The Association of Alaska School Boards/Alaska ICE is proud to announce the publication of Strong Man, a traditional Native story that promotes traditional cultural values as a foundation for youth achievement.

Writer Ishmael Hope and illustrator Dimi Macheras have combined their talents to create this unique presentation of a traditional story. In Strong Man, a contemporary plotline is interwoven with the ancient narrative, chronicling a young man’s high school struggles and triumphs in comic book form.

The traditional values that Hope weaves through the story reflect such Developmental Assets as self-esteem, sense of purpose, positive view of personal future, school engagement, integrity, responsibility, adult role models, and high expectations, among others, and help guide his protagonist through challenges and successes.

Along with teaching lessons about perseverance and resiliency, Strong Man addresses issues of courage, hard work, and mental fortitude that can lead to academic and life successes for children and youth.

Besides the entertainment aspect of the story, Strong Man brings with it a moral message focusing on determination and will to fight against adversity and to succeed. The climactic battle at Sea Lion Rock in the ancient story parallels the struggle to pass the exam in the contemporary one, giving young readers material to easily relate to. These examples of hardships translate to other facets of children’s lives including school work, relationships, struggling to fit in, or trying out for sports teams or the arts, inspiring readers to work hard to attain their goals, whatever they may be.

About the Author and Illustrator

Ishmael Hope has performed as a storyteller in villages and venues across Alaska and has conducted education workshops with all ages. He is founder and director of the annual Beyond Heritage festival, a celebration of contemporary and traditional Alaska Native culture now in its sixth year. Ishmael is currently Director of Community Outreach at Juneau’s Perseverance Theatre.

Dimitrios (“Dimi”) Macheras has spent his 25 years crouched over countless pieces of paper, whittling down countless numbers of pencils, working to refine his illustration skills. In 1993, as one of the first students of the Ya Ne Dah Ah tribal school, he began illustrating traditional Athabascan legends in graphic novel form. The profit from the sales of these books still helps to support the school. Dimi is currently working on his next project, a monthly comic book.

As printed in the February issue of Alaska ICE News, inserted into AASB Commentary.