Comic Book: Tides of Hope
Story Title: “Hope Floats”
Story and Script: Julie Ditrich
Art: Jozef Szekeres
Inks: Jozef Szekeres
Letters: Jozef Szekeres
Front Cover: Stewart McKenny, with colours by Annette Kwok
Back Cover: Gary Challoner
Editors: Christopher Sequeira & Tim McEwen
Art Director: Tim McEwen
Genre: Disaster
Synopsis: In the aftermath of the devastating 2011 Queensland floods, Hope Floats was created for the Tides of Hope charity anthology as a tribute to resilience, kindness, and the quiet belief that help can arrive from the most unexpected places when hope seems lost.

The Story Behind the Story: In 2011, devastating floods swept through Queensland, leaving communities across the state facing unimaginable loss. As Australians so often do in times of crisis, people from every walk of life found ways to help, including the comics community.

Comic creators Christopher Sequeira and Tim McEwen conceived Tides of Hope, a one-shot anthology of one-page comics created to raise funds for the Queensland Flood Relief Appeal. Supported by Supanova, the project brought together Australian writers and artists who generously donated their time and talents to support the cause.

When I began thinking about my contribution, one image arrived almost fully formed: a paper boat folded from comic-book pages, carrying hope to a stranded family waiting on a rooftop as floodwaters surrounded them. Everything else grew from that single visual idea. At the time I was part of Black Mermaid Productions, so artist Jozef Szekeres and I also wove our signature black mermaid into the story—a quiet nod to the creative partnership behind the page.

Our story was presented almost entirely in black and white, with just one exception. In the final image, the paper boat appeared in colour—a simple visual reminder that even in the darkest moments, hope has the power to endure.

The completed anthology was launched at Supanova events around Australia, with all proceeds supporting the Queensland Flood Relief Appeal. Together, the project raised $10,000—a wonderful reminder that stories can become part of something much bigger than themselves.