This is an early comic by Raina, who is now best known as the artist of the Babysitter's Club books. This story recounts her introduction, at nine years old, to Keiji Nakazawa's classic manga Barefoot Gen.

The fact that this is one of the first comics Raina drew makes me want to strangle her and eat her brains, in the hope that her talent will transfer to me. The art is beautiful- clean, fresh lines, flowing and comfortable, with none of the awkwardness and stiffness first comics usually display.

But the story is the important part. Raina has managed to capture the experience of childhood reading, the emotions stirred up by a brilliantly written book, and the agony of entering an adult understanding of the world. Most of all, she portrays the power and importance of comics, and the way in which they can be truly transformative.

'Beginnings' is an inspiration to me, both in itself and through the message it carries. ... read it now!