Justin Reynolds: Most Interesting People 2022

Why He’s Interesting: Reynolds utilizes masterful storytelling to introduce heavy but necessary topics to young readers. His talent caught the eye of Disney execs, who asked him to  write a graphic novel about Miles Morales — the one and only Black Spider-Man.

Love and Loss: Reynolds’ first two novels, Opposite of Always and Early Departures draw heavily from the loss of his friend. “It’s kind of like a love letter to that best friend,” says Reynolds. “It’s the most personal thing I’ve ever written and definitely the most special thing I’ve ever shared.”

Spidey Sense: When Disney approached Reynolds to write about Miles Morales, he couldn’t say no, and not just because Spider-Man is his favorite superhero. “I was, like, of course, I have to do it, because of what he’s done for not just comics in terms of diversity, but for an entire generation.” 

New Series: Reynolds teamed up with former NBA All-Star Caron Butler for a series called Shot Clock that tells the story of a boy whose success relies on the help of others. “We need people to see that it’s not for lack of talent, intelligence or commitment that a lot of kids in this country who live in underserved communities don’t make it out.”

Interesting Fact: Opposite of Always is in the process of being adapted for the big screen. 

Click here to meet the 30 Most Interesting People of 2022.