An Enriching Journey into the World of Comics with 7th and 8th Graders

Recently, I had the pleasure of presenting a lecture titled “Heroes and Comics” to a group of enthusiastic 7th and 8th grade boys. The session was a deep dive into the rich history of comics, spanning from 1895 to 2025, covering 130 years in just an hour. We concluded with an engaging interactive segment where the students created their own superheroes.

The journey began with the origins of comics, leading the boys through decades of evolving stories and characters. We explored the Hero’s Journey, a storytelling template that resonates across time, from the ordinary world to extraordinary adventures, and the transformation that follows.

During the interactive portion, the boys created their own superheroes, drawing inspiration from various influences, including rap music. It was fascinating to see their creativity unfold. I shared that each chapter of my story LUCID is named after a rap song, which truly excited them.

The session ended on a high note, with each boy receiving a signed copy of LUCID. It was a rewarding experience, not just for them, but for me as well. I learned so much from their perspectives and their enthusiasm for characters like Miles Morales and Black Panther.

I look forward to more opportunities to share and learn in the future.