Ah, comic conventions. A place to meet people who share the same interests, explore the media you’re a fan of, and actively try to avoid that one guy who’s always dressed as Deadpool.
Although San Diego Comic Con International is online-only this year as a result of the ongoing fight against Covid-19, it’s still fun to break out from the mould sometimes and think about all the myriad different storytelling methods that make up our written media. Sometimes, especially if you’ve got dyslexia or literacy differences, a comic-style book is a great way of making reading a little more accessible, as the text is pared-back and illustrations and visual cues help move the story along in a way that’s easy to settle into.
We’re a little more selective here at Succeed With Dyslexia, though- although we still love a good superhero comic, we’re more interested in the graphic novels that work hard to raise awareness of dyslexia, either though heartfelt stories about the neurodiverse experience, or the efforts of the talented writers with dyslexia who create them. So without further ado, here are some of our absolute fave dyslexia comics for kids, perfect for passing a rainy Saturday afternoon with.
Mindful Literacy’s Hive Press
Mindful Literacy’s graphic novels tick three huge boxes for us – not only are they written by people who have dyslexia and create exciting worlds for us to explore on our days off, they’re also written by young people taking their first steps on a lifelong writing journey. Unique, fun and easy to follow, they’re a colourful and creative storytelling system that kids will love and likely find instantly relatable – who wouldn’t want to skip out on online school and sneak off to a gig?* You can find out more about them here, at our very own Succeed With Dyslexia blog.
Percy Jackson and the Olympians
First a novel, then a film, and now a compelling graphic novel series, the Percy Jackson series chronicles the ups and downs of being related to a Greek god, saving the world as we know it, and still trying to fit in the time to be a normal twelve-year-old too. Another thing that our boy Percy is wondering about is his dyslexia, which turns out in his world to be a sign that he’s actually a demi-god (although we love this idea, we wouldn’t advise trying to use your latent magical powers at school or at work- just in case). Percy’s experiences with dyslexia are based on those of author Rick Riordan’s son, and these stories are full of magic and adventure, as well as being illustrated by some of the biggest names in the comics industry today. You explore these magical and mythological worlds here.
Dr. Dyslexia Dude
Dr. Dyslexia Dude is the compelling story of an African-American boy who is also a superhero - with dyslexia. He’s based on the early life experiences of one of his authors, Dr. Shawn Anthony Robinson, and these graphic novels are the perfect combination of humorous storytelling and inspirational messaging that’s guaranteed to keep kids hooked. And as if that wasn’t enough, 20% of the proceeds raised from Dr. Dyslexia Dude book sales are going towards a scholarship with the International Dyslexia Foundation, where Dr. Robinson is a Director at Large. You can check out these heartwarming and funny graphic novels here.
Junior High Horrors
Rob Potchak created Junior High Horrors as a response to a family member mentioning that a child in their Girl Scout Troop had dyslexia, and wanted to engage with comics. He created Junior High Horrors is a horror parody that will delight adults and kids alike, with vibrant panel designs and a simple and quirky aesthetic that’s just honestly ridiculously cool. The series uses OpenDyslexia, a font that people with dyslexia often find easier to read, and have been designed with easy-to-follow storytelling to make the experience even more accessible. You can find out more about Rob Potchak and Junior High Horrors at abc7 Eyewitness News.
Happy reading!
*Just kidding, guys – stay in school, even if it is going to mean you miss Beyoncé on tour. She’d want you to.