Azie Tesfai, known for her role as Kelly Olsen on the television series “Supergirl,” is expanding her creative work with the release of a graphic novel aimed at providing greater representation for children of Ethiopian and Eritrean descent. Her book, titled “You’re a Superhero!,” is set to be published on Tuesday and centers on Mariam, a 6-year-old Ethiopian girl growing up in a world filled with iconic superheroes as well as everyday figures who embody heroism.

The story draws on Tesfai’s personal background, reflecting her Eritrean and Ethiopian heritage. Mariam’s mother guides her through the narrative, introducing her not just to well-known characters like Wonder Woman and Flash, but also to the often-overlooked heroes in daily life such as bus drivers and grocery clerks. Tesfai emphasized that the book aims to normalize cultural elements without presenting them as exotic or “other.” To achieve this, the artists Penelope Rivera Gaylord and Jerry Gaylord incorporated authentic details from Ethiopian culture—such as the netela scarf, messob basket, and jebena coffeepot—based on photographic references from the home of Tesfai’s mother, Mulu Gebremichael.

Tesfai has spoken about the emotional impact of seeing her story come to life. She described crying upon viewing the illustrated pages that depict a confident young girl from a culture that was underrepresented in comics during her own childhood. Raised by her Ethiopian mother and Eritrean father, she noted the challenges she faced growing up as the child of immigrants. “You have a sense of pride—and then you go out into the world and you want to assimilate,” she said. Additionally, early impressions of Ethiopia from her schoolmates were often limited to famine relief footage, which contributed to feelings of shame and alienation.

Throughout her career, Tesfai has seen firsthand how heroic figures on screen can positively influence young audiences. Her portrayal of Kelly Olsen, who later becomes the superhero Guardian on “Supergirl,” has been significant for many fans, including LGBTQ+ viewers. At the recent New York Comic Con, Tesfai shared an emotional moment with a fan who credited her role with helping her feel seen as a lesbian. Another attendee, Jenae Harrington, who cosplayed as Batwoman, praised Tesfai’s open representation of a Black, queer character and highlighted the graphic novel’s message that heroism can come from everyday acts of kindness.

With “You’re a Superhero!,” Tesfai hopes to fill a gap she felt personally during her youth by offering a story that affirms the power and potential within children from diverse backgrounds. “If I had had exposure to something like this, to say how powerful I am and that it’s within me, I think it would’ve meant a lot,” she said. The graphic novel stands as a call for broader inclusivity and representation in children’s literature and media.