This comic was based as closely as possible on the account of “Thomas’” mother. She spoke passionately about her and her son’s situation, with a mix of specific examples and the philosophy that those anecdotes have developed in her. I took my job as merely the messenger, reformatting her words into a tight narrative essay in comics form. Since I was unable to check back with her for feedback during this process, I can only attest to this being my best effort to interpret what she said.
One of the things about comics is it’s a medium that can make a strong, personal-feeling, emotional connection with the audience. I definitely wanted to use the full comics toolbox to make this family relatable and empathetic to anyone who might read it. “Thomas” reminds me of kids that I’ve met in real life, and while this particular child isn’t one I’m ever likely to know in person, I want him to be knowable to the reader, who will also never meet him. You will meet kids like him. It helps to have a starting point.
– JD