Gary Chudleigh is an award-winning comic creator from Scotland. He has written several graphic novels, including an adaptation of Terry Pratchett’s Thief of Time, and over fifty LEGO comics, spanning franchises such as Spider-Man, Ninjago, Disney Princess, Jurassic World and The Avengers. And NOW, he’s written the first graphic novel from Kelpies – Secret Agent Nessie!

When a gang of squabbling seagulls pulls off a heartless fish-and-chip heist, Nessie and her W.E.T. (Water Espionage Team) pals spring into action. But what monstrous master plan is their bird-brained enemy plotting from the ruins of Urquhart Castle?

Find out in Secret Agent Nessie, and read on to discover why Gary loves comics and graphic novels, and why your kids should too!

Why should kids read comics?

I could soapbox all day about the literacy and educational benefits of reading comic books, and not just because I love reading them myself!

Studies show that children can get as much benefit from reading the words in the comic strip balloons as they can from reading chapter books. They are a great way for children who struggle with novels to build confidence in their reading ability!

For the chapter book purists out there, know that comics are a gateway to chapter books for reluctant readers. A National Literacy Trust survey found that nearly twice as many young people who read comics said that they enjoy reading compared with those who didn’t read comics. And, more of those who read comics rated themselves as ‘very good’ or ‘good’ readers compared with those who didn’t.

As technology rises to hijack attention spans, comics have rapidly gained popularity, despite pleasure reading being at a 20-year low, according to the National Literacy Trust. This is particularly true for young boys, who are historically less likely to read than girls.

Comics are a great way to help tackle this reading for pleasure crisis. They have a lower entry-barrier than chapter books, with less text and strong visual storytelling – perfect for children who are more visual learners.

Comics present the art of storytelling in a unique way that can complement a storytelling diet of film, television and chapter books. They’re a gateway, yes, but by no means less valuable than chapter books.

The mix of artwork, dialogue and text is incredibly powerful and unique. Comics are a medium with a huge variety of rich storytelling that can make you laugh, think, cry, be thrilled or scared – depending on what title and genre you read.

And no, it isn’t all superheroes! From fantasy and adventure to mystery, romance, and slice-of-life stories, there is something to fit every reader’s interests and always something new to discover.

2026 has been designated a National Year of Reading, with the rallying cry of Go All In! If you haven’t tried graphic novels with your young people I strongly urge you to give them a go.

Who and what to read next…

• John Chalmers and Sandra Marrs – they produce beautiful high-end-comic books and have a new book, Wilomina, coming out in 2026.
• Rik Worth and Jordan Collver – they’ve made fantastic history books from the point of view of pets and animals, exploring ancient Egypt and Rome.
• The Phoenix magazine – this accessible monthly mag gave birth to Jamie’s hugely successful Bunny Vs Monkey series and is a great way to try out different creators.

Secret Agent Nessie: Monster on a Mission!

Secret Agent Nessie and her team of friends – genius inventor Bea the Beaver and quick-stinging Jelly the jellyfish – are on a mission to keep Loch Ness safe!

Chock full of water fights, bird puns, larger-than-life characters and at least one stolen tractor, Secret Agent Nessie is a laugh-out-loud, full-colour graphic-novel adventure. This bold and wacky tale of underwater espionage and feathered felons is perfect for children aged 6 and up. From the brilliant brain of author Gary Chudleigh (LEGO comics) and the playful pen of illustrator Laura Howell (The Beano).