Comics Tagged : mental health
The Tetris Effect
Strip Info
- Title
- The Tetris Effect
- Date
- October 16, 2023
- Tags
- anxiety, Bird, couch, Kevin, mental health, self care, Switch, Tetris, video games, wholesome
Transcript
- Panel 1 : Int. Kevin’s Apartment – Day
-
Kevin slouches on his couch, bags under his eyes, playing his Switch. Next to him, an empty bag of Doritos and a few empty beer bottles. His bird, perched above him, leans in.
-
- Bird
- Umm… are you okay?
- Kevin
- I read that playing Tetris helps distract your brain from anxious thoughts.
- Panel 2 : Int. Kevin’s Apartment – Continuous
-
His bird looks concerned.
-
- Bird
- You’ve been playing for the last nine hours straight.
- Kevin
- Have you seen the news lately?
- Panel 3 : Int. Kevin’s Apartment – Continuous
-
His bird looks off into the distance, thinking, as Kevin goes back to his game.
- Panel 4 : Int. Kevin’s Apartment – Continuous
-
Kevin continues playing, his bird nestled under his arm. The bird lays its head on Kevin’s chest, watching him play.
Full Disclosure
Bonus Panel
Strip Info
- Title
- Full Disclosure
- Date
- August 27, 2023
- Tags
- Batman, Batman In Therapy, bonus panel, Catwoman, couples, Gotham City, masculinity, mental health, movies, Poison Ivy, pop culture, self care, Therapist, therapy, toxic masculinity
Transcript
- Panel 1 : Ext. Gotham City – Day
-
Catwoman straddles a prone Batman. With a sly smile, she traces her finger across the bat-symbol on his chest.
-
- Catwoman
- So tell me… what’s the Big Bad Bat really afraid of?
- Panel 2 : Ext. Gotham City – Continuous
-
A close-up on Batman. He looks… sad?
-
- Batman
- Honestly? I’m afraid that, if I fully process my childhood trauma and grief… I’ll lose my motivation to fight crime.
- Panel 3 : Ext. Gotham City – Continuous
-
A close-up on Catwoman. She looks away in discomfort as Batman continues.
-
- Batman
- …And since crime-fighting is such a big part of my identity, I’m afraid losing it will change how I define my masculinity.
- Panel 4 : Int. Catwoman’s Hideout – Later
-
Catwoman sits on the couch of her hideout, looking out the window, concerned. Behind her, Poison Ivy leans over to gossip.
-
- Poison Ivy
- Sooo… how’s it going with Batman?
- Catwoman
- Honestly, it’s been a bit heavy since he started going to therapy…
- Bonus Panel : Int. Therapist Office – Later
-
In full costume, Batman lies on the couch of his therapist’s office. Behind him, in a plush chair, his kindly therapist takes notes.
-
- Therapist
- …And how is commmunication with the woman you’re seeing?
- Batman
- Good! I think she likes me!
Touch Grass
Bonus Panel
Strip Info
- Title
- Touch Grass
- Date
- June 25, 2023
- Tags
- bonus panel, capitalism, computers, creativity, guilt, Kevin, mental health, nature, park, productivity, relatable, rest, self care, shame, The Grustle Monster
Transcript
- Panel 1 : Ext. Park – Afternoon
-
Kevin lies in the grass of a field on a sunny summer day. Eyes closed. Hands behind his head. Smiling.
-
- Kevin
- Aaaaah. There’s nothing like a lazy summer afternoon…
- Panel 2 : Ext. Park – Continuous
-
Closer on Kevin’s face as a strange shadow creeps over him. He opens one eye to see:
- Panel 3 : Ext. Park – Continuous
-
Kevin’s POV: The Grustle Monster standing over him, blocking out the sun. Furrowed brow. Frowning.
- Panel 4 : Ext. Park – Continuous
-
Wider to reveal The Grustle Monster looming over Kevin in a menacing way.
-
- Kevin
- Damnit I’m allowed to rest!
