Octopus Island: a comic about how to use the systems around you to be strong when life is hard

A comic developed from research on multisystemic resilience in South Africa uses rich metaphors and storytelling to illustrate how individuals and communities navigate adversity through interconnected support systems. Drawing on local cultural symbols and narratives, the comic portrays resilience as a dynamic process shaped by relationships, resources, and adaptive strategies. Themes such as collectivism, ecological resilience, and social networks are woven into the story, highlighting how resilience is not an individual trait but a collective and multisystemic phenomenon. Through visually engaging storytelling, the comic makes complex research accessible, fostering conversations about strength, adaptation, and transformation in the face of challenges.