Exploring Autism Through the Lens of ‘A Black Eyed Susan’

Last week, I had the privilege of sitting down with Kerry Smith, better known on social media as “TheKyleBlue,” to discuss his captivating comic book, A Black Eyed Susan. This isn’t your typical superhero saga—it’s a heartfelt, relatable story that shines a light on life from the perspective of a young girl on the autism spectrum. As someone who’s not an avid comic book reader but has a deep appreciation for illustrations, storytelling, and seeing narratives leap from page to screen, I wasn’t sure what to expect when I first cracked it open. What I found was a powerful form of storytelling that we desperately need more of in today’s world.

Kerry greeted me online with a warm smile and infectious positivity, eager to dive into the inspiration behind A Black Eyed Susan. He’s led an extraordinary life, giving back to the comm ...