A Haunted Girl: A Story of Mental Health and Triumph
In a new four-issue miniseries, co-authored by comic book writer Ethan Sacks, a teenage girl is chosen to save the world from supernatural threats. What sets this story apart is that the chosen one, Cleo, is also struggling with depression and suicidal thoughts.
The concept for A Haunted Girl was born while Sacks was waiting in a hospital cafeteria with his 19-year-old daughter, Naomi, who has experienced severe depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation. Naomi, who is now a co-author of the series, has found that writing about her experiences has helped her process her emotions and gain a new perspective.
A Haunted Girl: A Personal Story
Naomi’s experiences with depression and anxiety have been a driving force behind the creation of A Haunted Girl. As a result, the story is deeply personal and relatable. For Naomi, co-authoring the series has been a therapeutic experience, allowing her to reflect on her past and offer hope to those who may be struggling.
"I hope that people who are going through dark times can relate to the character and understand that even if everything doesn’t become magically perfect and OK, you can still get through it," Naomi said.
The Story of Cleo
Cleo, a 16-year-old Japanese American, is an adopted teenager who is hospitalized due to her anxiety and depression. As she navigates her new surroundings, she begins to question her grip on reality, but it’s not just her imagination playing tricks on her. Paranormal events in the hospital and beyond make Cleo realize that she’s not hallucinating. Instead, she’s the last living member of an ancient lineage with the power to fight a supernatural threat.
A Haunted Girl: A New Take on the Chosen One Trope
Ethan and Naomi chose to make A Haunted Girl a supernatural horror story, which allows them to create distance between the reality of Naomi’s experiences and the emotional intensity of the story. The horror genre also provides a cathartic experience, allowing the reader to confront and overcome their fears.
As the story progresses, Cleo becomes stronger and more capable, ultimately triumphing over the forces of evil. The conclusion is definitively positive, emphasizing the message that there is hope for those struggling with mental health issues.
Collaboration and Inspiration
Naomi drew inspiration from her love of cartoonist Raina Telgemeier’s book Guts, which chronicles a teenage girl’s experience with anxiety. She also incorporated her own coping skills, such as grounding exercises and physical activity, to help regulate her emotions.
Ethan, who has written for Star Wars and Marvel, was inspired by the "chosen one" trope in Harry Potter, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and Star Wars, as well as the portrayal of parental suffering in The Exorcist.
A Haunted Girl: A Guide to Mental Health
The series includes an American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) guide to suicide prevention resources, making it a valuable resource for those struggling with mental health issues.
Ethan and Naomi hope that A Haunted Girl will empower young people and their loved ones to openly discuss mental health challenges. "With this project, we’re just leaning into this idea where you should not be ashamed or afraid of telling people," Ethan said.
Conclusion
A Haunted Girl is a powerful and relatable story that will resonate with readers of all ages. By combining the genres of horror and coming-of-age, the series offers a unique perspective on the struggles of adolescence and the importance of seeking help.
FAQs
Q: What is A Haunted Girl about?
A: A Haunted Girl is a four-issue miniseries about a teenage girl, Cleo, who is chosen to save the world from supernatural threats while struggling with depression and suicidal thoughts.
Q: Who is the target audience for A Haunted Girl?
A: The target audience is young adults and anyone who has experienced mental health issues.
Q: What are the main themes of A Haunted Girl?
A: The main themes are mental health, recovery, and hope.
Q: What is the tone of A Haunted Girl?
A: The tone is a mix of horror and coming-of-age, with a strong emphasis on hope and positivity.
Q: Is A Haunted Girl suitable for all ages?
A: While A Haunted Girl is suitable for young adults, the series may not be suitable for all ages due to mature themes and content.
