Magazine: Youkie Magazine #22
Story Title: “Fade”
Story and Script: Julie Ditrich
Pencils: Angie Spice
Inks: Angie Spice
Colours: Angie Spice
Letters: Stephen (Es Kay) Kok
Editor: Nicky Shortridge
Genre: Contemporary social realism
Synopsis: Twelve-year-old school captain Emme Mahoney is the student everyone depends on. But as the expectations of friends, teachers, and classmates become impossible to carry, the pressure begins to consume her in ways no one expects. Fade is a poignant story about the importance of boundaries, reminding us that we cannot keep giving to others if we have nothing left to give ourselves.

The Story Behind the Story: When fellow comics creator Queenie Chan suggested I pitch a story to Youkie magazine, I developed six story ideas and sent them to editor Nicky Shortridge. She selected “Fade”, and I expanded the concept into a six-page comic that was beautifully illustrated by Tasmanian comics creator Angie Spice.

Although written for middle-grade readers, “Fade” explores an experience that can affect people of every age. The story follows a young girl who is constantly expected to meet the needs and expectations of those around her until she begins to literally fade from colour into greyscale. It is only when someone truly notices what is happening—and gives her permission to pause, restore herself and establish healthy boundaries—that her colour begins to return.

Looking back, I realise I was exploring a lesson that I was still learning myself. The original inspiration reached back to an experience from my own Year 12 school years, reminding me that caring for others begins with recognising when we need to care for ourselves.

One of the great pleasures of the project was writing for a younger readership while trusting that children could engage with ideas that were thoughtful as well as entertaining. Angie brought warmth and sensitivity to the artwork, while Nicky’s editorial guidance helped shape the story into something that felt both gentle and meaningful.

As my first comic published specifically for middle-grade readers, “Fade” remains a particularly special project. It reminded me that stories don’t need to be loud to make an impact. Sometimes the quietest stories leave the deepest impression.