Rabat – Eight-year-old Emirati Sultan AlWahshi has become the youngest author published by Sandstorm Comics with the release of Sultan’s Time Travel Adventure, a children’s picture book based on his original story.
The publication follows his successful submission to the Abu Dhabi-based studio’s annual open submissions programme, where aspiring creators of all ages are invited to pitch original ideas.
The story follows a young astronaut named Sultan whose routine space mission takes an unexpected turn when he is pulled through a black hole and transported to the year 3045.
Surrounded by flying cars, robotic families and futuristic technology, he embarks on an adventure that celebrates curiosity, courage and self-belief.
After impressing the editorial team, Sultan worked with veteran American illustrator and character designer Greg Baldwin to bring his vision to life.
Baldwin, whose career spans comics, animation and video games, including work on the Ratchet & Clank franchise as well as projects with Marvel and Disney, collaborated closely with the young author while preserving the heart of his original story.
“Sultan is exactly who our open submissions programme exists for,” said Mo Abedin, Editor-in-Chief of Sandstorm Comics in a press statement.
“Our criteria is simple: We look for great stories. In this case, that story came from an eight-year-old with an incredible imagination.”
Published under Little Storm, Sandstorm Comics’ children’s imprint, the book reflects the publisher’s mission to inspire young readers through imaginative storytelling while supporting the next generation of local creators.
As the youngest author published by the studio, Sultan’s debut reinforces the belief that compelling stories can come from anyone, regardless of age or experience.
Headquartered at Yas Creative Hub in Abu Dhabi, Sandstorm Comics is dedicated to developing local talent, investing in original intellectual property and showcasing authentic stories from the region.
