Dustin Nunn, A Published Author and Cartoonist with Autism

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By missolive

How I met Dustin Nunn, a published author and cartoonist

The events that led to this interview began when I met Dustin's father, Randy, on Twitter. I had noticed Randy had been promoting Dustin's book, Dustin & Darling. In addition to being a great cartoonist, I was impressed to learn Dustin has a mild form of autism. As a teacher and a parent of a child with autism, I am always fascinated and inspired by those that succeed beyond the norm. I had also noticed an honorable and steadfast attempt of a father simply helping his son secure an independent future as an author/cartoonist. Nevertheless, I was intrigued and wanted to get to know Dustin and his family.

Randy Nunn on Twitter - @Randy65

Source: Dustin Nunn

Dustin Nunn - The Telephone Interview

An Introduction - When I called Dustin, I had not anticipated the call to last over two hours. To be honest, it didn't even feel like a long call. Dustin and his parents were forthcoming as well as hopeful for his success. Also, I could talk to Dustin's mom, Donna, for hours. We were kindred spirits with the paths we had mutually experienced as parents of a child with autism. The early years are incredibly similar for many parents of children in the spectrum. Several times during the interview, I would get so involved in the conversation that I would forget to take notes!

Dustin & Darling on Amazon

Dustin & Darling
Amazon Price: $14.65
List Price: $19.99

Dustin Nunn

Dustin Nunn is a published cartoonist and the proud author of the comic book, Dustin & Darling. Dustin created all of the characters that are loosely based on himself, his real life dog, Darling, and various other family members. He has also created fictional characters that embark on some thrilling adventures.


Source: Courtesy of Dustin Nunn
Source: Dustin Nunn and his NintendoDS

Dustin is a HUGE fan of video games



Dustin loves video games and he ran off a list quicker than I could write. He did make it a point to say that he preferred the classics as opposed to the newer genre of army games; strongly feeling that the newer genre does not compare. He enjoys classic games like Sonic, Mario Bros., Gallaga, Space Invaders and PacMan.


Dustin uses a drawing tablet for his online work

There are a variety of drawing tablet brands. Dustin tells me he uses a Genius stylus for drawing his artwork.

Drawing tablets and stylus items are available on Amazon

VT PenPad 7.7-Inch Graphic Pen Tablet (Black)
Amazon Price: $36.91
List Price: $39.99
Wacom Bamboo Connect Pen Tablet (CTL470)
Amazon Price: Too low to display
List Price: $79.95
Wacom Bamboo Create Pen and Touch Tablet (CTH670)
Amazon Price: Too low to display
List Price: $199.95

Dustin loves the WWE


Dustin is a big fan of wrestling and can tell you quite a bit of history in regard to how the world of wrestling has evolved. Dustin enjoys wrestling so much that he has even created his own wrestling organization known as the World Wrestling Business (WWB).

Dustin has created several characters including El Americano. I absolutely love this character as it reminds me of the masked wrestlers from Mexico (think Nacho Libre). You'll also find Dustin "High Flyin" as well as taking on the fictional version of his Dad - Mad Dad.

I have included a variety of WWB characters below. All of these images were drawn and created by Dustin Nunn and are used with permission. All artwork is copyright and may not be redistributed without exclusive consent from Dustin Nunn.

Here are of few of Dustin's WWB Characters

Dustin and Mad Dad battle in the ring
Dustin and Mad Dad battle in the ring
Source: Created by Dustin Nunn

Additional WWB Characters Created by Dustin Nunn

Click thumbnail to view full-size

Aside from classic gaming and drawing Dustin enjoys classic rock from the 80's

Dustin shared with me that during his spare time he enjoys watching and listening to music videos on YouTube. His favorites include Twisted Sister, ZZ Top and Steppenwolfe. He is not very fond of the current music style today and prefers keeping it old school; an interesting fact for a 2008 high school graduate.

