Chad Burdette
Marvel’s latest hero isn’t just saving the day, she’s living with type 1 diabetes (T1D). Created in collaboration with Insulet, makers of the tubeless insulin pump Omnipod 5, Dyasonic is a new custom Marvel comic that brings authentic T1D representation to the page.
This collaboration aims to increase representation and empower the diabetes community. A global survey found that while nearly all people with T1D want to see themselves reflected in culture, more than half rarely or never do.[1]
Written by comic book author Paul Allor (Marvel Rivals, TMNT, GI Joe, Clue, Hollow Heart, Tet, more), who also lives with diabetes, the story tackles common emotional hurdles like fear of judgment, stigma, and shame. It sends a powerful message to readers: diabetes doesn’t define you and you’re not alone.
They are the ongoing writer on the Marvel Rivals comic, which ties into the smash-hit video game! New chapters come out nearly every week on Marvel Unlimited, and every few months a trade collection is relased. The first trade is out, and the second one, Marvel Rivals: Hellfire Gala comes out August 6.
I’ve also written some recent issues of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Nation. Other than that, just working on a slew of unannounced projects!
Dyasonic, a high schooler navigating a new diagnosis, builds sonic gloves powered by her love of science, turning personal struggle into super strength. The story reflects real experiences, including stigma, mental hurdles, and finding freedom with the right tools, all while she battles legendary Marvel villain D’Spayre.
Allor was kind enough to answer a few questions for Comic Watch concerning the project:
Comic Watch: What is your Comic Book history, both as a reader and creator? Do you remember the first Comic that you read?
Allor:
My first comic was a Pocket Books Paperback reprinting of The Amazing Spider-Man #1-6. The stories were from 1963. The collection was first printed in 1978, the year I was born (and found its way to me sometime in the mid-eighties)!
The panels were also very chopped up and re-arranged to fit the format, which would have horrified me decades later. Look what they did to Steve Ditko’s layouts!! But despite how much I loved that book, it didn’t get me into comics as a kid. I didn’t really think of it as a comic book, just as…a book.
Then, when I was in my late twenties, and working as a newspaper reporter, one of my colleagues drew my name in our Secret Santa. He was a comics fan, and bought me a book that he thought I would like.
He was extremely right, and that created an entryway to comics for me, as an adult! I started reading and writing comics at the same time, and slowly worked my way into the industry!
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Comic Watch: Who are the main characters and the elevator pitch for the story (Dyasonic: Sound of Strength)?
Allor:
The main character in Dyasonic: Sound of Strength is Dyasonic! We meet her shortly after she’s diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, at a time in her life when she’s struggling with some emotional challenges that are very common to many people living with diabetes, and see her work to overcome them with the help of the Omnipod 5®.
And in typical comic-book fashion, we also surround her with a vibrant cast of friends, families and a villain.
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Comic Watch: What went into/goes into the creation of a character like Dyasonic? How much of the character/story is based on your experience as someone who lives with diabetes?
Allor:
Dyasonic’s experiences are fairly different from mine in the specifics, but similar in the broad emotional strokes. Her creation was definitely a group effort between myself, the artists and colorists, my editors, Marvel and Insulet.
It was a wonderful collaboration, and I think Dyasonic reflects the love and care of her many creators. She also stands as a symbol for those living with diabetes, representing their strength, resilience, and the daily challenges they navigate while managing the condition.
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Comic Watch: While the idea of comics addressing real world issues is not a new idea, what, if any challenges did you encounter during the creation of both the character and story and how did you address and overcome said challenges?
Allor:
I’m pretty experienced at addressing real-world issues in a comic, and creating this story was a pretty painless process!
The biggest challenge was just making sure we were focusing on Dyasonic’s experience and emotions in a way that would resonate with people living with diabetes.
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Comic Watch: Besides a fun and exciting story, what do you hope readers will take away from the book?
Allor:
Our main hope is that people with diabetes see themselves reflected in this story, and that it reinforces that their experiences, challenges and victories are important. Marvel heroes are known for being not only strong, but smart, resourceful, kind and empathetic.
By bringing diabetes to the forefront of the Marvel universe, our goal was to show that diabetes doesn’t have to be a limitation–it’s just one small
part of the wonderful person you are.
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Comic Watch: As a writer and creator, who influences you and your work?
Allor:
Everyone and everything. No other way to do it.
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Allor’s work and updates can found on Instagram at @paul.allor, Twitter @paulallor (not used it as much), and their website, www.paulallor.com, that has a ton of information about all they do.
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