DEAR
READER
There is stardust in our brains . Sprinkled into our personality are compulsions , cognition , nuances , and neuroticisms ; and like all our differences , neural diversity gives us strength and humanity . Even so , the spectrum of neurodiversity is cradled with stigma , and finding characters our inside voice ( s ) can relate to in entertainment may prove more difficult . The nature of graphic novels allows readers to see themselves in a three-dimensional way within the two-dimensional world . The art accompanying the script allows characters to express their inner and outer thoughts with a tangible depth unseen in prose . This difference holds incredible weight when considering we do not always communicate our thoughts as we think them .
Emotional intelligence is a critical tool for interpersonal relationship health and communication , and having characters with diverse ways of thinking , not just in how they approach issues but how their brain functions , is priceless . This issue is special because it takes our external battle for diverse equity below the surface , and it asks us : are we truly embracing our differences , if we cannot speak our mind ?
The books you ’ ll find in this issue are ripe with characters grappling with personal mental disorders , illnesses , and compulsions — all silent battles whose cavalry refuses to quiet their stories any longer . As you read through this issue , ponder the minds of the patrons who come through your doors and what they might be thinking . I hope you find more characters for your readers to relate to for your shelves .
Happy Reading !
Ashley
Kronsberg
Ashley Kronsberg Editor in Chief kashley @ diamondcomics . com
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