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I am truly impressed! Your comic books address some of the most pressing social issues of our time—mental health, knife crime, and bullying—through powerful storytelling and beautiful artwork. Each issue tackles these difficult topics with sensitivity and insight, offering not just a glimpse into the challenges individuals face but also hope for change. The characters are relatable and beautifully developed, reflecting the real struggles that people go through, making it easy for readers to connect on a personal level. The narratives are impactful, helping readers understand the emotional complexities behind these issues. What sets Penificent apart is their ability to balance education with entertainment, creating comics that are both enlightening and engaging. As well as their commitment to using art as a platform for awareness and change. Truly inspiring!
Wow!!!! This story is truly inspiring and captivating. Growing up in London myself, I have witnessed so many examples of people who went down a similar path to Deanii. Witnessing people being bullied, victimised and unable to defend themselves is so relatable in this current day and age that the story hits home to so many young people. Looking at Deanii’s life, it’s a reminder that people can change for better or worse depending on the right influences. The pressure Deanii faced after being bullied, lead him down a path of fighting back to try and build his reputation which lead him down path of crime, very relatable growing up in an urban environment. Losing his father to illness, going through pressure from his mother to help provide for the family, these things are happening on a day to day basis and it’s good to see how Penificent have captured this and made a creative comic addressing these issues. It goes to show that when people are going through a lot of stress and anxiety, having friends like Raymond who are there to support and reassure you that everything will be ok is a blessing. Such a good read, well done Anthony and Steven for producing a comic that people can read, relate to and understand the struggles in life. 10/10. Look forward to seeing what else is in store for Penificent in the future.
In Exploited and Criminalised #1, we see our main character go through many challenges. For example, she starts working for a drug dealer in order to save her brother. The story warns us not to get involved with the wrong type of people as it can have a negative affect amongst the people around you.
I am careful to avoid situations that look problematic which is the best thing to do. I enjoyed reading this comic and I can't wait to read the second installment.
So, I will firstly start b y saying that I am now reading Penificent comics for myself! I was initially screening them for my son, but the storylines are so gripping that I am hooked.
I really love the wait when I have ordered the next comic, anticipating its arrival in the post! My son also.
In the next installment of Exploited& Criminalised, we see Isa make a wrong move and the consequences that then ensue. We see a beautiful, powerful girl become ugly in character and weak in mind.
As a parent, it is very thought provoking and unsettling. It's so important to be aware of the voices informing your child and influencing them in the wrong direction.
As I read the story, as a parent, I just wanted to rescue Isa, bring her home, make her a nice homemade meal and give her the hug her foster father never, ever gave her.
Penificent isn't just for young readers, it's for parents, teachers, youth group leaders, football coaches and all of those individuals and organisations who have an opportunity to impact the life of our young people today.
It was a privilege to collaborate with such a creative team who also shared understanding for the relevance and need of the project and passion for amplifying the voice and experiences of children and young people who may have experienced exploitation and abuse.
Penificent's 2 visually stunning pieces of work with content that was accessible to the target audience of 11-16 year old's.
These comics provide the opportunity for children and young people to learn and understand the complexities around exploitation and abuse in a safe way. They aid discussion, intervention and support on a 1:1 and group level where exploitation may be a concern and help young people recognise the signs of abuse in a safe way.
I would love the opportunity to again work with such talented and kind individuals, who’s passion for highlighting social issues and making a positive impact to society shines through all that they do.
I first came across the wonderful Penificient Comics during the covid pandemic. way back in 2021.I was excited to learn that the authors were young black men, striving to make a difference to their own community in a positive way. I ordered all three editions of The Peace of War for my son Elijah, which includes a special edition copy.
My son was nine years old at the time and Penificient helpfully guided me to ensure I ordered their comics which were suitably age appropriate.
Elijah instantly got stuck into reading the comics and he loved them, he would constantly update me on the storyline. He was also excited that he resembled one of the characters who sported a large afro like his own!
As a parent who has proactively monitored my son's interactions with social media and screen time, it was very refreshing to see him taking in the ''written' word so to speak.
Fast forward three years and Elijah is now old enough to read the
comics which tackle more serious issues such as knife crime and gangs.
The Follow Up Discussion questions at the end are an excellent way to engage with your children in a way that they might not necessarily embrace otherwise.
These comics are not just entertaining as well as educational, they are important. Important to every black parent navigating the devastating social ills and dangers our young people face every single day.
I salute both Steven Okeya and Anthony Aina for their sincere and earnest efforts to make a difference.
Thank you.