Brain Tumour Comics

In 2023 Brain Tumour Support NZ embarked on a research collaboration with Professor Neal Curtis of the University of Auckland and others to produce a series of brain tumour comics for the purposes of education, information and telling the important stories of those in our community.

Graphic medicine is the use of comics, graphic novels, and illustrations in medical education and patient care. It leverages the power of visual storytelling to communicate medical information, patient experiences, and healthcare concepts in an accessible and engaging way. 

Professor Neal Curtis of the University of Auckland Department of Media Studies led the project. Collaborators on the project include: Dr Thomas Park (Centre for Brain Research); Dr Clinton Turner (Auckland City Hospital); a team of talented illustrators/artists: Janina Gaudin, Sarah Wilkins and Hana Chatani; and our storytellers Tania Anstiss, Mandy Bathan and Kate Coatsworth.

There are three informative and educational comics covering an introduction to brain tumours (What Are Brain Tumours?), support for children who have a parent or carer with a brain tumour (Mum’s Acting a Bit Strange) and obtaining a diagnosis (Processing Your Tissue Sample in the Lab). A further three comics tell the personal stories of two patients (Mandy and Kate) and a caregiver (Tania).

To download any of these comics click on the cover page below.