Fairy Tales, #FolktaleWeek, and Vernacular Narrative Sequential Art Online

Abstract In this short essay and accompanying vector art comic, I explore the significance of social media and/as online folklore and briefly situate the #FolktaleWeek Challenge in current conversations around digital folklore. In particular, this comic and accompanying essay focus in on the #FolktaleWeek Challenge as one case example of vernacular narrative sequential art in online spaces that fosters creative community through engagement with folkloric content. Overall, #FolktaleWeek serves to illustrate the significance of folklore-based social media challenges (visual-verbal and otherwise) as spaces for enthusiastic, informal public engagement around folktales and fairy tales. The closing five-page comic gives an overview of the #FolktaleWeek Challenge from 2018–2024 and shares examples from the author's annual participation in the challenge during this period.