The Downwinder

A Graphic Novel

“The Downwinder” is a powerful reimagining of history through Indigenous eyes.

A story of myth and memory…

…destruction and renewal.

How do we confront the monsters we’ve inherited?

What do we sacrifice to protect the generations to come?

This book is a fictional story of the Columbia River and its history. To cultivate an appreciation of the water, the life it provides and the impact we have on it. Rooted in Yakama mythology and culture, this book is by Yakama for Yakama, by salmon people for salmon people and by humans for humans. As all of human life has benefitted from the Columbia River due to its immense exploitation

Synopsis: Archie Adams, a young man from Yakama, but born Wanapum, follows work along the Columbia River building dams and chasing promise only to watch his powers spiral beyond his control.

His path leads him back to the source of the sickness — The Hanford Nuclear Site — where he must choose between unleashing devastation or breaking the cycle that has defined his life.

Meet the Team

  • Roy Nicol II

    Director, Co-Creator, Creative Director & Lead Illustrator

    Roy Alexander Nicol II (Nooksack, Shxwa:y Village, Filipino) is a producer and director at Children of the Setting Sun Productions, and a multidisciplinary creative working as an actor, model, music producer, illustrator and Coast Salish artist. His work is rooted in storytelling, culture, and contemporary expression.

  • Tokala Tatum

    Co-Creator, Co-Creative Director, Writer, Cultural Researcher and Liaison

    Tokala Tatum (Yakama, Rosebud Sioux) is a writer and film director with experience on various types of projects ranging from feature films to graphic novels. Tokala – born and raised in Yakima, WA – is a graduate from the University of Washington and is continuing his education.

  • Mónica Paola Rodriguez

    Assistant Illustrator

    Мónica Paola Rodríguez is a critically acclaimed illustrator of books, comics and commercial art. Her work has been featured by Marvel, Disney, Scholastic and Adobe, and international ad campaigns with brands such as McDonald’s, Marshall’s and Magic: The Gathering. She resides in Puerto Rico, where she’s from.

  • Chag Lowry

    Project Consultant

    Chag Lowry (Yurok, Maidu, Pit River) authored award-winning graphic novel “Soldiers Unknown” and is the Executive Director of the Indigenous Futures Institute. He owns small publishing imprint Original Voices. He is the publisher and writer of several comic book stories and co-producer and co-director of “The Original Patriots.”

  • Buddy Beaudoin

    Letterer

    Buddy Beaudoin is a professional comic book letterer from upstate New York. He is most known for his work on “Green Arrow,” “Flash,” “Speed Racer,” “Gatchaman,” “Arcbound and “Love Me: A Romance Story. His creator-owned series “Corvus” is available now wherever comic books are sold. Find him at buddybeaudoinlettering.com