15 January 2021

#AntarcticLog: Science & Action

Posted by Shane Hanlon

#AntarcticLog is a series of comics by Karen Romano Young. You can find the originals here

I’ve got an old button on the wall of my studio. “Speak your mind — even if your voice shakes.” 

If ever there was a shaky time, this is one. I can say that from the perspective of my years. But for kids, it’s the only time they know. So I’m especially impressed at the ones who speak up, and I’m finding them all over the world.  I want to draw and quote them all — whether they’re famous (Nobel prize contenders like Greta Thunberg, who just turned 18 last week) or not, part of worldwide initiatives or lone actors. 

Here are a few comics about young activists. 

Among my favorites are these two, one penned by kids in Penzance, Cornwall, UK, to help parents figure out how to get their kids excused from school to take part in protests; and another, a statement about students. 

And finally, you don’t have to be a kid to be a brave activist warrior.  The quote at the top of this blog came from Maggie Kuhn, who founded the social activist group the Gray Panthers at age 65. 

I’m going to keep her words over my desk, and try to make my pen shake.  If that’s what it takes to affect climate change CHANGE, that’s what I’ll do. 

Karen Romano Young is a writer, artist, deep-sea diver, and polar explorer. Follow her on Twitter & Instagram