The Problem and The Solution

We propose addressing this challenge by adapting the narrative of Never alone into an illustrated graphic novel to increase the audience outreach potential. Graphic novels have become one of the fastest-growing literary formats for children and young adults because they combine engaging artwork with meaningful narratives and storytelling. The illustrations and narration balance each other to enhance the experience for all readers, while also supporting literacy development and reading comprehension in fun and exciting ways. This redesign also creates opportunities for educators within schools. Teachers can incorporate the graphic novel into English as well as Social Studies lessons about Indigenous cultures, storytelling, cooperation, and cultural diversity without worrying about students' access to the technology needed to attain the original game. Communities can also attain the book more easily through libraries without needing to access and pay for the digital game. 

While adapting the original game into the graphic novel a large consideration was preserving cultural authenticity. Never alone was developed along side the Iñupiat people, this adaptation will respect the original traditional stories, themes, and visual representation rather than reinventing them. The graphic novel will maintain the same emotional tone, arctic setting and central message while using a different medium to tell the story of Nuna’s adventure to save her community. Our ultimate goal with this redesign is to expand the audience without changing the integrity or message behind the narrative. Readers who may never play a video game will still be given the opportunity to experience Nuna’s courageous journey, learn about the Iñupiat traditions, and reflect on the universal themes of friendship, perseverance, respect for nature and community. By adapting this emotional and impactful game into a graphic novel there is now potential for the story to reach schools, communities and readers globally, ensuring that this important cultural story continues to inspire and teach future generations.