In this series of comics about health conditions and illnesses, the 'Medikidz' are a team of five superheroes who live in an alternative planet called 'Mediland', a place which is shaped like the human body. The team is made up of Axon, the brain specialist (and his pet robot Abacus, the brain on legs), Chi the lung specialist, Skinderella, who knows all about skin and bones, Pump, the heart and blood expert, and Gastro, the expert on the digestive system (who is the joker and fart specialist!). The series is aimed precisely at kids, and the information therein is given in language that is easily understood; not only that, but because of the highly-coloured comic format, children will want to read it. The books are clever and funny and put lots of excellent, detailed information into an accessible read. Furthermore, the medical information, written by doctors, is peer reviewed by experts in the field.
In this particular comic, William has had a transplant, of what kind we never learn, but we do know he hates taking his rejection medication and doesn't understand why he must. After his mum hauls him off from a game with friends, he is miffed, and the Medikidz decide he must be brought to Mediplanet to learn the facts. After a somewhat bumpy landing, he is taken on a tour of the kidneys, the liver, the heart, the lungs, the skin and the bowel. This shows him what each can do and the importance of everything working together. He learns about the research on artificial organs using stem cells and the importance of checking blood and tissue types in an organ donor. There's lots about the immune system and about preparation for a transplant and about why rejection can take place. All this is done with humour and jokes in true comic style, but the pull-no-punches facts are laid out honestly. The 'Captain Marvel-type' illustrations will appeal tremendously. William learns the importance of taking his medication and is soon back playing with his chums.
Available from Amazon or from www.medikidz.com/shop. The basic web site at www.medikidz.com has lots more health information for children, as well as titles of many more comics in the series in a wide range of health and disability areas. Well worth a look.