October 10th, 2019
Bad vibes in Minnesota right now.
But I see good vibes online right now; post after post about mental health awareness, and the normalization of this kind of discussion is something I am passionately for.
In fact: it deeply informs my work today.
Here is my pitch for The Weirdos: this is a story about people, with problems, who have potential. Ashley (The Flying Squirrel) is an alcoholic. Axis (The Sketch) has depression to the point where she is suicidal. Moe (The Blue-Ringer) has cancer, and Das (The Wait) had a traumatic childhood, and deals with anger issues now as an adult. They each end up at a rehab facility called Lake Mary, where they form a group called The Weirdos.
Ultimately, this is a story about how we all suffer, and how I believe that the way through that is connection and support.
When I started this comic journey, I knew I needed to pour it all in. I had to make something I was passionate about, that I could talk about all day, that could drive me whether it was successful or not, that would inspire conversations with other people, that would be something that you could hopefully relate to on a deeper, more personal level.
Comic books have saved my life over and over again. And I hope all of you find the things that make you live.
We need to talk. We need to listen. I know I can do better with the latter.
Happy Mental Health Awareness Day. And not an empty gesture: if you ever need to talk, I am always willing to hear you.
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