Comic Zine, “Bog Squad Comics”
Mariel Jones (they/them) is a PhD student at the University of Minnesota studying Hydrology under Dr. Xue Feng. For their YVoS project, Mariel created a 10-page zine communicating the important ecosystem services of peatlands and the harmful effects of peat mining. Mariel had previously published a policy-oriented article on the same topic, and recognized that there is a lack of public awareness about wetland conservation, noting that “even if people understand the importance of wetlands hydrologically and ecologically, the idea that peat mining is not a renewable resource is new to them.”
Mariel’s zine, called “Bog Squad Comics” follows the adventures of a wood frog named Pete Boggins as he observes and translates scientific phenomena such as oxygen-driven decomposition in peat bogs and common uses of peat in hydroponics industries, big agriculture, and the historical sources of peat in the UK. During the student showcase, Mariel shared some thumbnail sketches and process photos from the software they are using to finalize the comic (screenshots above).
Mariel intends to continue using comic art and illustration as a vehicle to communicate about topics such as food insecurity, GMOs, flooding and 100-year storms, much to the delight of their audience – Pete Boggins is already adorable! Additionally, Mariel is looking forward to sharing their work with “scientists who might not feel creative enough for art, and with artists who might not feel technical enough for science.” Stay tuned for the finalized zine to be added to the Young Voices website!
