top of page
Search

Bandite Declares Open Season in King County! (October 2025)

On October 15, 2025, in King County, Washington, the official launch of the COMICS 4 CLIMATE exhibition took place at FISW — where our favorite mascot, Bandite, blew some bubbles… of environmental awareness.


ree


But who is Bandite? Imagine a female raccoon, mischievous, dedicated, a bit sarcastic, but always ready to sow seeds of ideas in curious minds. She steals hearts and pencils instead of trash, and it’s thanks to Caroline Perrier that her striking name and rebellious coat are a representation of the festival Les Troubadours de la BD. So mark your calendars, sharpen your pencils, and get ready to kick off the new school year with humor and fun!





Comics 4 Climate: An exhibition with energy (and style)
ree

Bandite didn't come alone. She arrives with a traveling exhibition that combines comics, ecology, and youth engagement. Comics 4 Climate is a project that makes noise... but a gentle noise, like the sound of pages turning and ideas germinating.

The concept? Using comics as a tool for awareness, advocacy, and artistic expression. Because yes, talking about the climate is good. Drawing it is even better. And when it is funny, touching, and driven by young people, it's downright irresistible.

Objectives of the exhibition:

  • Raise awareness about climate change and biodiversity

  • Encourage artistic expression among young people

•   Promote comics as a socially responsible medium

And as Bandite says (between two sketches): "I've read all the IPCC reports... but I prefer speech bubbles and pencils."


Why a school? Because superheroes start at school.
ree

It is no coincidence that Bandite chose Green School FISW for its grand launch. It was an obvious choice as there was a natural alliance between the committed mascot and a school that cultivates innovation, diversity, and cultural openness.

FISW is a Green School recognized locally in the Pacific Northwest and by the AEFE. A place where students learn to think, create, express themselves... and dream of a better world. It is here that the Evergreen Lantern Collective was launched in March 2025 with Catherine Boucher-Amblard of FISW, Thomas Siffer of Terreau, Aline Bloch of Aline's Cardboard, author Laura Nsafou, and myself representing the Sjj agency. Between math, French, and English classes, and a well-deserved break, FISW students will become the scriptwriters of tomorrow's world. And to mark the occasion, a comic strip contest is being launched:

  • Option 1: Create your own climate-themed comic strip

  • Option 2: Imagine the ending of one strip illustrating Bandite's misadventures in the face of climate change

The partnership with Sjj agency and the enthusiastic welcome from the teaching team make this event even more special. Bandite is hugely excited. She even promised not to nibble on the pencils (well... not all of them).


What Bandite is up to (spoiler: there will be bubbles, seeds, and growing ideas)

The exhibition not just displays comic strips; it offers a creative and joyful immersion into the world of Bandite and comics.

ree

In the program:

  • Original, funny, and powerful comic strips

  • Creative workshops  

  • The story of Bandite, present in person (or almost)

  • French idiomatic expressions

  • Artistic nods to Magritte, Niki de Saint Phalle, and other geniuses of the imagination

And be warned, Bandite has planned a special outfit for the occasion... somewhere between superhero and gardener of the imagination. She's ready to make a splash.



And what's next? The festival continues... but the heart remains in King County


After Bellevue, Bandite will hit the road (or the subway, or bicycle, depending on the mood) to continue his mission. Two parallel tours on the West Coast and East Coast of the United States: Seattle, San Diego, New York:

However, Bellevue will remain the symbolic starting point. The place where it all began, where she first reflected and created. And as Bandite says: "You never forget your first stage... especially when it's full of smiles and colored pencils."


Conclusion: Bandite is waiting for you!

The ‘Comics 4 Climate’ exhibition is much more than an event. It's a collective adventure, an invitation to think differently, to draw the world of tomorrow with boldness and tenderness.

So, whether you're a student, parent, teacher, artist, or simply curious... come meet Bandite, discover the comics, participate in the workshops, and, above all, sow your own seeds of ideas.

"Bandite is ready. And you? Pencils sharpened, ideas blooming, let's go for Comics 4 Climate!"

Ressources

On Evergreen Lantern Collective:

On comics as a tool for engagement and teaching:

On Climate Change and Education:

•   GIEC (IPCC). Rapport spécial sur le réchauffement planétaire de 1,5°C. Résumé pour décideurs : https://www.ipcc.ch/site/assets/uploads/sites/2/2019/09/IPCC-Special-Report-1.5-SPM_fr.pdf 

UNESCO. L’éducation au développement durable. Page officielle : https://www.unesco.org/fr/sustainable-development/education 

On FISW as a Green School:

•   French Immersion School of Washington Website. https://www.fisw.org/green-school 

On Bandite and the Les Troubadours de la BD festival

•   Sjj agency. Invitation au lancement de l’expo Comics 4 Climate et du festival Les Troubadours de la BD : https://www.sjjagency.com/comics4climate 

•   Concours Comics 4 Climate 2025-2026: https://www.sjjagency.com/comic-arts-contest 

ree


Sylvie Joseph-Julien is a storyteller, illustrator, and founder of Sjj agency, that celebrates French language and Francophone cultures through graphic novels and youth literature. From school workshops to international festivals, she shares the joy of storytelling and cultural discovery—always guided by values of inclusion, equity, and connection.

www.sjjagency.com



bottom of page