Comics Tagged : vulnerability

Title: Define “Strong”
Date: March 28, 2021
Tags: bodybuilding, empathy, masculinity, self care, strength, Strongman, toxic masculinity, vulnerability
Notes: This is one of my favorite comics I’ve made to date.

Panel 1 : Int. Outdoor Arena – Day

Two strongmen stretch before an event.

Panel 2 : Int. Outdoor Arena – Continuous

The two strongmen stand nose-to-nose, frowning at each other.

Announcer (OS): This next event is one our most daunting – even for our toughest competitors. Let’s see what they’ve got…

Panel 3 : Int. Outdoor Arena – Continuous

The two strongmen embrace tenderly.

Panel 4 : Int. Outdoor Arena – Continuous

Two announcers watching fight back tears.

Title: Talking To My More Successful Friends
Date: March 14, 2021
Tags: confession, friends, Kevin, mental health, relatable, success, vulnerability
Notes: Confession: Sometimes I have a hard time being happy for the success of my friends. Especially those working in entertainment like me. Don’t get me wrong: I’m excited for and proud of them. I admire their hard work. But there’s always this voice in the back of my head that says “why not me?” Their achievements somehow point out my lack thereof. I know a lot of folks will look at my accomplishments and say STFU. And they’re right. But this is how I think. I can’t help it and I hate it. I blame social media. And capitalism. And toxic masculinity. And myself. Whatever. It’s a whole thing.

Panel 1 : Int. Void – Day

Kevin stands, smiling and listening to news from an off-panel friend.

Panel 2 : Int. Void – Continuous

The off-panel friend continues. Kevin’s smile widens.

Panel 3 : Int. Void – Continuous

The off-panel friend continues. Kevin’s smile begins to bend unnaturally.

Panel 4 : Int. Void – Continuous

Kevin’s smile has contorted into something grotesque.