The Redemption of a Dream: Reimagining the Ladybird Adventure Boxes
The Ladybird Adventure Boxes began as a spark in the darkness, born from the stillness of the pandemic. They were more than a project—they were a testament to resilience, collaboration, and the boundless power of imagination. What started as a creative experiment has grown into a vision for something far greater: a platform for inclusion, education, and empowerment.
The Origins: From Concept to Creation
The Ladybird Adventure Boxes emerged from the world of Ladybird Jenkins and The 7 Realms of Indovia, a transmedia universe of RPG games, graphic novels, and animated series. Ladybird Jenkins, the fearless adventurer at the heart of the story, embarks on a dangerous mission to preserve knowledge before a new regime can erase it forever. Since its inception in 2006, this universe has evolved through collaborative storytelling, offering endless opportunities for creativity and self-expression.
During the pandemic, this world took on a new dimension. Partnering with The Hive, a nonprofit supporting adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, I set out to create something tangible: a series of interactive adventure boxes. These weren’t just tools for storytelling; they were gateways to imagination, self-expression, and skill-building. The first box focused on character creation, encouraging participants to design their own heroes and embark on their own adventures.
Sample Lessons in the Box
Collaboration and Growth
The creation of the Ladybird Adventure Boxes was a deeply collaborative journey. Alongside Nathan Taulbee and Noah Thomas, two remarkable members of The Hive, we poured our hearts into crafting an experience that was as inclusive as it was imaginative. Nathan’s creativity and Noah’s attention to detail breathed life into the project, making each box a testament to the power of teamwork.
Drawing on elements of RPG systems like the D20 dice, we built experiences that encouraged creativity, resilience, and self-discovery. Each box was tied to one of the seven realms of Indovia, filled with tools to create characters, build worlds, and develop stories. These weren’t just activities; they were invitations to explore the deeper aspects of identity and connection.
Why Comics, RPGs, and Video Games Matter
Comics, RPGs, and video games are more than entertainment; they are transformative tools that foster growth, connection, and creativity. For the neurodiverse community, these mediums offer structured yet imaginative spaces to navigate social dynamics, develop problem-solving skills, and express themselves in unique ways.
Comics provide accessible narratives that bridge gaps in communication. RPGs encourage teamwork, empathy, and strategic thinking, allowing players to explore new roles and perspectives. Video games offer immersive environments where decision-making and persistence are rewarded, fostering confidence and resilience. Together, these mediums empower individuals to build connections, develop skills, and tell their own stories.
We even had t-shirts and Noah loved to help out with the graphics portion of the project.
The Challenges and Lessons Learned
Even as the Ladybird Adventure Boxes gained momentum, challenges emerged. Though the funding was in place, my own skill set wasn’t. I decided to pursue a master’s degree in illustration to elevate the project, but life intervened. The loss of my mother during my first year of study left me overwhelmed and unable to continue. I stopped attending classes, and the weight of failure and grief stalled my progress.
The guilt I felt toward Nathan and Noah was immense. I found it hard to face them, to explain the personal struggles that had derailed the project. When my second studio closed two years later, I felt lost. Yet, in the stillness that followed, I began to rebuild. Last year, I made a promise to myself: to dedicate my energy to writing and illustrating, honing my craft for 6–8 hours a day. That commitment has reignited my passion and prepared me to revisit this dream with new clarity.
During our game club meetings. We would also create illustrations of our characters. These illustrations are done by Nathan Taulbee
The Journey Forward
One of the greatest lessons I’ve learned is that setbacks are often stepping stones. Working on The Secret Lives of Demon Hunters with writer Michael Barron gave me the skills I needed to create a comic book and the understanding to make the Ladybird Adventure Boxes thrive. Ironically, I would never have had that opportunity if my studio had remained open.
The Ladybird Adventure Boxes are no longer just a project; they are a mission. Moving forward, I envision them as a platform that bridges art, storytelling, and mental health. With expanded lesson plans, new partnerships, and innovative formats, these boxes will become tools for inclusion, empowerment, and transformation.
The Indovian Academy
The 1st comic in the series Ladybird Jenkins and the Time Thieves
along with the comic Creativity Quest: Character Creation & Storytelling Book. There will also be an activity book and stickers available as well available le for purchase.
Ladybird Jenkins Professor Vulpes The Raven King Riley
How You Can Join the Adventure
If this story resonates with you, or if you know someone who might want to learn more about the Ladybird Adventure Boxes, I’d love to connect. To support the incredible work of The Hive or hear more about Nathan and Noah’s journeys, reach out today:
The HIVE, Inc. is a Bowling Green, KY-based nonprofit that believes the time to reboot the system for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities is now.
At the HIVE, they create opportunities for people to learn, grow, connect, and experience new things. They find solutions for our friends with intellectual and developmental disabilities—and they have the coolest clubhouse around.
Website: thehivebg.org
Contact Information:
Hours: Monday–Thursday, 9 AM – 3 PM
Office: (502) 532-4480 (Monday–Friday, 9–5)
Email: office@thehivebg.org
Address: 1818 US 31 W Bypass, Bowling Green, KY 42101
Together, we can light the way forward, one adventure at a time.
Thank you for stopping by!
I hope that you enjoyed your stay.
April Martin is a writer, illustrator, and USAF veteran with a bachelor's degree in photography. Specializing in cerebral, emotionally charged storytelling, her work delves into the complex realms of mental health—including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and severe personality disorders—bringing a raw, unfiltered perspective to the human experience. With a background spanning from military service as a B1-Bomber crew chief to working closely with the neurally diverse community, April brings a unique depth to her narratives. Her current graphic novel project, The Chaos of Lucifer, is a testament to her commitment to creating gritty, resonant stories that explore the fragility and resilience of the human spirit.
Instagram: @purpleinkwellstudios
Facebook: Purple Inkwell Studios
Website: www.purpleinkwellstudios.com