If you’re a science fiction comic book fan you’ll probably like PLANET DIVOC-91. Recently, AIPT spoke with PLANET DIVOC-91 creators Sara Kenney and neurobiologist and science communicator, Bella Starling about the series which is attempting to both entertain and build a community on WEBTOON where young adults can get empowered and drive positive change by helping direct research. Kenney recently spoke on this concept saying, “Ultimately the young adults are co-curating how Planet Divoc-91 will end. Each writer and artist team is helping us navigate the story and get to that ending in an inventive and unique way!”
Adding on that fact, Kenney said, “This project is not just a commentary about the pandemic situation, it’s a participatory arts process that actively works with young adults so they can be part of the solutions. We have young people from the UK, India, and South Africa interviewing experts and creating articles, art, and music inspired by engaging with these experts. The writers and artists are invited to attend these conversations with experts and also have an opportunity to talk to our young adults about the characters and story world. We have a process, which enables us to help young adults to find their power – and how they might influence research and policy.
So what’s it about? In Kenney’s words:
“This is the story of Sanda and Champo Oung – siblings who along with all the young adults on earth (16-25 year olds) have been zapped to another planet. When Sanda and Champo meet the (mostly) friendly aliens who run Planet Divoc-91 they discover the Earth is under threat of an undisclosed Extinction Level Event. This allegorical sci-fi satire follows Sanda’s journey from frightened introvert to quiet and confident leader who finds a purpose in all this confusion.
Check out the preview below!
PLANET DIVOC-91 Chapter Two
Art by Nick Brokenshire
Words by Charlotte Bailey
Color by James Devlin
Letters by Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou
Cover by Matt Kindt
Release Date: August 18, 2020
Chapter two is written by Charlotte Baily who added, “Stories frame our reality and help us to understand what’s going on and how to process our feelings; in my chapter the character has just been told her planet is being threatened and she’s got a job to do in order to alleviate the suffering around her…sounds pretty familiar in 2020, right? I hope our readers get to learn things about themselves and their own reactions from this comic, as well as getting a fun dose of escapism. I’m so proud to be part of this project. The diversity of characters and collaborative input from the target audience is inspiring too…so much love and attention is going into this project. It’s a wonderful legacy to create during these crazy times and I can’t wait to see it brought to life. We’re in for a treat!”
For a closer look at the creation of the cover by Matt Kindt, check out the video below.
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