Kindness is a superpower for B.C. boy chasing comic book dream

Published 9:45 am Wednesday, October 21, 2026

Ecole John Stubbs Memorial School student Elliott is vying for a chance to become the next Stan Lee Super Kid and get his own Marvel superhero identity.
(Kristi Lemire)

A soon-to-be 6-year-old Colwood boy wants to become a superhero, but his greatest power might be something much simpler: kindness.

Elliott Lemire is competing in Stan Lee’s Super Kid, a North American contest offering a chance to appear in a comic book, meet his favourite superheroes at Los Angeles Comic-Con and take home a US$25,000 grand prize.

The Grade 1 student at École John Stubbs Memorial School is hoping to advance to the quarter-finals, with his family encouraging the community to vote for him before the next deadline on Thursday, Oct. 22.

“I want to show friends also on the spectrum that just because we have autism, it doesn’t mean we can’t do awesome stuff and be cool to friends and animals,” Elliott said.

Organized by Colossal and DTCare in partnership with the Stan Lee Foundation, the competition combines fundraising with a campaign to support the foundation’s work in early literacy and the narrative arts.

Elliott’s mother, Kristi Lemire, said the experience has given her son a chance to pursue a dream while sharing a message about autism and acceptance.

“Elliott is so excited about the potential to have a whole comic book about him, and the chance to meet his favourite heroes at ComicCon in LA, which is something we could only dream of being able to take him to,” she said.

As an autism advocate, Lemire hopes Elliott’s participation helps other families see what children can accomplish when they receive the support they need.

Elliott experienced a small speech delay before accessing therapy, Lemire said. Reading followed soon after and has since become one of his favourite activities.

“Reading is his superpower, and he loves to learn new things, especially about superheroes, ocean creatures and dinosaurs,” she said.

Now enrolled in French immersion, Elliott is already recognizing French words. Outside the classroom, he enjoys gymnastics, riding his scooter and bike, playing soccer with his dad and meeting dogs.

His love of superheroes has also helped shape the message he hopes to share if he wins.

Elliott said he would like the power of flight so he could talk to more friends about kindness and understanding emotions.

“I want to show friends also on the spectrum that just because we have autism, it doesn’t mean we can’t do awesome stuff and be cool to friends and animals,” he said.

He also wants villains to learn to use their powers to help others rather than hurt people because they are different.

Lemire said the competition has also highlighted the challenges families can face when trying to access support for children with autism, particularly those with limited incomes.

“Elliott teaches us every day that the limits placed on him with his diagnosis don’t mean he can’t do something, he just has to try harder,” she said.

Elliott has a simple message for those who have already helped him advance.

“Thank you so much because I am so excited to keep going and be the Super Kid!” he said.