Mary Shelley’s School for Monsters: The Killing Stone is a Nebula Finalist for Comics Writing
The Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers Association (SFWA) announced the 61st Nebula Award Finalists live on Sunday at 5:00 PM PST. Wicked Tree Press’ Jessica Maison is a finalist in the comics writing category for Mary Shelley’s School for Monsters: The Killing Stone.
The nominated graphic novel, written by Jessica Maison, illustrated by Anna Wieszczyk, and lettered by Matt Krotzer can be enjoyed by most ages. The middle grade horror book explores themes of loss, family, anger, forgiveness, and friendship. It is not just about monsters, it’s about what we let control our happiness, and who we allow to matter and not matter.
The Killing Stone was published in September of 2025 and brings the monster crew face-to-face with the legendary yōkai, Tamamo-no-Mae, and a powerful onryō, Nari. They must sort out past betrayals and powerful grudges or an enemy they thought to be long gone will take them all down and might just destroy all of monsterkind in the process.
cover by Anna Wieszczyk
Monsters aren't evil, they're misunderstood in the Mary Shelley's School for Monsters series. A supernatural MARY SHELLEY and her misfit monster crew use magic, friendship, and spooky vibes to rescue mistreated and maligned monsters in peril. In the second book of this award-winning series, The Killing Stone, the gang travels to Japan to attempt to rectify a mistake from their past.
Nari, the school’s new monster, is an Onryō—a vengeful spirit driven by deep-seated grudges. The school’s students are brimming with anger, and it’s making Nari dangerously hungry. Her grudge-fueled rage threatens everyone, even fellow monsters.
Shel and the team need Nari for their next mission. Someone shattered Japan’s Sessho-Seki, the Killing Stone, releasing Tamamo-no-Mae, a powerful Nine-Tailed Fox and ally of Dr. M. Shel and Frank believe Mae can be saved, but she’s furious, seeking revenge after centuries of imprisonment. As they navigate this perilous situation, Shel is caught in one of Dr. M’s magical traps, forcing her to confront the source of her own repressed grudge. If she can’t let go of her past, it could spell disaster for everyone.
Page 50 from Mary Shelley’s School for Mosnters: The Killing Stone
““Since I was a little girl reading science fiction, I would see the word Hugo and Nebula on some of my favorite books, and that little girl is gleeful today, and stoked to be part of it. I’m thrilled to be an active member of the SFWA community, its history, and its future. As always, I’m ecstatic and grateful to be a member of the comics community.” ”
Winners will be announced at the Nebula Awards held in Chicago during the Nebula Conference, June 3-7th. More information about Jessica, the series, and how to secure a signed copy of the nominated graphic novel is available at the Wicked Tree Press website.
