Today was a beautiful Saturday morning and I spent it at Maylands Library at The Rise, attending a talk by comic book writer Shane McCarthy. When I arrived, the space was already buzzing and filled with parents, children, and eager young readers. Among them were several students from my own school, Maylands Primary, which made the experience even more meaningful.
It was genuinely cheering to see these students outside the classroom accompanied by their families, giving up their weekend time to learn. Their enthusiasm was unmistakable. What stood out most was the quality of their questions, very thoughtful, curious, and insightful. It was clear they read widely and think deeply about what they read. As a teacher, there’s something special about hearing your own students speak in that environment, confidently engaging with a real author.
Shane McCarthy himself was everything you might hope for, so warm, humorous, distinctly Australian and incredibly knowledgeable. He shared stories from his journey as a writer, offering a glimpse into the world of comics that felt both vast and accessible. His delivery was engaging and natural filled with wit and genuine passion.
One of the most interactive parts of the session involved a creative exercise. Shane drew two simple images on the board and invited the audience to build a story. He asked for nine different situations starting with easier ideas like “crash” or “holiday,” then moving into more challenging ones such as “two unrelated people,” “dreaming,” or “in-flight entertainment.” As the list grew, so did the complexity. The task became about connecting ideas, building links and thinking creatively about how seemingly unrelated elements could form a cohesive narrative. It was a brilliant demonstration of storytelling in action of problem-solving, imagining, and constructing meaning step by step.
Shane also guided the audience through the structure of comic creation. He explained the many roles involved: the writer, penciller, inker, colourist, letterer, and publisher. He broke down key elements like themes, dialogue, page layout, panels, and image descriptions showing how each piece contributes to the final work. He even discussed the progression from rough thumbnails to more detailed layouts, giving insight into the creative process behind the scenes.
The session included a discussion about different storytelling mediums with Shane asking the audience to name as many books and formats as they could. He then grouped them into categories, helping everyone see how stories can exist across multiple forms.
He also spoke about influential figures in comic history, including Hergé, Will Eisner, Jack Kirby, and Osamu Tezuka highlighting how their work shaped the industry we know today.
What made the talk particularly powerful was Shane’s openness. He spoke about being autistic and having ADHD explaining that when he includes characters with similar traits, he does so naturally without making it the defining feature. It’s simply part of who they are. He also shared stories from his childhood, speaking warmly about his parents, of his father’s steady presence and his mother’s unwavering belief in his talent. He was honest about the challenges he faced, including multiple rejections before finding success in the industry.
Throughout the session, Shane came across as down-to-earth, thoughtful and incredibly clever. His ability to connect with both children and adults made the experience engaging for everyone in the room. At the very back of the room sat his beautiful wife cheering and supporting.
It was a beautiful talk and an inspiring reminder of the power of storytelling, creativity, and persistence. For the students, it was a chance to meet a real author and see what’s possible. For me, it was a joy to witness their curiosity and excitement come to life beyond the classroom.
His books (source: Home • Shane McCarthy)
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