Juneau writer, Ishmael Hope and Illustrator Dimi Macheras have combined their talents to create this unique graphic presentation of a traditional Alaska Native story. A contemporary plotline is interwoven with the ancient narrative, chronicling a young man's high school struggles and triumphs in comic book form. Strong Man promotes traditional cultural values as a foundation for youth achievement.

Ishmael is the son of the late Elizabeth Freda Hope from the Goodwin family in Kotzebue, and Andy Hope III from Sitka, a Tlingit of the Siknax.adi clan. His Inupiaq name is Analook and his Tlingit name is Kaa Kwaask. He is of the Kiks.adi clan, of the Point House in Sitka. He has experience as a storyteller all over Alaska. He has acted for Juneau's Perseverance Theatre since 2001 with Moby Dick. He started and directed the annual festival of Beyond Heritage, a celebration of contemporary and traditional Alaska Native culture, now heading into its sixth year.