BLAK POWER COMIX is a quarterly anthology celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander storytelling through the exciting medium of comics and graphic novels.
Produced by Darwin-based not-for-profit Wild North Arts Inc., the publication showcases both established and emerging Indigenous writers and illustrators from across Australia while providing young readers with engaging stories that reflect their cultures, communities and contemporary experiences.
- Title: “BLAK POWER COMIX #1”
- Written by: Scott Wilson, Brenton E. McKenna and Jonathon Saunders
- Illustrated by: Katie Houghton-Wood, Brenton E. McKenna and Jonathon Saunders
- Edited by: Jonathan Suunders
- Age Group: 8 – 16 years (with broader appeal for families, educators and community reading programs)
- Links to MTOP ⬇️
| Principles | Practices | MTOP Outcomes |
|---|---|---|
| Principles Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives | PracticesCollaboration with children and young people | MTOP OutcomesChildren and young people have a strong sense of identity |
| Principles Respect for diversity | PracticesHolistic, integrated and interconnected approaches | MTOP OutcomesChildren and young people are effective communicators |
About the Book
Issue One features action, humour, fantasy and superhero storytelling, demonstrating that Indigenous stories can exist across every genre while remaining deeply connected to culture and identity.
Stories include:
- the action-packed fantasy Dark Heart written by Scott Wilson which has launched the Indigiverse comics line
- the humorous Hairy Holes by Brenton E. McKenna which explores the yowie mythology of outback Australia
- and The Cockatoo, an origin story introducing a new Aboriginal superhero from the 60s who was mentored by his uncle David Unaipon the famous Aboriginal inventor.
The publication also includes interviews, creator profiles and previews of upcoming works, giving readers insight into the creative process.
The anthology serves as both entertainment and a platform for positive representation, allowing young people to see First Nations heroes, artists and storytellers leading contemporary Australian literature.
But there is more…
Beyond the publication itself, BLAK POWER COMIX supports workshops, mentorships and community engagement programs that encourage young people to create and share their own stories and find employment pathways as writers, illustrators within the animation industry.
👉 Find out more: BLAK POWER COMIX | Wildnorthcomics
Why We Love It
written by Timothy Parish, Creative Director from Wild North Comics
“We created BLAK POWER COMIX because we believe every young person deserves stories that excite them, inspire them and make them proud of who they are.
Too often, reading is presented as a chore rather than an adventure. Comics change that. They combine dynamic artwork with engaging storytelling, inviting even reluctant readers to pick up a book and lose themselves in a world of imagination.
Our passion is to create literature that is accessible, fun and culturally relevant. We want young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers to see heroes who look like them, speak like them and reflect the strength, humour and creativity of their communities.
At the same time, we want all Australian readers to discover the richness and diversity of First Nations storytelling through contemporary genres such as fantasy, science fiction, comedy and superhero adventures.“
Creating Opportunity
BLAK POWER COMIX is also about creating opportunity. Behind every comic is a writer, an illustrator, a designer or an editor whose talent deserves to be recognised and supported. The publication provides a platform for both established and emerging First Nations creators to share their work with new audiences while developing professional skills and sustainable creative careers.
As a social impact initiative, profits from the anthology are reinvested into workshops, mentorships, exhibitions and career development programs that encourage the next generation of storytellers. Our goal is not simply to publish comics – it is to build pathways into the creative industries and demonstrate that storytelling can become a meaningful profession.
👉 Learn more: ABOUT | Wildnorthcomics
Sparking Life-Changing Conversation
We also believe stories bring people together. Reading a comic can spark conversations between children, families, educators and communities about identity, courage, kindness and resilience. A single story can inspire someone to draw their first character, write their first script or imagine a future they had never considered possible.
Ultimately, we love BLAK POWER COMIX because it celebrates creativity as a form of empowerment. It reminds young people that their voices matter, that their stories deserve to be told, and that imagination has the power to build confidence, strengthen culture and create connections that last a lifetime.
