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 community through his art, and this isn’t his first foray into comics—he’s actually authored two so far. We kicked off our conversation by exploring how the idea for the book came to life and how the protagonist, Susan, is portrayed.
At its core, A Black Eyed Susan follows a little girl on the autism spectrum as she navigates her world. What makes it even more unique is that Susan communicates through haiku poetry—a structured form with a 5-7-5 syllable pattern. This resonated deeply with me, having worked extensively with individuals on the autism spectrum and in the special needs community. Susan’s life isn’t the glossy, idealized version we often see in media. The story opens with her in school, sitting with her mother to discuss class placements—much like an IEP meeting—at a new school, hinting at frequent moves. From there, it delves into her daily experiences: living with her single mother, interacting with her grandmother, classmates, therapist, and even budding relationships. It’s all viewed through Susan’s eyes, offering an authentic glimpse into how someone on the spectrum processes the world around them.
What impressed me most about Kerry’s approach is his background as an educator who works directly with people on the autism spectrum. He handles the narrative with delicacy and factual accuracy, peeling back layers to reveal the real challenges and triumphs of special needs life. The comic hit me hard—some moments left me pausing to reflect, and as soon as I finished, I knew I had to reread it. It’s that profound.
I highly recommend A Black Eyed Susan to educators, parents of children with special needs, individuals on the spectrum themselves, or anyone in a related profession. Honestly, we’re all touched by disability in some way, whether through family, friends, or colleagues. This book deserves a spot in your office, home, or wherever you can reference it to better understand how minds on the spectrum work—especially in non-traditional settings. Kerry does an excellent job highlighting realities like growing up in a single-parent household, where financial struggles can add layers of complexity not always present in two-income families. He also explores how literal thinking and comprehension challenges impact social navigation, making the story both educational and empathetic.
During our chat, Kerry opened up about his passion for creating relatable, real-life comic books. Tragically, his journey into this medium was sparked by the loss of his son at age 14. He channeled that grief into another comic focused on coping with the death of a child, Langley, proving comics can be a powerful tool for processing heavy emotions. Kerry is an author worth supporting and following—his work cuts through the noise of our chaotic world with stories that feel grounded and genuine.
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