Dustin's Dream

Dustin Nunn is not a man without words. He has plenty to say about his interests, upbringing, goals and hardships. He truly wants to succeed with his cartoon work and has several manuscripts ready. He is prepared to have at least 5 more books published in the near future.

Living with autism can lead to difficulties in the standard workplace. Dustin wants to follow his dreams and continue to publish his work and live an independent life as a stay at home author and cartoonist. Regardless of any disability, we all deserve to strive for our personal dreams.

Here is a MUST SEE Dustin Nunn News Story and Interview

Network with Dustin

Dustin & Darling by, Dustin Nunn

Dustin & Darling
Amazon Price: $14.65
List Price: $19.99

MissOlive's Autism Related Hubs

All MissOlive hubs are authored by marisa hammond olivares - copyright 2012

Comments

Cagsil profile image

Cagsil Level 7 Commenter 4 months ago

Hey MissOlive, you did a fantastic job on this hub. I'll agree that awareness must be increased about Autism and it's great to see someone who has Autism become accomplished. It's a great victory! :) Voted up! Awesome! :) Thank you for sharing. :)

homesteadbound profile image

homesteadbound Level 8 Commenter 4 months ago

This is so cool. Dustin is indeed amazing in what he has been able to accomplish. I wishing this for your son and so much more. Blessings to you both. Happy new year!

lord de cross profile image

lord de cross 4 months ago

A 23 yrs old charismatic boy. Thanks for the share Miss Olive. This Cartoonist seem to be a promising future star. I have a kid with autism and I know how good they are for the Arts.

LORD

ktrapp profile image

ktrapp Level 7 Commenter 4 months ago

I watched a couple of the videos and checked out Dustin's website too. What a fantastic artist. It's just another great example of someone making the most of his talents in the face of some obstacles. His parents seem immensely proud. Best wishes as you help your son along a similar journey.

Sunshine625 profile image

Sunshine625 Level 8 Commenter 4 months ago

How exciting for you and Dustin! Social networking, we gotta love it...we never know who will cross our cyberspace path! Thumbs UP!!!

kimh039 profile image

kimh039 Level 6 Commenter 4 months ago

Beautifully done, missolive. What a masterful write up on Dustin Nunn and his book, Dustin and Darling. I love twitter friends:)

Bbudoyono profile image

Bbudoyono Level 3 Commenter 4 months ago

Very inspiring. I just searched on fb but I could not find him.

missolive profile image

missolive Hub Author 4 months ago

Dustin is simply awesome and I wish him and his family nothing but the best. Your support would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you to all that have read and commented.

Bbudoyono - not sure what may have happened when you 'searched' on Facebook, but I just clicked on the two links I provided in the hub and they worked.

FatFreddysCat profile image

FatFreddysCat Level 6 Commenter 4 months ago

A cartoonist who's into '80s rock and classic video games? Dustin sounds like my kinda guy. Nice hub, voted up.

Gypsy Rose Lee profile image

Gypsy Rose Lee Level 8 Commenter 4 months ago

This is one inspirational hub. Dustin is one creative and amazingly talented person. Passing this one on.

MPG Narratives profile image

MPG Narratives Level 4 Commenter 4 months ago

I really enjoy seeing stories of people with Autism who are successful and Dustin is just one of them. Thanks for highlighting his story in this hub missolive, well done. Voted up and beautiful.

teaches12345 profile image

teaches12345 Level 8 Commenter 4 months ago

Loved this inspiring story. It's work always good to hear another positive outcome for people with autism. Will pass this on to other teachers who work with special needs children.

B. Leekley profile image

B. Leekley Level 5 Commenter 4 months ago

Excellent hub. With his talent and with family, friends, and fans networking to make it known, he'll probably do well. I have a Facebook friend who is middle-aged and autistic. She has written articles on what that is like, and she wrote a novel with a main character who, like herself, is both autistic and faceblind. See my review at http://bleekley.hubpages.com/hub/autistic_hero

arusho profile image

arusho Level 4 Commenter 4 months ago

Great hub! My cousin's son has autism, it's nice to see what he could accomplish when he gets older..

missolive profile image

missolive Hub Author 4 months ago

arusho - Thank you! My best to your cousin's son!

