Transforming Graphic Novels into Accessible Audiobooks

Introduction

Graphic novels and comic books hold a special place for most readers, captivating people with their vivid artwork and action-packed narratives.

For people with print disabilities, accessing these stories require an accessible approach.

At CNIB Beyond Print, we transform graphic novels into accessible audiobooks, ensuring that everyone can immerse themselves in the world of storytelling.

In order to turn graphic novels into accessible audiobooks, an original script is created that tells the full story of the images, integrating dialogue and sound effects, as well as character voices.

This helps to ensure the reader can truly experience the story.

Reimagining ‘The Reckoner Rises’ Series

David A. Robertson is one of Canada’s most beloved Young Adult authors.

Set in a northern community, ‘The Reckoner Rises’ graphic novels, Breakdown and Version Control, by David A. Robertson and published by HighWater Press, follow Cree superhero teens battling against an insidious corporate conspiracy.

Through collaboration with Scott B. Henderson, the series’ artist, and the talented narrator Sera-Lys McArthur, CNIB Beyond Print brought these stories to life in an accessible audio format.

Image description and script from the graphic novel:

In the locker room scene from the novel, the shirtless protagonist Cole displays his arm, lacerated by broken glass, but miraculously clear of blood. His friend Joe looks on astonished.

Joe (whispered): Dude. You needed stitches.

Backed against a wall of red metal grate lockers, Joe runs a hand through his messy blonde hair. His other waves at Cole as an astonished, exhilarated smile spreads across his face. Cole and Eva sit on a bench in front of Joe.

Joe: Dude! This is like… you know what this is? This is like Clark Kent in Superman 2, you know? When he puts his hand in the fire, and Lois wants to look at it, but he won’t let her, and then she sees it eventually. And. There. Is. No. Burn. On. His. Hand!

Eva (whispering): He is your best friend. I can totally see it now.

Cole (whispering): Great movie.

Joe clasps his hands on Cole’s shoulders, looking him squarely in the eyes. Cole shyly turns away but can’t hold back a long overdue smile.

Joe: You’re like… Wolverine. You were cut, but now you’re not. You’ve got superpowers! You’re a mutant!

Cole: I guess.

Joe: Dude. Tell me that you can fly. Right now.

Eva scowls at Cole.

Cole: Actually…

Eva snaps around and punches Cole in his right shoulder, her eyes shooting daggers. Cole flinches.

Eva: Shut up!

Cole: Ow! Holy!

The Production Process

So how do we produce accessible audiobooks?

Turning a graphic novel into an audiobook requires meticulous attention to detail.

Scott B. Henderson’s script described every scene in vivid detail and was expertly brought to life by professional actors in CNIB Beyond Print’s Toronto studio.

Under the direction of our very own Jada Mendoza, each character’s voice resonated authentically to bring the story to life. Finally, Matt Montour, our producer put it all together with sound effects.

An audioclip describing the locker room scene in the novel:

“Working with the actors was the most exciting part,” says Matt, “I was blown away by how they made these graphic novels come to life.”

He adds: “Directing is the biggest challenge. Everyone recorded on different days and recorded their parts separately. This can make things difficult when you are marrying dialogue into something that sounds intimate and real.”

“Luckily, director Jada Mendoza is such a huge fan of the series and worked with the cast ensuring each read was not only in the right context, but believable to the listeners as well,” says Matt.

Meet the Cast: Amplifying Indigenous Voices

Central to the success of these audiobooks are the talented actors who lent their voices to the characters.

Leading the ensemble is Sera-Lys McArthur, whose narration transports listeners through the streets of Winnipeg, into clandestine laboratories, and amidst the hustle of high school gyms. A distinguished Assiniboine Canadian actress, McArthur’s credits include notable roles in CBC’s “Arctic Air”, The CW’s “Burden of Truth”, and as Mina “Thunderbird” Sky in Tom Clancy’s “Rainbow Six Siege” by Ubisoft.

The character of Cole Harper is played the talented Colton Clause. Cole is a teen grappling with regeneration amidst the harrowing effects of PTSD. Hailing from the Wolf Clan of the Cayuga Nation, Clause’s performances have graced screens in acclaimed series such as CBC’s “Murdoch Mysteries” and Amazon Prime’s “Three Pines.”

Chanin Lee takes on the character of Eva, a confident young woman with an extraordinary power: wielding control over air. An Indigenous actress with roots in Winnipeg, Lee’s presence resonates both on stage and screen with her depth of talent.

The talented Dana Solomon breathes life into the character of Pam the Guru, a non-binary computer hacker pivotal to the teens’ journey into the depths of corrupt Mihko Labs. Solomon, of Anishnaabe and Guyanese descent, brings a multifaceted portrayal honed through appearances in CBC’s “Anne with an E,” “Diggstown,” and “Heartland.”

Last, but certainly not least, Dillan Chiblow takes on the role of Brady, a Two Spirit ally who might be capable of destroying a lot more than anyone bargained for. As an Anishinaabe stage actor from Ontario, Chiblow breathes depth and authenticity into Brady’s complex character.

Acknowledging Partnerships

None of this would have been possible without the generous support of our dedicated partners.

CNIB Beyond Print acknowledges and extends our thanks to Department of Canadian Heritage’s Canada Book Fund, eBOUND Canada, and consultant Joanne Pak for their invaluable contributions.

Furthermore, Podium Audio’s gift allowed CNIB Beyond Print to advance creative and complex graphic novel audiobook production, featuring Indigenous narrators. Their generous support is helping us expand the horizons of inclusive storytelling.

Podium Audio is a North American producer of commercial audiobook titles, and a Partner in Innovation with CNIB in tearing down barriers to inclusion. We are grateful to Podium Audio for their support in producing these accessible audiobooks.

Closing Remarks

As we continue to champion inclusivity in storytelling, we invite you to join us in our mission.

Learn more about accessible audiobooks and how you can help make literature accessible to all: https://cnib-beyondprint.ca/producing-accessible-audiobooks/