In the Fall of 2020, teens from Next Step’s STRIVE mentorship program discussed representation in superheroes and noticed a gap. While many superheroes had “weaknesses,” there were no heroes with chronic illnesses — and specifically, none living with sickle cell. From that conversation, Kara Jackson was born — a hero who, like them, had friends she trusted didn’t know how to talk to about her diagnosis. A hero who, like them, had big dreams but didn’t want others to limit her because she could get sick. Kara might also — like them — push too hard, make mistakes — and need space to learn from each one and move forward.
This project, like all Next Step programs, uses the arts to create a safe space for young people to engage in conversation with peers about what it means to grow into adulthood with a chronic illness. It aims to raise awareness about sickle cell disease and let other youth facing similar challenges know that they are not alone.
When Lightning Strikes 2 (2026)
16-year-old Kara is about to start her first year as a student at Iqhawe School for superheroes. Requesting accommodations, joining Iqhawe’s student street patrol program, and meeting a new health provider without her parents gives Kara a challenge that her powers can’t fix: Finding the courage to voice her needs. But when a mysterious villain begins targeting people who have superpowers, Kara must trust that her voice will be enough to save her friends, her school, and her city.
When Lightning Strikes (2022)
14-year-old Kara Jackson has sickle cell — but she won’t let that stop her from competing in the Power Games, a tournament for aspiring superheroes. When her arch-nemesis, Niko discloses her condition to the tournament officials without her consent, Kara must prove to everyone that she is stronger than they think.
Questions?
Contact us if you have any questions about our comic books or joining our community, music and mentorship programs:
Kepler Jeudy, Next Step Program Director: kepler@nextstepnet.org
Casey Casey, Nursing Director & Partnership Coordinator: casey@nextstepnet.org
