Christal Rose Hazelton
The School of Creative Writing is pleased to congratulate Christal Rose Hazelton, MFA. Christal Rose’s thesis is a graphic novel entitled The World Over.
Christal Rose is a Filipino American writer, artist, and videogame developer. Her work as a writer and developer can be seen in projects such as Electronic Arts/Respawn Entertainment’s Apex Legends, WB Games Avalanche’s Hogwarts Legacy, and RED Games’s OWN Bold Moves and LEGO Brawls. During her MFA, Christal Rose continued to explore her love of research as a Critical Play fellow in UBC’s Pop Culture Cluster and this summer she will be presenting at the 2026 MACL Conference. She’s a member of the ALA and SCBWI. Christal Rose is currently at work writing a YA fantasy novel and editing her debut graphic novel.
The World Over is the first volume of a middle grade fantasy graphic novel series. It centers around Odessa, a thirteen-year-old raised at the bottom of the ocean, and Wren, the surface boy she chances upon. After saving Wren from drowning, Odessa finds herself inexplicably changed—her sea gifts taken from her. Together, Odessa and Wren must find a way to get Odessa home, accidentally uncovering the long-buried history between her waning world and his seemingly thriving one. Loosely based on fairytales and legends from around the world, The World Over explores themes of diaspora, responsibility, identity, and friendship.
Contact
Request more information about Christal Rose’s thesis project using our 2026 Graduate Showcase Contact Form.