Rayven Choi
Rights Sold
Description
Author(s)
Shequeta Smith
Illustrator(s)
Qazzran Alamry
Related Titles
| Publisher | Shero Comics |
| Publication | Oct 27, 2023 |
| Format | Paperback/Softback |
| ISBN | 978-0-9979307-8-8 |
| Pages | 172 |
| Age | 13 - 17 |
| Price | $19.99 |
Rayven Choi
Rayven Choi is a powerful coming-of-age graphic novel about a young woman haunted by the childhood memory of her parents’ murder on a military train. Sent to Seoul for her safety, she’s raised by her father’s KATUSA comrade and grows up between cultures. Two decades later, a hidden clue leads her back to the U.S. in search of justice, only to discover that the FBI may be more involved than she ever imagined.
The book has sold over 5,000 copies independently and is widely praised by educators and librarians for its impact on youth literacy and representation. In 2018, it was a finalist in the Readers’ Favorite Awards. In 2025, creator Shequeta L. Smith received both the Spectrum Circle Award for Innovation in the Arts and the Los Angeles Lakers & Comerica Bank “Woman of Diversity” Award for her groundbreaking work in diverse storytelling.
The short film adaptation of Rayven Choi has screened at international festivals, been licensed to global streaming platforms, and the series has been featured in Blavity, Afropunk, and A Place to Hang Your Cape.
Ideal for publishers seeking bold, cross-cultural narratives with strong visual storytelling and commercial potential.
Reviews, Awards & Endorsements
In 2025, author Shequeta L. Smith was honored with the Los Angeles Lakers & Comerica Bank “Woman of Diversity” Award, which recognizes trailblazing women making a significant impact in business, media, and community empowerment. The award celebrates leaders who are driving change in Los Angeles through innovation, representation, and a commitment to uplifting diverse voices.
Author
Shequeta Smith
Shequeta L. Smith is an award-winning writer, director, and comic book creator focused on bold, character-driven stories that center underrepresented voices. She’s the creator of Rayven Choi and Young Grandmaster Choi, two acclaimed graphic novel series featuring dynamic Black heroines and rich cultural themes. Her books have sold thousands of copies independently and are featured in libraries worldwide.
The Rayven Choi short film, adapted from her graphic novel, has screened at festivals globally and is streaming on multiple platforms. The animated adaptation of Young Grandmaster Choi is currently making waves on YouTube and in international animation festivals.
A graduate of Ron Howard and Brian Grazer’s Imagine Impact incubator, Smith developed a four-quadrant feature screenplay in just eight weeks. Based in Los Angeles, she is the founder of Shero Comics, a multimedia company empowering women and girls of color through storytelling. In 2025, she received the Woman of Diversity Award from the Los Angeles Lakers and Comerica Bank, as well as the Spectrum Circle Award for Innovation in the Arts.