B. Leekley - I really want to get the word out on Dustin. Thank you for your comment and reading. I'll check out your link as well.

teaches12345 - It is nice to hear success stories - Dustin and I appreciate that you will pass this on - Thank you.

MPG Narratives - Thank you very much - I am grateful for the votes too! :)

Gypsy Rose Lee - He is amazing - thank you for sharing

marcoujor profile image

marcoujor Level 8 Commenter 4 months ago

Miss Olive,

So cool and inspirational. Thank you for sharing Dustin's story and work, which I will share with my FB friends. It is heartening to see someone reach their amazing potential, tapping into their personal and unique talents and strengths.

Voted UP & UABI-- Have a lovely day, mar.

Ardie profile image

Ardie Level 8 Commenter 4 months ago

Im deeply moved by this hub - it gives so much hope to families like mine that live with autism every day. You're a blessing to spread the word like you do.

RealHousewife profile image

RealHousewife Level 8 Commenter 4 months ago

Awesome Hub MissOlive! I will for sure follow him on his social networks!

He is amazing and I am so glad to have learned about him. Very high functioning - anything is possible! I am gonna tweet this one too!

annart profile image

annart Level 5 Commenter 4 months ago

Very interesting hub MissOlive. Something totally different. I'll look further at his sites. It's always brilliant to see success where so many people don't expect it. Thanks. Voted up.

missolive profile image

missolive Hub Author 4 months ago

annart - Dustin has a great future ahead of him, but he needs our support. I appreciate you looking at his sites and for your votes.

RealHousewife - Thank you Kelly - I appreciate the tweets and I'm sure Dustin does too.

Ardie - Thank you for sharing. Autism has affected my family as well. We want everyone to be the best that they can be. Although Dustin's autism is mild he is still an inspiration.

marcoujo - I appreciate you spreading the word. Glad you were inspired and I appreciate your votes.

Sharyn's Slant profile image

Sharyn's Slant Level 7 Commenter 4 months ago

Hi Marisa,

What a well written and inspiring hub. Although I do not know anyone close to me with Autism, my sister is a pre-school teacher and I have learned things about it from her. She has had students in her class with Autism and I am always so proud of her when I hear what changes she has been able to make with them. I will gladly share this great piece.

Sharyn

PDXKaraokeGuy profile image

PDXKaraokeGuy Level 8 Commenter 4 months ago

great, fantastic work, Miss Olive. What an inspiration! Up and shared

Daisy Mariposa profile image

Daisy Mariposa Level 7 Commenter 4 months ago

Thanks for sharing Dustin's story, MissOlive. Art has helped many less verbal people communicate with the world. Dustin's voice will be heard through his drawings.

thesingernurse profile image

thesingernurse Level 6 Commenter 4 months ago

Dustin is very inspiring! More parents to autistic children should read about this. Your hub promotes awareness to various wonderful potentials people like him could have in spite of the autism. :)

jeyaramd profile image

jeyaramd Level 6 Commenter 4 months ago

Thank you for sharing this hub about Autism. The cartoons are beautiful. Its authentic the way you captured the essence of this talented young man - Dustin. We definitely need to have more awareness about Autism. Thanks for sharing. Voted up, beautiful, interesting and useful.

missolive profile image

missolive Hub Author 4 months ago

jeyaramd - Very glad you enjoyed this hub. I appreciate your views on Autism Awareness. Thanks for the votes and for sharing too!

thesingingnurse - He is a great inspiration - isn't he? Thank you.

Daisy Mariposa - Thank you for reading and commenting. Every person affected with autism has a variety of unique characteristics. Dustin is in fact verbal and loves to talk. His cartoons and books will be a wonderful way for him to spread his voice.

PDXKaraokeGuy - Thank you very much - I appreciate that.

