Texas (KWTX) — Two third graders from Foster Elementary School in Riesel ISD started their own comic book series featuring a cartoon hot dog named Glizzy Man
Oliver Franklin and Hayes Sjolander created the character during their art class. Book one tells the story of a person who tripped and fell into radioactive meat juice and became Glizzy Man, a superhero who fights bad guys including a villain called Chili Dog.
The project quickly grew into multiple editions. When the boys wanted to create merchandise, Oliver’s mother Cassie Franklin helped them produce T-shirts to sell, and the Riesel community showed up.
“It’s really heartwarming and I’m just super grateful that there are so many friends and family members who want to rally around them and help them feel successful,” Cassie Franklin said.
The boys made $200 from T-shirt sales and donated all the money to the Foster Elementary art program. Third grade math and science teacher Katelyn Vallee said the fundraiser reflects the students’ character.
“It doesn’t surprise me that kids at Riesel would do something that gives back to our school. We’ve got a really amazing community here, especially those two,” Vallee said. “Coming from a small school district it’s nice to see them finding ways to support our school district at the same time.”
Oliver said his reason for fundraising was simple.
“I fundraised for the art program because I want a kid like me to love the art program as much as I do,” Oliver Franklin said.
The boys plan to continue the Glizzy Man series in their fourth grade year, with more comics and merchandise.
Copies of Glizzy Man are available at the little free library at Dewy Acre Farm Stand.
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