Childhood Inspiration: Comics, Manga, and Video games
Once I was slightly child, I used to be all the time doing one in all three issues: studying Sonic comics, studying manga, or enjoying Closing Fantasy. A number of my lecturers again then would’ve informed you that media, of that kind, was a whole waste of my time or that it was rotting my mind. However, it was really doing the precise reverse. The complicated themes and wealthy, text-heavy narratives of Closing Fantasy? The distinctive interaction of language and imagery supplied by comics and manga? It broadened my vocabulary, boosted my comprehension abilities, and led to a life-long love of studying.
From Studying to Writing: A Inventive Journey
Finally, that love of studying led to a love of writing, and that love of writing led to the profession I’ve at present! My title is Daniel Barnes and, these days, you will discover me writing for the official Sonic the Hedgehog comics at IDW Publishing and on Guild Wars 2 – a preferred, long-running, on-line role-playing sport developed by ArenaNet. I’ve additionally written just a few problems with Aggretsuko, in addition to an authentic graphic novel known as The Black Mage – each printed by Oni Press.
Comics and Their Impression on Younger Readers
So, as you may see, studying comics in my youth clearly had a optimistic influence on my life. However, that have isn’t unique to simply myself. Comics have repeatedly confirmed themselves to be a wonderful technique to get children enthusiastic about studying. A 2023 research performed by the Nationwide Literacy Belief, on simply over 64,000 kids, discovered that almost twice as a lot of those that learn comics of their free time stated that they loved studying, in contrast to those who didn’t. (https://literacytrust.org.uk/research-services/research-reports/children-and-young-peoples-engagement-with-comics-in-2023/)
Rethinking Training: Studying as a Way of life
Information will be acquired from many various locations, and good schooling is about extra than simply rote memorization or inflexible “one-size-fits-all” lectures. It’s natural. And youngsters are way more receptive to studying issues when it’s linked with their pursuits and experiences. Studying shouldn’t be a chore. It must be a mindset. It must be a way of life. And it ought to lengthen nicely past standardized checks, homework assignments, and lecture rooms. Children shouldn’t be force-fed data. Reasonably, we must be fostering a tradition that makes them hungry for it, nicely after the college bell has rung.
Introducing ENDLESS FANTASIA
This philosophy, mixed with the confirmed academic efficiency of comics, is the guideline driving ENDLESS FANTASIA – my new, all-ages comedian guide collection and literacy initiative. Set in a trendy world of remixed fairy tales and nursery rhymes, the collection follows Jack & Jill – a duo of adventurous youngsters preventing to cease the Large Unhealthy Wolf – a robust, historic demon that desires to overcome the Metropolis of EverAfter.
A Mission to Encourage Younger Readers
After years of engaged on IPs and franchises owned by different firms, I’ve determined to lastly strike out and develop one myself. Not only for independence and artistic freedom, however to embark on a private mission – a mission to show that comedian books are extra than simply leisure. They enrich minds, spark imaginations, and assist domesticate a literacy and reading-focused way of life.
Children don’t wish to be pandered to or patronized. They wish to be challenged. They wish to be engaged – and there are few issues extra partaking than compelling, action-packed tales with sturdy themes, superb paintings, and memorable characters. A superb comedian guide leaves a long-lasting influence. It results in actual, optimistic change on this planet. And ENDLESS FANTASIA is my plan to manifest that optimistic change.
Constructing Change By way of Neighborhood and Crowdfunding
I additionally assume that change, of this sort, HAS to be community-driven – which is why I’ve turned to crowdfunding to assist notice it. In a world the place the wealthy hold getting richer, and each schooling and inventive freedom appear to be getting an increasing number of devalued, we shouldn’t be turning to firms and banks to enhance the world – we must be turning to one another.
We’re the authors of our personal story and, with the ability of studying, we are able to all write a contented ending.
[Help turn the page on ENDLESS FANTASIA’s literacy quest and consider supporting their crowdfunding campaign on Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/206565177/endless-fantasia
Those who pledge can not only obtain comics and merch for themselves, but they can donate bundles to classrooms and comic shops!
The campaign ends on Monday, October 13th, 2025 @ 10 AM PST. Your support can help usher in a new generation of young readers!]