Sharyn's Slant - Thank you for sharing. We are seeing more and more students in the spectrum in our school districts. It is always a wonderful moment when we can reach and meet the needs of all students. You have every right to be proud of your sister. Dustin wants to bring more awareness to our schools and our communities. Teachers like your sister can help make a difference.

vocalcoach profile image

vocalcoach Level 7 Commenter 4 months ago

Thanks so much for introducing me to Dustin. He is quite amazing. I will follow him on the social networking sites you have listed. A very nice move on your part. Thanks again missolive!

vocalcoach~

PDXKaraokeGuy profile image

PDXKaraokeGuy Level 8 Commenter 4 months ago

olive, you're welcome. Thanks for raising awareness!

missolive profile image

missolive Hub Author 4 months ago

vocalcoach - you are quite welcome. Dustin loves having new followers. I appreciate your comment and support - Dustin does too!

PDXKaraokeGuy - Thanks again buddy! Wishing you the best in all your endeavors as well.

Eiddwen profile image

Eiddwen 4 months ago

A great tribute and one to vote up.

Thanks for sharing.

Take care,

Eddy.

missolive profile image

missolive Hub Author 4 months ago

Eiddwen - Thank you Eddy. I appreciate the vote.

Jangaplanet profile image

Jangaplanet Level 5 Commenter 4 months ago

Such a fantastic Hub Miss Olive. I never heard about Dustin Hunn but I'm glad you wrote about it. I googled his name and been reading up on him a little more. Thank you for sharing his story. Voting up!

missolive profile image

missolive Hub Author 4 months ago

Thank you Jangaplanet.

Dustin appreciates your support. Please consider promoting this hub and/or any of his social network profiles.

epigramman profile image

epigramman 4 months ago

...well this is what it's all about - isn't it - promoting other people who may not otherwise may not get a chance to be seen or heard - it speaks as much about this young man's talent as it does about your precious heart Miss Olive - and you will be both be highlighted on my FACEBOOK page with a tribute posting and a direct link back here. Congratulations by the way on 600 plus followers ..... lake erie time ontario canada 12:54am

missolive profile image

missolive Hub Author 3 months ago

epi! I am so glad you stopped by to learn more about this wonderful and inspiring young man. I'm sure Dustin appreciates your support as much as I do. Epi, I am more than honored to have you as a part of my wonderful 600 followers. I am blessed! You were one of the first to comment on my hubs when I first joined HP and I'll never forget it. Cheers!

PDXKaraokeGuy profile image

PDXKaraokeGuy Level 8 Commenter 3 months ago

thanks, miss olive. i appreciate your support!

GinnyLee profile image

GinnyLee Level 1 Commenter 3 months ago

Wow! What a wonderful story. You did a fabulous job on the hub and I am humbled by the inspiration and achievement of this author.

missolive profile image

missolive Hub Author 3 months ago

PDXKaraokeGuy - always a pleasure :)

GinnyLee - Thank you, I'm glad you think so. It is always inspirational to see the goals and success of others. Dustin is a fine young man with the true desire and need to work from home. Please help me spread the word on his endeavors.

Shawnte87 profile image

Shawnte87 3 months ago

Excellent hub. My cousin has autism and is a very passionate artist as well. Just goes to show that you can do anything you put your mind to, no matter what you're going through.

missolive profile image

missolive Hub Author 3 months ago

Shawnte87 - I am very glad to hear about your cousin. What kind of artist? I've always said, never underestimate the mind of a person with autism. I appreciate you coming by to read and comment.

Perspycacious profile image

Perspycacious Level 7 Commenter 2 months ago

Real people really count...even more than comic book heroes. Delightful interview.

missolive profile image

missolive Hub Author 2 months ago

Perspycacious - Thank you very much. We all count and Dustin thanks you for taking note.

Sunnie Day profile image

Sunnie Day Level 8 Commenter 2 months ago

Hi Marisa what a heart warming hub. I followed Dustin on tweeter.

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