In this moving episode of Soul Sparks with Saima, we sit down with illustrator and storyteller John Wandzilak, creator of the post-apocalyptic graphic novel Bolt Voltage. Born from a personal storm of grief, caregiving, and emotional struggle, John’s journey reveals how creativity can become a survival tool and a source of connection. From turning loss into art, to building a healing community through storytelling and color, John opens up about finding clarity in chaos. His robot protagonist becomes a surprising mirror to the human experience—teaching us about stress, transition, and resilience in unexpected ways.

About the Guest:
John Wandzilak is an artist, father, and the mind behind Bolt Voltage—a black-and-white graphic novel that channels emotion, therapy, and imagination. What started as a character sketch evolved into a powerful narrative blending grief, sci-fi, and spiritual growth. Through Kickstarter, John is building a collaborative space for readers to color, share, and heal together.

Key Takeaways:

• Bolt Voltage began as a small act of creative therapy and grew into a story of emotional survival.

• The robot protagonist reflects real human experiences—grief, anxiety, transitions—and subtly teaches readers about healing.

• John highlights how sharing vulnerability online can open space for deeper connection and self-expression.

• A community-driven art experience helps readers color pages and share reflections, turning passive reading into active healing.

• His advice: Don’t wait to feel “ready.” Even one small act of creation—sketching, writing, coloring—can be the start of emotional release.

Connect with John Wandzilak:
Support the Bolt Voltage Kickstarter and explore John’s work via Facebook, where readers share colored pages and reflections from the graphic novel. You can find it at http://kck.st/4knPVKN or search 'Bolt Voltage' on Kickstarter.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jdubsarts/ 

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