My name is Doug Knight, founder and creator of Cross Eye Comics. Thanks to childhood cancer, I’m legally blind – and that experience informs the three titles that I write, draw and publish all on my own:
- CHIASM is a sci-fi retelling of my life as a childhood cancer survivor – it takes place in a universe where, instead of chemotherapy, I was treated with Alien Molecules.
- SUPER WICKED WHITECELL SQUADRON is my all-ages project. It is an ode to all the wonderful 90’s cartoons and shows that made me AWESOME! Mechs, monsters, fun action! All the characters were named after the doctors who had a hand in keeping me standing upright and breathing! It was designed with the intention of getting as many copies as possible into children’s hospitals! (And has done very well so far – over 300 copies donated!)
- My new title, ApocSKAlypse NOW!, is about the last ska trumpeter in the zombie apocalypse. It’s fun, violent and packed with the spirit of punk rock! This project is obscene and for the reader that just wants to flip through two dozen pages of pure madness!
How I got here: the Cross Eye Comics origin story
When I was six. I was diagnosed with a brain tumor. By that point, it had been “up to no good” for a few months. In that time, that little rascal atrophied my optic nerves, damaging my visual field enough to grant me an all-access pass to the Low Vision Club!
Being legally blind before grade 1 changed a few things, including how I learned. Sitting in a desk and staring at an “invisible” chalkboard was boring.
Putting my head down on the desk and listening? Boring.
You know what wasn’t boring? Drawing! When I drew in class, it unlocked this vast universe of mighty heroes and marvelous villains!
Let’s jump ahead a few decades! Spice it up with a 15 year career as a tattoo artist. Add a wonderful wife, two amazing sons and add a cherry on top with this bombastic swan dive into making comics and we find ourselves here.
What’s next: on the road and raising money for the community
On top of participating in more than four different anthologies over the last few years. I was also the recipient of the Project Circulation Grant from the Ontario Arts Council.
I toured my art extensively for the last year, expanding my market across the U.S. and Canada.
Aside from being a touring artist, I have also had the opportunity to instruct some amazing students. Not to mention having my art printed all over the city of Toronto!
Right now, I’m running a Kickstarter where you can get all of my current projects as well as help print more copies of SUPER WICKED WHITECELL SQUADRON to get into children’s hospitals. Thank you for all the support!
About the author
To keep up with Doug and his work, check out his website, CrossEyeComics.com and connect with him on Instagram and Facebook. To request a commission, contact him here.
To learn more about him, read his previous #MyBlindStory post, Cross Eye Comics: Terrible Sight, Great Vision.
