Meet Epilectra, the superhero with epilepsy, just like her creator

At age 50, Denver resident Sue Seserman had three grand mal seizures in a row. She was diagnosed with epilepsy. Seserman soon found solace in visiting others who had just been diagnosed with epilepsy.

“I heard a lot of their stories and unfortunately a lot of those stories were about the things they didn’t do because of their disability,” Seserman said.

The pandemic broke out and Seserman could no longer volunteer.

“So I’ve been thinking a lot about these patients and I’m like, ‘What can I do to change their state of mind from ‘I can’t do that’ to ‘I can do that?'” she said.

Epilectra was born. A superhero with epilepsy.

Thanks to Sue Seserman.

Seserman teamed up with former Disney illustrator Jayme Brown to create a graphic novel series named after her new character.

“I think she has a huge appeal, not just to people with disabilities, but to a much wider audience,” Seserman said.

Epilectra’s origin story begins during a Thanksgiving storm. She and her brother Logan are struck by lightning. The strike leaves her with epilepsy and him with paralysis. And both with superpowers.

Eplictra can channel electricity for good. Logan, an engineer, becomes a savant. The beginning of a superhero league.

“And yes, people can’t send electricity through their fingertips,” Seserman added. “But people with disabilities do have amazing superpowers. Maybe they have more empathy or more understanding or more sensitivity.”

Seserman considers the new series as “edutainment.”

Thanks to Sue Seserman.

Readers also learn about diabetes, which Seserman also has. Towards the end of the first book in the series, a character named Insulator appears on the scene.

“She has type 1 diabetes and she takes great pride in wearing a belly shirt that shows her insulin delivery device,” Seserman explains.

“The book series really has two missions: one is disability empowerment and the other is eliminating stigma,” she said. “I believe stigma is a result of ignorance and fear.”

Seserman advises people to break through their ignorance by taking a first aid course for attacks as soon as they put the book back on the shelf.

“A lot of teachers and a lot of individuals are trained in CPR,” Seserman noted. “People should also be trained in seizure management, which is very easy to do.”

Maybe you feel like a superhero yourself.

A launch event for the Epilectra comic will be held on Thursday, August 8th at The Access Gallery in Denver. More information here.