Rowan Tibayan

Rowan Tibayan is a narrative illustrator from Toronto who specializes in YA comics and children’s picture books. His work explores themes of identity, empathy, mental health, and personal growth through impactful and relatable narratives. He acknowledges life’s lemons with engaging storytelling, balancing heavy themes with a dash of hope. If the world sucks, you might as well make something interesting out of it.

In his free time, Rowan enjoys replaying nostalgic video games, waxing poetic, or getting way too emotionally invested in musicals.

Between the Silence

A young man struggling with depression and isolation finds temporary comfort in his AI boyfriend as a futile attempt to escape chronic loneliness. As the state of his mental health further declines, he realizes that the illusion of companionship does not replace his need for real support. Through medication, group therapy, and small daily efforts, he takes steps towards healing. This comic depicts the cruel reality of living with depression while also celebrating perseverance, resilience, and the quiet courage it takes to keep going, even when it’s hard.

Home Sweet Home

Following humanity’s relocation to Mars after Earth’s ecological collapse, a man reflects on his inability to adjust to his new home. As he witnesses the red planet’s sterile, artificial landscape, he questions whether humanity’s greatest failure was destroying Earth or choosing not to save it. This comic expands the simple theme of “space” into a commentary on the importance of planet conservation.

Not Quite a Fairytale

This fairytale takes an unexpected turn when a rebellious knight refuses to follow the script. Find out what happens when a character argues with the narrator! This metafictional picture book explores themes of creativity, agency, and collaboration, highlighting the importance of finding your own voice.

Little Fish

In the deep blue sea where fish live in fear of becoming someone’s next meal, one small fish makes a brave choice to show kindness to his predator at the risk of his own life. This fable tells a story where empathy triumphs over fear, proving that compassion is more powerful than you’d think.

In Remembrance of Those Unseen

Set in Toronto’s Koreatown, this series of postcards depicts Jeoseung Saja as a compassionate guide who cares for the spirits of overlooked urban animals. Through intimate imagery and heartfelt messages, these postcards explore compassion, grief, and the belief that everyone deserves to be mourned.