Hong Kong Artist Turns Grief Into Comics About Kindness

Justin Tan Haozhi believes every story deserves humor, love, and a happy ending, even when life feels impossibly hard.

The 22-year-old Hong Kong cartoonist was diagnosed with autism and ADHD at age three. Growing up, he faced bullies who targeted him for being different, and at 15, he lost his mother to cancer.

Instead of letting grief consume him, Tan poured his emotions into art. He created "The Misunderstood Monster: A Hotdog Hutchins Adventure," a fantasy comic book where a caring character named Annie honors his late mother's memory.

"Drawing became a way for him to release his emotions," said his stepmother, Donna Yau. What started as motor skills therapy when he was three turned into a lifelong passion and healing tool.

Tan's art journey wasn't easy. He knocked on neighbors' doors to promote his books, but some complained to building management. School brought more challenges as classmates made him feel isolated for thinking and learning differently.

The breakthrough came when another parent, Rosalind Lee, read one of Tan's stories. Lee, whose son also has ADHD, immediately connected with the tale of a misunderstood monster who only wanted to help others.

"The story reflected so much truth," Lee said. She decided to help publish Tan's work and is now setting up a booth at Renaissance College's Open Day to spread awareness about inclusivity.

Today, Tan studies product design and lives independently. He takes public transport alone, explores Hong Kong through daily hikes, and continues creating stories that champion kindness.

Sunny's Take

Tan's father, Eric Tam, never tried to hide his son from the world. He encouraged Justin to meet people, explore, and become self-sufficient, refusing to see neurodivergence as something shameful.

"I don't feel bad having a special kid. I actually tell everyone I meet," Eric said proudly. His approach helped Justin develop confidence and independence that once seemed impossible.

Tan's message to young readers is simple but powerful: "Treat everyone fairly, no matter who they are, and never give up." For kids with special educational needs, he hopes his comics show them they're not alone.

His work proves that being neurodivergent means experiencing the world differently, not less fully. Tan thinks at his own speed, focuses intensely on his interests, and sometimes needs conversation breaks, but these differences fuel his creative vision.

Through fantasy monsters and colorful adventures, Tan teaches what many adults forget: kindness costs nothing, and everyone deserves understanding. His late mother would be proud to see her son turning pain into purpose, one comic panel at a time.