The Boy and The Man is a visually stunning and emotionally raw graphic novel that follows your journey of resilience and self-discovery after a devastating stroke. What inspired you to create a graphic novel about your experience?

Driven by a profound need to express myself and share my story, I turned to writing as a therapeutic outlet. Though returning to work was not feasible, writing became my lifeline, as it helped me make sense of the trauma I endured. My debut book, A Cry in the Dark, chronicled my journey through pain, hope, and resilience. But as I continued to reflect on my recovery, I realized that certain emotions and experiences couldn’t be fully captured through words alone. I lacked formal art training before my stroke, yet after encouragement from Dr. Moses Koh to illustrate the book myself, I discovered a latent talent. Art became a visual language that allowed me to express emotions that writing couldn’t, which is how The Boy and The Man came to life. By blending writing and illustration, I hoped to create a more immersive storytelling experience that would resonate deeply with both stroke survivors and a broader audience.

The boy’s final quote about the tunnel feels deeply metaphorical. Was this a reflection of your own fears during your recovery, or did it come from another personal experience?

The metaphor of the tunnel reflects my own fears during recovery, particularly in the early stages. When I first had my stroke, the uncertainty about whether I’d recover fully felt like being in a dark tunnel with no visible exit. Writing, and eventually illustrating, helped me process those emotions. Each word and each image became a small victory, bringing me closer to that light at the end of the tunnel. That quote represents not only my fears but also my determination to push through the unknown, knowing there’s hope waiting ahead.

Your artwork feels so integral to the story. How did the process of illustrating your recovery journey differ from writing about it?

Illustrating my recovery journey felt deeply transformative. Writing has always been my way of regaining control, but illustrating added another dimension to that process. Although I initially wanted to hire a professional illustrator, creating the artwork myself was a challenge that boosted my self-confidence. Through this process, I discovered that art was a powerful way to express emotions that words couldn’t fully capture, especially with aphasia. Art became my visual language, allowing me to convey complex feelings in a raw and authentic way. The process of creating each image felt liberating—every stroke and color choice carried a depth that writing alone couldn’t convey. Writing with aphasia is meticulous and deliberate, but illustrating gave me the freedom to express myself in a way that felt immediate and profound.

How has sharing your personal story through The Boy and The Man affected your outlook on both your own healing and the conversations surrounding stroke recovery?

Sharing my story through The Boy and The Man has been deeply cathartic. It’s made me realize how art and storytelling have given me new ways to communicate and understand my own healing. The feedback I’ve received has opened up conversations about stroke recovery that I hadn’t anticipated—particularly regarding the emotional and mental toll it takes, which often goes unnoticed. By sharing my journey, I hope to show others that recovery is not just about the physical, but also about regaining a sense of self and purpose. The book, blending both art and narrative, has allowed me to connect with people on a deeper level and has empowered me to continue advocating for stroke survivors.

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THE BOY & THE MAN: FROM A CRY IN THE DARK
From the harrowing pages of A Cry in the Dark comes The Boy & The Man, a poignant graphic novel that delves deep into the extraordinary journey of Terence Ang. Once a dynamic leader at the pinnacle of his career, Terence’s life is abruptly derailed by a life-altering stroke. Stripped of his former abilities, he faces the daunting task of relearning basic skills and reclaiming his life from the shadows of despair.

As Terence grapples with his new reality, his mind conjures a vivid hallucination— a new “team” at his workplace. Each member, flawed yet eager, becomes a mirror of his own struggles. Terence feels an inexplicable drive to guide them, to push them towards success. Through their fumbles, failures, and eventual victories, Terence begins to see these figures for what they truly are: manifestations of his fears, his doubts, and his unyielding determination to move forward.

Every victory, no matter how small, brings Terence closer to reclaiming his voice, his strength, and his identity. The vulnerable boy within him—the one who trembles in the face of fear—begins to walk hand in hand with the man he is becoming. Together, they navigate this treacherous path, forging a way out of the darkness.

The Boy & The Man is not just a tale of survival; it is a raw, unflinching testament to the indomitable human spirit. It is a story of hope, resilience, and the incredible strength that lies within each of us. For anyone who has ever felt broken, lost, or on the brink of giving up, this novel serves as a powerful reminder: even in the face of unimaginable challenges, you can find your way back. You can rewrite your story.