11 Original NPR Comics That Brought Joy, Hope And Help During The Pandemic

It was a big year for comics journalism at NPR.

During the coronavirus crisis, our team has created and published original comics to offer COVID-19 advice and information and to tell stories about people whose lives have been affected by the pandemic.

One of the most popular was a printable zine targeted to children with tips on how to explain it all to them. It was translated into many languages, from Chinese to Spanish to Arabic.

Other topics ranged from how older people are coping to the best way to wear a mask (demonstrated by cats, because, well, the internet loves cats).

Here are some of our favorite NPR comics of the year. See all the coronavirus comics from NPR’s science desk here.

You’re Wearing It Wrong! A Face Mask Refresher

We break down the different types of masks, their effectiveness — and the right way to wear and handle them. Read the comic here.

Just For Kids: How To Stay Safe From The Coronavirus

A zine and comic guide on how kids can protect themselves from COVID-19. Wear a mask. Stay 6 feet apart. And try not to pick your nose. Read the comic here.

Malaka Gharib/ NPR

A Kids’ Guide To Coping With The Pandemic

Months of staying at home — and worrying if a loved one catches COVID-19 — are tough on everyone. But sometimes we forget that kids need help coping just as much as adults too. Read the comic here.

Malaka Gharib/ NPR

How To Care For Older People In The Pandemic (And A Printable Guide!)

Advice on how to help the older people in our lives — parents, grandparents, neighbors, relatives, friends — feel comfortable and safe in the pandemic. Read the comic here.

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Malaka Gharib/ NPR

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Sarah Mirk for NPR

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Grace Farris, Chief of Hospital Medicine at Mount Sinai West, explains how songs have become welcome hospital anthems in otherwise difficult times.

Grace Farris for NPR

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Grace Farris for NPR

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Kristen Radtke for NPR

Malaka Gharib/ NPR

COMIC: Looking For A ‘Helper’ In The Age Of Coronavirus

Mister Rogers said «look for the helpers in times of crisis. Here’s the story of Shah Dedar. He’s 32, he’s a Tom Hanks fan — and he works to protect the most vulnerable in crowded refugee camps. Read the comic here.

Malaka Gharib/ NPR

COVID-19 Etiquette: 6 Common Conundrums (And A Printable Pocket Guide)

How do you tell a stranger to be better at physical distancing? What do you do when a backyard gathering suddenly has one too many unmasked guests? This episode walks through the new rules of etiquette during COVID-19. Read the comic here.