THE POWER OF COMICS
Comics and cartoons are often dismissed as a frivolous art form designed to elicit giggles and goofiness. While there is ample room for humor in comics, I believe that their value transcends humor alone. Comics have the power to convey social messages, awaken heroism, and change minds. The archetypal “good vs. evil” narrative that propels so many graphic novels is a vibrant way to frame environmental injustices for kids to understand. Through this underutilized medium, I aim to engage younger students, make environmental science accessible to all, and to bring to life more characters who are underrepresented in STEM fields.
As an artist, I believe that living an ethical life means using art as a tool to meaningfully engage an audience on social justice issues. Art is not merely a quiet, relaxing hobby; it is a purposeful, powerful way to pursue good and expose injustice. Art is loud!
ARTIST STATEMENT
Joy Reeves
Joy Reeves is an artist from Frederick, Maryland, whose specialty lies in climate communication and engaging public audiences. Her work has been showcased by the Center for Transformative Teaching and Learning, the National Science Foundation, and the U.S. Science & Engineering Festival. Joy incorporates a classic style into her comics through hand-drawn inking, subtly humorous scriptwriting, and witty characters, all of which are designed to shed new light on the adventures of being an environmentalist—and daring to speak up for what is right.
