RMIT University Tackles Misinformation and Masculinity Stereotypes with Innovative Comic Series
In a bold move to address the pervasive issue of misinformation and harmful masculinity stereotypes among university students, RMIT University has launched "The Adventures of Soy Boy and Friends," a unique comic series designed to promote critical thinking and respectful dialogue. The project, unveiled during the 2025 Respect at Uni Week (March 17-21), follows a group of fictional university students as they navigate the complexities of campus life, tackling issues amplified by online echo chambers and algorithmic biases. This initiative represents a novel approach to fostering a safer and more respectful campus environment by engaging students directly with the challenges they face in the digital age.
The comic’s main character, Soy Boy, confronts the derogatory connotations attached to the term, often used as an online slur to denigrate men perceived as deviating from traditional masculine ideals. This reclamation of the term aims to disarm its negative power and open a conversation about the pressures young men feel to conform to certain online narratives, particularly those propagated within the “manosphere.” The first installment directly tackles the misleading information circulating about soy milk and testosterone levels, referencing credible sources like RMIT nutrition expert Dr. Sharayah Carter. This focus on evidence-based information emphasizes the importance of verifying information found online, particularly within the context of algorithmically curated content feeds.
The creation of "The Adventures of Soy Boy and Friends" is the culmination of over a year’s worth of collaborative effort, originating as an innovation pilot within RMIT’s Prevention and Respect team, led by Shelley Hewson-Munro, Manager of Prevention, Masculinities, and Learning. Hewson-Munro and her team understood the need for a fresh approach to engaging male students on issues of respect and masculinity. The project underscores the university’s commitment to fostering a culture of respect and safety on campus by proactively addressing harmful stereotypes and promoting healthy masculinity.
Beginning in early 2024, the team engaged 29 male students through workshops and pop-up sessions, providing a platform for these young men to share their experiences with online misinformation, outdated stereotypes, and the challenges of modern university life. These sessions explored various creative avenues for engaging the wider student body, from street theater and flash mobs to podcasts and short stories. The collaborative nature of these workshops allowed students to actively contribute their insights and shape the project’s direction, culminating in the decision to develop a comic series.
"This project highlights the evolving nature of the university experience and how students, educators, and researchers are working together to create safe and respectful campuses," explains Hewson-Munro. The comic’s development embodies this collaborative spirit. The initial concept, sparked by student input, evolved through shared ideas and individual skill sets, demonstrating the power of collective action. It recognizes that while the romanticized image of university life may have changed, the core value of mutual respect and care remains essential for a thriving campus community.
The visual realization of "Soy Boy and Friends" was entrusted to Millie Ovenden, a recent graduate of RMIT’s Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media. The illustration project was presented as an alternative assessment opportunity to the 2024 student cohort, and Ovenden’s distinctive style was selected as the winning entry. The university’s commitment to student involvement extended beyond conceptualization and into the creative execution of the comic, further highlighting the collaborative spirit of the project. With plans to release new installments throughout the year, "The Adventures of Soy Boy and Friends" promises to be an ongoing conversation about masculinity, respect, and the challenges of navigating the digital landscape. This innovative approach positions RMIT as a leader in fostering inclusive and respectful campus communities, actively engaging students in the fight against misinformation and harmful stereotypes.