Spark Unmasked graphic (via Centerstone Press Release)
Centerstone has released its seventh topical comic book in time for Pride month titled “Spark Unmasked,” addressing matters of identity and belonging among LGBTQ youth.
Centerstone is a not-for-profit health system dedicated to providing mental health assistance and substance use disorder treatments. The organization is a national leader in behavioral health and addiction services with locations in Florida, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky and Tennessee.
Centerstone Comics is a part of the organization’s Prevention Services, designed to educate and empower youth to make positive decisions when facing common issues in life. Each story centers on teenager Amber Hernandez, also known as superhero Spark. In each issue, Spark explores a topic and meets new characters as she tackles situations such as bullying, depression and suicide, online safety, drugs and now identity.
“Spark Unmasked” focuses on a student named Aspen, whose pronouns are they/them. Aspen is befriended by Amber (Spark) and opens up about having trouble fitting in at school. Throughout the comic, Spark guides Aspen to teachers they can trust, and teaches them about various support groups and social opportunities to feel more welcome in their identity.
“We’re excited to bring “Spark Unmasked” and important conversations within the LGBTQ+ community to a larger audience,” said Amanda McGeshick, Centerstone program manager. “Our organization encounters a lot of young people whose mental health suffers due to stigma and discrimination in this space. We hope this new resource will be helpful to students, families, and community leaders everywhere.”
“Spark Unmasked” was written in partnership with writer Allison Chaney Whitmore in Los Angeles. Illustration for the comic book was created in partnership with pencil and ink artist Carola Borelli, colorist Agnese Pozza, and letterer Roberto Megna, all three of which are based in Italy.
This issue of “Spark” is available on the Centerstone website, as well as popular comic websites Tapas and Webtoon.
