How Comics Create More Open-Minded Communities

A talk by Rodney Barnes, Joel Gill, Maia Kobabe, Amanda Meadows, Stan Stanley and Brenna Thummler

From bridging gaps in reading-levels to inspiring the busy individual to pick up a book again, comics invite readers to step inside a new world, tackling difficult topics with grace and empathy. The combination of images and words make graphic novels feel more accessible, even when covering weighty subjects, and allow readers to process at their own pace. By visually seeing oneself in a particular situation, readers not only learn more about the topic, but gain more empathy, and learn to recognize visual cues in those around them who may be struggling to talk about their feelings and experiences.