Culture Comics: Young Creators Reimagine Black Culture Through Graphic Novels
Late last year, young creators across the UK — aged 12 to 18 — were invited to respond to thought-provoking prompts around Black Culture using the powerful and playful medium of graphic storytelling. And now… the results are in.
The Culture Comics: Graphic Novel Competition, launched by Opal22 Arts and Edutainment in partnership with the Stephen Lawrence Research Centre (SLRC), was designed to spark bold ideas and creative expression in the next generation of storytellers.
Why graphic novels? Because they’re fun, dynamic, and most importantly, they make reading feel like an adventure. This format gave young people the freedom to think outside the box and explore personal, social, and cultural themes in a way that felt true to them. The results were as diverse as the creators themselves — from heartfelt reflections on generational influence in Black families, to humorous takes on cultural stereotypes, and even deeply introspective comics about identity, curiosity, and self-discovery.
Through these stories, we’ve been gifted a rare insight into how young people perceive the world, the things that shape their thoughts, and the questions they’re asking about history, heritage, and the future.
Public Exhibition at LCB Depot: Come See the Magic!
Starting 25th April through to 16th May, the Top winning entries will be showcased at the LCB Depot Gallery in Leicester. But this isn’t your typical exhibition — we’re doing things a little differently. Expect to see the work displayed in fun, engaging, and interactive ways, where visitors can view the submissions, respond to the prompts themselves, and take part in meaningful discussions around the themes and stories on display.
Masterclass for the Creators
To take things to the next level, the selected winners will also be invited to an exclusive workshop led by two comic powerhouses: Bobby Joseph, the UK’s first Black Comic Laureate, and Waheeda Rahman-Mair, a celebrated illustrator and animator. As part of the original judging panel, they’ll now work hands-on with the young artists to help them develop their narratives, hone their craft, and explore how comics can be used to educate, empower, and inspire change.
Coming Soon: The Culture Comics Anthology
Can’t make it to the exhibition? Don’t worry — all winning comics will be professionally published in a curated anthology, available to purchase following the launch event. This collection will be more than just a book — it’s a time capsule of this generation’s voices, illustrated with passion and power.
