Good overcoming evil. Protagonists, antagonists, and antiheroes. Origin stories brimming with traumatic pasts and challenges and topped with resilience and hope. It’s not hard to see why the children in ACH’s care are often drawn to all things comics.
The wildly imaginative world of comics allows kids a distraction from what they’re experiencing, but in a way that relates to the obstacles they’re facing in real life. Whether they realize it or not, comics are both an escape and a way to dream.
A Comical Night
Professional comic book artist Tadd Galusha rarely if ever gives a two-hour drawing lesson. But on a special night during one of the bi-weekly volunteer events at our Wedgwood Transitional Living program campus, that’s exactly what he presented to the young men in the program! Tadd, who is based out of Alaska and is friends with one of the Wedgwood volunteers, tuned in via Zoom and spent the evening drawing character after character — from Raphael (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles) to Goku (Dragon Ball Z), plus a gnarly tyrannosaurus rex. The boys were glued to the monitor.
A few days prior, Tadd mailed several comics for each of the kids. They were all comics he had illustrated and/or wrote. In addition to publishing his own graphic novels, Tadd has worked for major publishers on properties such as Godzilla, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, GI Joe, and King Kong.
It’s not uncommon for the children at Wedgwood to be quiet and reserved when talking to adults. Their trust has been compromised, and they’re understandably wary of people they don’t know. Comic book night was NOT one of those nights.
Chatter, laughter and friendly teasing filled the room. Tadd had been briefed that the kids may be shy and that he may have to do most of the talking. It couldn’t have been farther from the truth.
Sometimes he could hardly fit a word in edgewise! The kids debated about hypothetical match-ups between comic characters (think Superman versus Batman), their favorite Marvel movies, their least favorite Marvel movies, and more.
“When ACH’s volunteer mentors team up with our youth, amazing things happen!” says Kate Faggella-Luby, ACH volunteer mentor coordinator. “In the epic match up of community and belonging vs. isolation and trauma, COMMUNITY and BELONGING win every time.”
Heroes of Tomorrow
Eventually, the kids asked Tadd about his career. They peppered him with questions about illustration, graphic design, script writing, and college. The adults in the room glowed seeing the kids dream about a potential careers and goals. Tadd masterfully answered with optimistic and encouragement, but he was honest in that it’s a competitive industry that requires dedication and hard work.
The night flew by, and volunteers had to put a hard stop to the night when the clock struck 9 p.m. Both volunteers and children did not want the event to end.
It felt like a night of authentic comradery. People in our community and beyond showed up for these kids because they want to. Because they genuinely care and are invested in these children’s upbringing and future. Bridging the gap between our community and marginalized youth is one of the many ways ACH serves families and children.
Thank you to Tadd, the volunteers, the Wedgwood team, and to Kate for orchestrating this unforgettable night!
