DRWF Events: Diabetes in the frame at Comic Con event
DRWF joined a colourful cast of cosplaying comic book fans at recent Comic Con event in Portsmouth.
Where else can you spend a day with Captain America, Darth Vader, Pikachu, Sloth from The Goonies, a Wookie clan and a whole host of TV and movie characters? Comic Con of course!
And DRWF was at Portsmouth Guildhall over the May bank holiday to join the fun and raise awareness about diabetes.
In the run-up to the event Portsmouth Comic Con organisers announced a partnership with specialist psychologists and consultants from Queen Alexandra Hospital in Portsmouth, University Hospital Southampton to raise awareness and dispel myths around type 1 diabetes.
The collaboration aims to share a supportive message for people living with the condition through the promotion of an educational and fun range of games and a comic book series.
DRWF joined our healthcare professional colleagues Dr Mayank Patel, Consultant Physician in Diabetes University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust and member of the DRWF Editorial Advisory Board, and Professor Partha Kar, Consultant in Diabetes and Endocrinology, Type 1 Diabetes and Technology Lead, NHS England and GIRFT GMC Advisor, International Medical Graduates from Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust, who were featured guest speakers and exhibitors at the Con this year to showcase their award winning Type 1 Origins comic book series.
Dr Patel and Professor Kar’s Type One Origins comic series presents real world challenges for those living with type 1, while breaking down complex and often overwhelming medical information for young people into relatable, visual narratives through comic storytelling.
A parent of a child with type 1 diabetes said: “Type One Origins was the first time my son saw another kid with diabetes, even if it was a cartoon, and it made all the difference.”
Following the journey of characters navigating daily life, the series has tackled everything from being diagnosed, managing blood glucose levels, myths and helping patients, particularly children, to understand their condition and feel seen, heard and less alone. The series is also used by schools and health care professionals to build empathy.
Dr Patel said: “Partha and I felt privileged to be offered a spot at the 2026 Portsmouth Comic Con, to showcase our type 1 diabetes themed educational comic books. Across the weekend, we were fortunate to be approached by a number of individuals either with, or having a family connection to type 1 diabetes.
We outlined what our work was about and signposted people to the Type 1 Origins website, where the comics can be downloaded for free. We also handed out some hard copies that we had printed off for the weekend.”
Lee Calladine, DRWF Event Co-ordinator, said: “As a person living with type 1 diabetes for more than 25 years, it has been an honour and a joy to be included in the vision for the comics and to bring a lived experience to the story telling along with other people living with diabetes.
“Dr Patel and Professor Kar have brought a uniquely engaging, fun, colourful and educational resource to our community to support people in their diabetes management in a way not seen before. The series is truly wonderful.
“As DRWF's Event Co-Ordinator it's also been a great opportunity for the charity to support them back by introducing our audience to the comic books, especially young children and families at our Type 1 Family Camps.”
DRWF Volunteers Carrie Setford and Julian Smith joined Dr Patel and Professor Kar over the weekend to man the stand, hand out comic books and DRWF information and meet and chat with people living with diabetes.
Carrie, Supporter Services Assistant at DRWF, said: “It was such a great weekend to talk to people who living with diabetes and those who support and know people with diabetes. The stand was very popular with the bright comics being so attractive, and we were able to let everyone know what support we can provide them with here at DRWF. We were even able to help someone having a hypo (hypoglycaemic episode, caused by low blood glucose), as she felt able to come and ask for help.”
Lee added: “Cosplayers, an 80's arcade, a Star Wars walkthrough, gaming zones, famous people signing autographs and meetings fans, street vendors with lots of tasty food and dozens of merchandise traders with everything from Steampunk goggles to lightsabres on offer made the two-day experience an assault on the senses in the best possible and most exciting way.
“We are already looking forward to next year's Comic Con and cannot wait to see what comes next in the Type 1 Origins universe.”
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