Sandstorm Comics, Abu Dhabi’s first dedicated comic book studio, has announced the release of Sultan’s Time Travel Adventure, a children’s picture book written by eight-year-old Emirati Sultan AlWahshi. After submitting his original story during the studio’s open submissions programme, Sultan has become the youngest author published by the studio.
The release marks a milestone for Sandstorm Comics, further expanding its growing catalogue of original comics, manga, graphic novels, and children’s books, while reinforcing the studio’s commitment to discovering and developing homegrown creative talent.
Sultan’s publishing journey began when he submitted a story idea during Sandstorm’s annual open submissions programme, where aspiring creators of all ages are invited to pitch original concepts. The story captured the attention of the editorial team, earning him the opportunity to develop his idea into a professionally published children’s book.
Following editorial development, Sultan was paired with Greg Baldwin, a veteran American character designer, illustrator, and founder of Lost Bear Studios. With more than two decades of experience across comics, animation and video games, including character design work on the Ratchet & Clank franchise and projects with Marvel and Disney, Baldwin worked closely with Sultan to bring his imaginative story to life while staying true to the young author’s original vision.
Sultan’s Time Travel Adventure 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 unforgettable adventure that celebrates curiosity, courage and self-belief.
“Sultan is exactly who our open submissions programme exists for,” said Mo Abedin, Editor-in-Chief of Sandstorm Comics. “Our criteria is simple: We look for great stories. In this case, that story came from an eight-year-old with an incredible imagination. Watching Sultan’s idea become a published children’s book has been incredibly rewarding for our entire team, and it’s a wonderful reminder of the creative talent we have here in the UAE.”
Published under Little Storm, Sandstorm Comics’ children’s imprint, the book reflects the publisher’s mission to inspire young readers through imaginative storytelling while nurturing the next generation of local creators. As the youngest author published by the studio, Sultan’s debut reinforces Sandstorm Comics’ belief that great stories can come from anyone, regardless of age or experience.
Sultan’s Time Travel Adventure is now available at Sandstorm Comics and Kinokuniya stores, as well as online through Kinokuniya and Deliveroo.
For more information, visit: www.sandstormcomics.com
