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Bringing Financial Literacy to Life Through Sequential Art
For over a decade, the Barbados-based indie comic publisher ‘Beyond Publishing’ has been dedicated to creating impactful stories celebrating Caribbean culture. Whether exploring fantasy, sci-fi, adventure or addressing pressing societal issues such as gun violence, human trafficking, and domestic abuse, the publisher consistently strives to deliver emotionally resonant storytelling. With the comic book project Loose Change, Beyond Publishing is embarking on a new venture that combines creativity with education to enhance financial literacy.
As a creative, I aspire to create stories that stick inside the mind and to present the Caribbean in ways that have not been seen before. Many of our projects have tackled this mission by leveraging Caribbean folklore, history, and characters in our setting. But Loose Change presents a unique opportunity to explore this in even more ambitious ways.
Financial literacy remains a significant challenge in the Caribbean, particularly among young people. While financial institutions and schools have introduced programs to address this issue, financial concepts are often considered complex or intimidating. Many students perceive business and finance solely as academic subjects rather than practical skills essential for their futures.
Delvin Howell, co-founder and author at Beyond Publishing but also a professional in the financial sector, sought to shift the narrative. With the support of the Creative Caribbean grant, implemented by the UNESCO Office for the Caribbean, the Caribbean Community Secretariat, and the University of the West Indies, with the financial contribution of the European Union and the support of the Organisation of ACP States, Howell uses comics as both an emotional and educational tool to make financial literacy more engaging and accessible.
By equipping readers with financial knowledge, Howell hopes to empower young people with the confidence to make informed decisions and build secure financial futures for themselves and their families.
Readers could be encouraged about the excitement that comes with a business enterprise, no matter how small, and the pleasure of being of value to people, communities, and capturing value for themselves!
Since early 2024, Loose Change has been promoting entrepreneurship and financial literacy among readers of all ages. The first volume spans 150 illustrated pages across five chapters. It is set in the prestigious Monarch Business School, an elite institution that attracts the brightest students from across the Caribbean. The story follows two rival protagonists who drive each other to excel in high-stakes competitions and term trials centered around commerce.
The comic book series also draws inspiration from the market of Japanese comics (known as 'manga'), where those focused on extracurricular activities—such as sports, cooking, and other hobbies—have significantly influenced student participation in related school clubs. Howell was intrigued by the idea of applying a similar approach to commerce and entrepreneurship in the Caribbean.
Beyond its engaging themes of entrepreneurship, teamwork, and the realities of wealth creation, Loose Change also places significant emphasis on its graphic aspect. Howell underscores the importance of designing memorable characters, incorporating striking visual motifs such as the regalia of powerful families and prestigious title cars, and introducing surreal elements to create an immersive and dynamic Monarch Business School universe.
Researching for this project allowed Beyond Publishing to reflect on its own model and engage with real businesses. This yielded valuable insights into other models and highlighted the challenges and adaptations required for financial success in the Caribbean. While Loose Change is still in production, Beyond Publishing remains committed to delivering a compelling and educational reading experience.
By connecting financial literacy with the excitement of storytelling, Loose Change has the potential to inspire a new generation of Caribbean entrepreneurs and equip them with the knowledge and confidence to navigate the world of business successfully.
