While comic books may craft unique worlds, they can also have positive benefits towards mental health—an uplifting side effect in today’s overwhelming world. Dr. Alexis Leighton Croffie provides expert insight into how comic books can benefit readers beyond the storytelling experience.

“Growing up, there wasn’t a lot of representation, so it left an open space for me…The characters in Pepper Piper and the other comics we’re working on are reflective of a world where everyone’s story matters, not just the typical ones we’re used to seeing.”

”The heart of The Last Wardens is in its chaos—both emotional and physical. We wanted to create a world where everything is constantly falling apart, and the characters are just trying to hold it together…and how they pick up the pieces, or don’t, in the face of overwhelming odds.”

“I want new readers to fall in love with Popeye’s personality. If I can make them like him as a character, then I’ve done my job. Whether it’s his humor, his fight against bullies, or his love for spinach, I hope they find him as entertaining as I do.”

“We push classic literature onto students because of their technical aspects but it can stifle growth or creativity. When we open reading to comics, we don’t just foster better readers but future creators.”