This study evaluated the impact of an AIDS education comic on the knowledge, attitudes and behavioural intentions of 14-year-old school pupils. In a controlled trial, 122 experimental pupils matched with 162 control pupils completed a confidential questionnaire prior to the educational intervention and again 2 weeks later. No differences between groups were recorded at pre-testing. Significantly higher mean levels of knowledge were recorded at post-comic testing in the experimental compared with the control group. Knowledge was gained in key areas covering how HIV is transmitted and the way in which condoms could be used to reduce the risk. The comic also had a significant impact on attitudes and beliefs but little short-term effect on behavioural intentions.