Graphic Novel Night: Turn 'Traveling to Mars' and 'Sweet Paprika' into a Transmedia Party

Turn your next hangout into a transmedia celebration of The Orangery’s hits

Struggling to find new, affordable ways to hang out with friends? You’re not alone. Between busy schedules and long distances, it’s harder than ever to create memorable nights that feel fresh. That’s why a themed graphic novel night—built around The Orangery’s breakout IPs Traveling to Mars and Sweet Paprika—is the perfect solution: low-cost, high-connection, and endlessly remixable into reading sessions, fan art swaps, cosplay challenges and even a mini short-film screening.

Why now: 2026 trends that make this party idea pop

In early 2026 transmedia IP studios are taking center stage. The Orangery—creator and rights-holder behind Traveling to Mars and Sweet Paprika—signed with WME in January 2026, signaling major industry interest in turning graphic novel IP into cross-platform experiences. Fans are hungry for immersive, communal events that blend books, visuals, video and live interaction. TikTok and short-form video trends from late 2025 evolved into quick fan filmmaking and micro-cosplay showcases, while AI art tools (with evolving ethical guidelines through 2025–26) let creators prototype designs fast. Those are the ingredients for an unforgettable friend-focused night.

What is a Transmedia Graphic Novel Night?

A transmedia party uses multiple formats—reading, visual art, performance, and short-form film—to explore a single IP from different angles. For The Orangery’s titles that looks like:

• Reading sessions and themed book club prompts for Traveling to Mars and Sweet Paprika.
• A fan art swap where people trade prints, zines or digital pieces inspired by the characters and settings.
• Cosplay prompts that scale from “easy” to “showstopper,” so everyone can participate.
• A mini short-film screening of friends’ 1–7 minute films inspired by the books—shot on phones or cameras.

Before you start: quick legal and ethical checklist

Because The Orangery’s IP is in the spotlight after the recent WME deal, keep this short guide in mind:

• Private vs. commercial: Private fan gatherings where you don’t sell tickets or merchandise are usually safe. If you plan to charge, sell merch or stream to a large public audience, reach out to rights holders—or keep creations clearly labeled as fan works.
• Music and media rights: Use licensed music from services like Epidemic Sound, local artists, or royalty-free tracks for screenings.
• AI art: Credit sources, avoid generating near-exact replicas of official art, and follow platform policies. In 2026, major platforms updated tools for transparent attribution—use that guidance.

Step-by-step plan: Host a 3-hour Transmedia Night

Below is a practical, timed blueprint you can adapt for in-person, hybrid or fully virtual gatherings.

2–3 weeks before: invite & prep

• Choose a date and send invites (Discord event, Instagram DM, or a simple email). Attach a one-page party plan and what to bring.
• Ask guests to RSVP with what they’d like to contribute: a short film, fan art print, or cosplay idea.
• Set up a shared folder (Google Drive or a Discord channel) for files and submission deadlines. For remote attendees, collect digital art and film files at least 48 hours before the event.
• Curate reading excerpts. Pick 2–3 short passages from each book for live reading—keep the total reading time to 20–30 minutes.

1 week before: logistics

• Print small labels for art swaps and set rules: one print per person, trade anonymously or choose a “gift swap” format.
• For screenings, create a playlist order and confirm file formats (MP4 is safest). Test playback on the venue setup.
• Plan décor: color palettes inspired by the books (e.g., retro-futuristic tones for Traveling to Mars, warm spices for Sweet Paprika).
• Gather basic craft supplies: hot glue, safety pins, fabric scraps, face paints, LED strips, projector or large screen, portable speakers.

Party timeline (3 hours)

1. 0:00–0:15 — Warm welcome & orientation. Hand out nametags and a printed schedule. Share the social handle and event hashtag (e.g., #OrangeNight2026).
2. 0:15–0:40 — Quick reading sessions. Two volunteers read curated excerpts: one from Traveling to Mars, one from Sweet Paprika. Follow each reading with a 5–7 minute discussion prompt.
3. 0:40–1:15 — Fan art swap and gallery walk. Display prints/phone slides. Allow people to mingle and pick their swap or participate in a silent auction (free or token-based).
4. 1:15–1:40 — Cosplay micro-challenge. Run three quick rounds: make-it-fast (10 minutes), best-statement prop (10 minutes), and spotlight runway (5–10 minutes).
5. 1:40–2:30 — Mini short-film screening. Show 3–5 films (1–7 minutes each), with a short Q&A after each. Vote for audience favorites.
6. 2:30–3:00 — Wrap, awards, and next steps. Announce winners for fan art, cosplay and film. Plan a follow-up virtual meetup or zine collaboration.

Ideas & prompts that spark creativity

Reading group prompts (fast, discussion-friendly)

• Which line made you want to know more—and why?
• Who would you cast in a live-action or animated adaptation?
• How does the visual style influence your interpretation of character motive?

