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For third-generation Armenian-American Krikor Norsigian, participating in Birthright Armenia in 2021 was a life-changing journey. With roots in Connecticut's small Armenian community, Krikor had long sought deeper connections to his heritage.

His decision to apply to do the Birthright program came after the 2020 Artsakh War—a pivotal moment that spurred him into action. What began as a four-month volunteering experience grew into something much larger: a mission to preserve Armenian identity through storytelling.

“I realized if I didn’t go then, I might never go,” Krikor recalls. He arrived in Armenia during a time of post-war recovery and volunteered with Kooyrigs, an organization committed to aiding displaced families and marginalized communities. Krikor’s role was multifaceted, combining strategic planning with on-the-ground efforts to deliver aid to families across Armenia. “We traveled to meet forcefully displaced people from Artsakh, often bringing aid to villages where the children would greet us with smiles and soccer balls in hand, ready to play,” he explains.

One encounter, however, left a lasting impression on Krikor. In a small village, he met an 11-year-old boy who had lost his father and grandfather in the war. “He understandably had some violent tendencies, and you could see the anger and pain in his eyes,” Krikor shares. The boy’s grief was palpable, expressed through poems hung on the walls of his home. This planted the seed for Krikor’s graphic novel—a modern retelling of the Armenian myth of Ara the Beautiful. “I wanted to create a story that could give someone like him a safe space to process grief and rediscover hope.”

Blending Ancient Mythology and Modern Technology

The graphic novel, which blends ancient mythology with contemporary themes, uses AI technology to create its striking illustrations. Krikor emphasizes that the art is the only element AI generates, ensuring that the story and dialogue remain deeply personal. “My goal was to take Armenian mythology as a backdrop and create a narrative that resonates with Armenians today,” he explains. The central theme of the novel is hope—something Krikor believes is a powerful and necessary force for Armenians. “We’ve faced 2,000 years of challenges. Staying hopeful in the face of all that is not naïve—it’s an epic feat.”

The creative process began during Krikor’s time in Armenia and evolved over the next three years, during which he balanced law school, a full-time job, and his writing. “I storyboarded and wrote in every spare moment. Initially, I wasn’t sure how to bring my vision to life, but as AI technology improved, I saw it as a tool to bridge my limitations as an artist,” he says. The result is a graphic novel that Krikor hopes will inspire Armenian youth to engage with their culture and mythology. “Graphic novels are an incredibly accessible medium. They’ve made mythology popular in other cultures, and I believe they can do the same for ours.”

Krikor’s efforts have already gained recognition. His project made the shortlist for the prestigious Galvanizing Diaspora Grant hosted by Armenia 2041. “It was validating to see an Armenian institution acknowledge the importance of this work,” he says. And although he ultimately didn’t receive the grant, the experience inspired him to refine his pitch and continue pursuing his goals. Earlier this year, Krikor won first place in a pitch competition at Suffolk University, further fueling his confidence to move forward. He plans to release the first installment of the novel—covering three chapters—in early 2025, with an eventual goal of creating a 30-chapter series.

Finding Purpose Through Birthright Armenia

Reflecting on his time with Birthright Armenia, Krikor credits the program with helping him find his purpose. “Birthright is the greatest thing I’ve ever done,” he says. “It gave me clarity about the role I can play in nation-building. Even during my toughest days in law school, I’d think about how this work could help Armenia.”

Krikor’s connection to Armenia deepened in unexpected ways during his time with Birthright. He met his girlfriend while volunteering, and their relationship has flourished despite the challenges of long distance. “Being with someone who shares my love for Armenia has made this journey even more meaningful,” he shares.

Krikor’s commitment to Armenia extends beyond the graphic novel. He has returned to the country every year since completing Birthright Armenia and actively supports initiatives like the Fund for Armenian Relief (FAR) as a volunteer ambassador. For him, staying physically connected to Armenia is essential. “Being there matters. It’s about reversing the brain drain and maintaining that connection to the land and people.”

Through his work, Krikor hopes to preserve not just the memory of Armenia’s past but also its potential for the future. “If we don’t tell our own stories, no one will take us seriously,” he says. By introducing a new generation to the richness of Armenian mythology, he aims to inspire pride, resilience, and hope. And for Krikor, that’s a story worth telling.

Illustration from the graphic novelIllustration from the graphic novel