job crafting a clever modern-day zombie story that is fun for kids of all ages!” ~ Shauna Shapiro Jackson - Founder Showcase Entertainment & Showcase Kids
The Dream Machine is an original animated comedy and the recipient of many awards.
"It's an amazing idea, startlingly original and one I wish I came up with. But more than that, it's an amazing idea executed flawlessly. The world itself is smart and will click with an audience right away. It's populated by characters you immediately want to see more of. It's just overflowing with the potential for limitless stories."
~ Brian Lynch, Writer of The Secret Life of Pets, Despicable Me - Minions, Hop, Puss in Boots
"As an avid dreamer and day-dreamer I can instantly relate to Elisa Eliot's The Dream Machine, as will children everywhere once they witness the incredibly inventive and visually exciting world that Eliot has masterminded. As Vice President of Animation at 20th Century Fox TV I hear countless pitches every year and have found that the best pitches, and subsequent series, are those fueled by a wholly new and distinct voice. The Dream Machine certainly carries the unique voice of its creator and can offer something never before seen in the world of animation – an inside look at a quirky workplace tasked with creating dreams for an increasingly cynical and dreamless world."
~ Grant Gish, VP Animation at 20th Century Fox TV & THR Next Gen List
"As a senior TV writer at The Hollywood Reporter, I'm deluged with pitches for projects that rely on the simple and familiar. Elisa Eliot's The Dream Machine lives at the other end of that spectrum. It is enormously creative, distinct and original, just as she is."
~ Lacey Rose, Senior TV writer at The Hollywood Reporter, Producer & Host Close Up with the Hollywood Reporter
~ Brian Lynch, Writer of The Secret Life of Pets, Despicable Me - Minions, Hop, Puss in Boots
"As an avid dreamer and day-dreamer I can instantly relate to Elisa Eliot's The Dream Machine, as will children everywhere once they witness the incredibly inventive and visually exciting world that Eliot has masterminded. As Vice President of Animation at 20th Century Fox TV I hear countless pitches every year and have found that the best pitches, and subsequent series, are those fueled by a wholly new and distinct voice. The Dream Machine certainly carries the unique voice of its creator and can offer something never before seen in the world of animation – an inside look at a quirky workplace tasked with creating dreams for an increasingly cynical and dreamless world."
~ Grant Gish, VP Animation at 20th Century Fox TV & THR Next Gen List
"As a senior TV writer at The Hollywood Reporter, I'm deluged with pitches for projects that rely on the simple and familiar. Elisa Eliot's The Dream Machine lives at the other end of that spectrum. It is enormously creative, distinct and original, just as she is."
~ Lacey Rose, Senior TV writer at The Hollywood Reporter, Producer & Host Close Up with the Hollywood Reporter
