TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Comic artist Richard Metson (麥人杰) is turning his attention to family life in his newest book, documenting the challenges and joys of raising twins with autism and ADHD, per CNA.
He discussed his new book, “Twin Crowns: Little Prince & Princess Saga,” on Sunday, reflecting on his emotional journey before and after his children’s birth. Metson said that although the book is too difficult for them to understand right now, it is like a future gift for them to enjoy.
Born to a Taiwanese mother, Metson spent his life in Taichung but later lost contact with his American father. He became a dad himself at 51 after years of trying to conceive with his wife, who is four years his senior.
Metson welcomed his son and daughter in 2015. In the years that followed, he began recording his parenting experiences on his Facebook fan page, sharing the difficulties of raising a daughter with autism and a son with ADHD. His posts drew widespread attention, eventually expanding into 60,000 words of writing and illustrations that became his 2024 book, “My Little Trouble.”
Metson said he often identifies with the child protagonist in “The Little Prince,” who wrestles with a mysterious and unpredictable world. He likened this to his own life, such as solving problems like repairing an airplane while balancing work and caring for his children.
His latest book depicts both the joys and hardships of real life, from the 10 rounds of IVF he and his wife underwent to have children to the exhaustion of raising two infants at once. The twins’ contrasting personalities, one energetic and affectionate, the other more withdrawn and emotional, are central to the story, which captures touching moments as well as everyday struggles.
The book is entirely hand-drawn. Metson said he sketched the comic panels freehand without using a ruler. Known for his black-and-white comics, he challenged himself this time with full-color illustrations. The book’s cover title and his name were written by his daughter, giving the work an added layer of personal meaning.
