We’ve talked a little about why we chose the steampunk aesthetic for the comics at Autism at Face Value. At first glance, the connection between steampunk and autism might seem unexpected but to me it felt actually quite natural.

Steampunk offers a rich, imaginative re-envisioning of a steam-powered future, full of intricate design and detail. Many individuals on the autism spectrum have a strong appreciation for nuance and fine detail, which makes the steampunk genre particularly resonant. In our comics, you’ll notice that every character is a blend of Victorian-era style and futuristic innovation perhaps a classic waistcoat paired with high-tech goggles or steam-powered gadgets. These elements reflect a world of possibility and precision.

The genre’s emphasis on technology is another meaningful link. Technology often provides a comfort zone for many autistic individuals. It’s not uncommon for someone on the spectrum to have a deep interest in how things work or to display great creativity through innovation. Steampunk, with its few boundaries and boundless room for invention, allows for this kind of imaginative freedom whether it’s designing a new kind of airship or a clever piece of gear.

Technology has also opened up new channels for communication. Take, for example, Carly Fleischmann, a college graduate with autism who doesn’t speak using her voice. Yet, she communicates powerfully through her writing, including a well-known blog and social media presence. This kind of expressive outlet is a reminder that communication takes many forms. In Issue #2 of our comic, we introduce a non-speaking character named Myra. You might wonder, “How will she communicate?” But rest assured Myra’s presence is strong, and her story will be just as powerful, even without spoken dialogue.

The whimsical nature of steampunk its unapologetic uniqueness and creativity is another reason it resonates. There’s no “wrong” way to do steampunk. It’s an imaginative space where creativity takes center stage. As Captain Robert from the steampunk band Abney Park once said, “It takes a special kind of moron to argue that your ‘make-believe’ isn’t real enough.” We embrace that spirit, using fantastical settings to explore authentic emotional experiences that help young readers navigate the real world.

For many autistic individuals, the freedom to imagine, build, and express without restriction can be incredibly empowering. The world isn’t always designed with neurodiversity in mind. Immersing oneself in a genre like steampunk or exploring other innovative technologies and worlds, like bio-diesel-powered machines can feel like both a refuge and a canvas for creativity.

Stay tuned there’s so much more to discover.