Fan art swap formats

• Print trade: Each artist brings 5 prints. Swap loosly—first come, first choose.
• Blind draw swap: Put names in a hat and draw who you make art for in advance.
• Zine exchange: Collaborate on a small zine that mixes comics, micro-essays and sketches—hand out photocopies at the end.

Cosplay prompts (levels for everyone)

• Quick-fit: Thrift a color-blocked jacket, add a themed pin and a headband.
• DIY prop: Foam-core blasters or spice-sachet accessories for Sweet Paprika—tutorials can be shared in your event channel.
• Showstopper: Commission a friend who sews to help build a piece, or adapt a vintage coat into a hero’s cloak.

Mini short-film guide: make something festival-ready in weeks

You don’t need a studio. Many award-winning short films began as phone-shot passion projects. In 2026, phone cameras, AI-assisted editing and remote collaboration tools make micro-filmmaking accessible.

Concept & writing (1–7 days)

• Pick a strong image or moment from the books, then write a 1–3 page script focusing on a single beat.
• Keep runtime under 7 minutes. Short arcs work best for group screenings.

Pre-production (1–3 days)

• Create a one-page shot list and a 2-column storyboard (draw roughly on paper).
• Schedule a 1–2 hour shoot with 3–6 helpers. Use natural light for easy setups.

Shooting & post (2–7 days)

• Shoot in 1080p or 4K, stabilize with a gimbal or DIY stabilizer (backpack + strap method works).
• Edit in CapCut, DaVinci Resolve (free), or Premiere Rush. Aim for clean cuts, strong color grade and clear audio.
• License music or collaborate with a musician friend. For 2026 festivals, many accept short films with original or licensed micro-scores.

Screening tips

• Test the file on the projector and speakers—audio levels are the most common issue.
• For hybrid events, pre-upload films to a private YouTube link and stream it in-sync via a watch party or screen-share (watch-party best practices).

Decor, snacks and vibe: sensory design cues inspired by the books

Design is part of the transmedia experience. Use sensory cues to transport friends—color, scent, sound and prop details.

• Traveling to Mars: Metallic accents, neon tubing, spacey synth playlists, rosemary and citrus candies for a “clean” futuristic scent.
• Sweet Paprika: Warm textiles, low amber lighting, spice jars as centerpieces, a playlist of late-night jazz and indie soul.

Hybrid & remote-friendly hacks

Keep long-distance friends in the loop with simple tools and thoughtful packaging.

• Send a small physical kit: 1–2 art prints, a spice sample, and an instruction card for a micro-craft.
• Use Discord for the art gallery: create channels for visuals, film chat and cosplay selfies.
• Host a synchronous watch via a private YouTube playlist and pair it with a live chat on Discord or Stage channels for post-screening Q&A.

Budget & shopping list (low-cost, high-style)

• Decor: $20–60 (LED lights, fabric backdrops, thrifted props)
• Printing: $0–40 (friend prints, inexpensive local print shop)
• Snacks and drinks: $20–80 depending on number of guests
• AV gear: borrow a projector or use a TV; rent speakers if needed

Accessibility & inclusion: make it for everyone

• Provide captions or transcripts for screenings. Use auto-caption tools and quickly proof them before showing.
• Offer seating options and content warnings for mature themes—Sweet Paprika can be steamy, so give attendees a heads-up.
• Label foods and note allergy-friendly options.

Measuring success & next steps

Success isn’t just about likes—it’s about connection and the next creative step. Use these metrics:

• Number of new collaborations (people who pair up to create a zine, film or cosplay).
• Return RSVPs for your next event—aim to reconvene within 6–8 weeks.
• Content created post-party: fan art shares, short clips, or social posts tagged with your event hashtag.

“The Orangery’s signing with WME in January 2026 shows studios and agencies are hungry for IP that lives across books, film and fan ecosystems—use that momentum for a fan-first, creative party.”

Actionable takeaways

• Pick a date and theme this week. Select whether your night highlights one title or splits the theme between Traveling to Mars and Sweet Paprika.
• Collect contributions early: art and film submissions should be due 48 hours before the event.
• Keep formats short and sharable: 1–7 minute films, small prints, and 10–15 minute reading segments.
• Plan a hybrid option: ship a simple party kit or set up a Discord gallery so distant pals can participate.

Final notes from a friendly organizer

Transmedia parties thrive on low-pressure experimentation. The goal isn’t a polished studio night—it’s laughter, co-creation and leaving with new stories and collaborations. With The Orangery’s IP in the public eye through 2026, now is a great moment to celebrate these graphic novels with friends and make your own fan culture.

Ready to plan? Start a message thread with two dates, pick one reading passage from each book, and ask guests to reply with an “I’ll bring” item—print, film or cosplay prop. Small steps, huge memories.

Call to action

Use this plan to host your Graphic Novel Night within the next month. Tag your event on social with #OrangeNight2026 and follow The Orangery and friends for inspiration. Want a printable checklist and a ready-to-use schedule template? Sign up for our free organizer kit at BestFriends.top/graphic-novel-night (or DM us on social) and we’ll send a compact, editable PDF you can customize for your crew.

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