Comics for change: Voter education comic book hits Philadelphia streets

The Liberty Knights, created by Konkret Comics, is a comic series based in Philadelphia aimed at encouraging Philadelphians to vote.

Have no fear Philadelphia voters. The Liberty Knights are here.

The Liberty Knights are the focus of a new Philadelphia-set comic book series aimed at encouraging Philadelphians to vote. 

The series features different types of Philadelphians expressing fears over voting, when an evil force causes them to doubt their importance as a voter. That’s when the heroes, the Liberty Knights, swoop in and restore their faith.

“The premise behind the whole concept of the Liberty Knights is that you have the power to make your own decisions and your vote does matter,” said Derek Allen, creator of the Liberty Knights and founder of Konkret Comics, who are releasing the series in collaboration with Show Up Strong and The Voter Project, organizations dedicated to increasing civic engagement. “I tried to show different people in different walks of life on their way to voting and the fears that may come about.”

Derek Allen

The Liberty Knights is an initiative that is part of a city-wide effort to reach new and diverse voters sponsored by The Voter Project. Around 100,000 copies of the comic will be distributed free of charge at schools, community centers, local businesses, and voting registration events throughout Philadelphia. 

Allen said comics have always been a powerful tool for storytelling and social change. He said it’s a new, interesting way to reach the younger generation.

“This election is very important. All elections are important to be honest with you, but this election is very important and the same boring tactics don’t work,” Allen said.