8-Year-Old Emirati Sultan AlWahshi Becomes Youngest Author Published by Sandstorm Comics

Discovered through Sandstorm Comics’ open submissions programme, Sultan’s Time Travel Adventure is released under the studio’s Little Storm children’s imprint

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, July 2026: 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.

About Sandstorm Comics:

Sandstorm is a dedicated comics studio that focuses on developing local talent, investing in new and unique home-grown IPs, advancing the work of content creators, and using the comic book platform to showcase authentic and unique stories from the region.

Headquartered at Yas Creative Hub in Abu Dhabi, Sandstorm Comics’ studio is a one-of-a-kind destination for comic enthusiasts to connect with a vibrant creative hub where original stories from the region are brought to life.

About the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi:

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) drives the sustainable growth of Abu Dhabi’s culture and tourism sectors and its creative industries, fuelling economic progress and helping to achieve Abu Dhabi’s wider global ambitions.

By working in partnership with the organisations that define the emirate’s position as a leading international destination, DCT Abu Dhabi strives to unite the ecosystem around a shared vision of the emirate’s potential, coordinate effort and investment, deliver innovative solutions, and use the best tools, policies and systems to support the culture and tourism industries.

DCT Abu Dhabi’s vision is defined by the emirate’s people, heritage and landscape. We work to enhance Abu Dhabi’s status as a place of authenticity, innovation, and unparalleled experiences, represented by its living traditions of hospitality, pioneering initiatives and creative thought.