Client: Rotary International
Service: Illustration, Custom Content

Since 1905, Rotary International has brought community and business leaders together to responsibly tackle social issues and make a positive impact in the world, with programs like their End Polio Now campaign.
 
Seeking to spread the word to younger Rotarians and the public at large, Rotary's official club magazine, The Rotarian, first hired Legendhaus's Steve Buccellato in 2009 to illustrate a history of polio, the battle to eradicate the disease, and Rotary's efforts in that fight. The story has appeared in many formats and languages around the world.
 
With the success of Amazing Stories of Polio, Rotary International recognized the power of visual storytelling, and soon commissioned a follow-up. The Remarkable Mr. Harris is biography of Rotary's founder, Paul Harris, also told in 'graphic novel' form. This true story serves as an inspiring educational tool for a new generation of Rotarians, who carry out Harris's vision today.
 
On Rotary Day 2011, Rotarians celebrated their anniversary in Rome, Italy with a multi-media presentation at the Trevi Fountain, and with an exhibition of the original art from both stories at the Istituto Nazionale per la Grafica in the Palazzo Poli, behind the famous fountain. For the event, Steve created an original piece of art that was engraved and printed by the artists at the institue, and sold to raise funds for End Polio Now.

In 2016, another story appeared in the Rotarian magazine, The Man Who Would Not Give Up, featuring another Rotary visionary, Arch Klumph for the 100th anniversary of the Rotary Foundation.
 
Steve's award-winning work for Rotary International demonstrates many ways "comic book" storytelling can be used to promote the ideas, goals and individual histories of businesses, non-profit organizations and individuals. The potential for medium goes well beyond superheroes and pulp entertainment.