WANDER : a study of change to coming-of-age through graphic storytelling

Abstract

This research explores the researcher’s coming-of-age journey through the creation of a graphic novel, combining theory with practice-based methods to examine how visual storytelling communicates change, maturity, and self-discovery. Through reflective journaling, artistic experimentation, and the study of other artists' works, the novel’s development becomes both a personal and creative process. The narrative follows a protagonist navigating growth, shaped by memories and past experiences. Flashbacks and evolving character designs subtly mark the passage of time, reinforcing how maturity emerges through reflection and learning. The novel captures the fleeting nature of youth and the emotions tied to revisiting the past, emphasizing that change is central to self-discovery and that growth takes many forms. By engaging with both personal and universal themes, the work invites readers to reflect on their own experiences of growing up. Ultimately, this research highlights the emotional power of visual storytelling in evoking nostalgia and deepening our understanding of how we learn from the past.