- Panel 5 : Ext. Park – Later
-
Later, two passersby notice Kevin sitting on the grass, his full, two-monitor desktop set up in the grass in front of him.
-
- Passerby 1
- Did that guy bring his desktop to the park?
Work Friends
Bonus Panel
Strip Info
- Title
- Work Friends
- Date
- May 14, 2023
- Tags
- awkward, Batman, Batman In Therapy, Commissioner Gordon, Gotham City, masculinity, mental health, pop culture, social interactions, therapy
Transcript
- Panel 1 : Ext. Gotham City PD Roof – Night
-
Commissioner Gordon and Batman stand on the roof of the GCPD headquarters at night near the bat symbol.
-
- Commissioner Gordon
- Thanks for helping us catch The Riddler, Batman. Gotham owes you a great debt.
- Panel 2 : Ext. Gotham City PD Roof – Continuous
-
Gordon and Batman stand facing each other for an awkward beat.
- Panel 3 : Ext. Gotham City PD Roof – Continuous
-
Batman blurts out.
-
- Batman
- …Wanna hang out after work?
- Panel 4 : Int. Psychiatrist’s Office – Later
-
Batman lays on a couch. Behind him in a chair, his therapist takes notes.
-
- Therapist
- …And how are we doing with forming male friendships?
- Batman
- I’m so awkward!
- Panel 5 : Int. All-Nite Diner – Later
-
Batman and Gordon sit stiffly in a booth of an all-night diner. Each has a strawberry milkshake in front of them.
-
- Batman
- How’s your milkshake?
- Commissioner Gordon
- – I should get home to my family…
Late Night Worries
Strip Info
- Title
- Late Night Worries
- Date
- March 5, 2023
- Tags
- anxiety, bed, Bird, bird flu, COVID, epidemic, Kevin, mental health, night, pandemic, wholesome
- Notes
-
Three years ago, I added this bird character to my comics as a way to cope with my pandemic anxiety. Now, our avian friends find themselves in a similar situation. But with a much higher toll. It got me thinking back to those early, uncertain days of COVID. This bird helped me make it through. I figured I should return the favor.
Transcript
- Panel 1 : Int. Kevin’s Bedroom – Night
-
Kevin is asleep in bed. His bird stands on top of him.
-
- Bird
- Hey. Are you awake? I can’t sleep.
- Kevin (sleepy)
- Hmm? Sure. What’s up?
- Panel 2 : Int. Kevin’s Bedroom – Continuous
-
The bird continues.
-
- Bird (anxious)
- I can’t stop thinking about this bird flu epidemic. It’s killed fifty-eight million birds already.
- Kevin
- Yeah. It’s really sad, isn’t it?
- Panel 3 : Int. Kevin’s Bedroom – Continuous
-
The bird continues.
-
- Bird
- Am I going to get it?
- Kevin
- Not if you stay here with me.
- Panel 4 : Int. Kevin’s Bedroom – Continuous
-
The bird says nothing. Kevin smiles sympathetically.
-
- Kevin
- …Wow. No joke?
- Panel 5 : Int. Kevin’s Bedroom – Continuous
-
Kevin smiles
-
- Kevin
- You’re supposed to say, “I’d rather get the virus…”
- Panel 6 : Int. Kevin’s Bedroom – Continuous
-
The bird looks sheepish.
-
- Bird
- Sorry. Guess I’m a little pre-occupied. Can I sleep in your room tonight?
- Kevin
- Of course!
- Panel 7 : Int. Kevin’s Bedroom – Continuous
-
Kevin’s bird curls up in the small of Kevin’s neck, still worried. Kevin looks on, concerned.
- Panel 8 : Int. Kevin’s Bedroom – Continuous
-
Wide of the dark bedroom.
-
- Bird
- Epidemics sure are scary.
- Kevin
- I know, buddy. I know.
No “Off” Switch
Strip Info
- Title
- No “Off” Switch
- Date
- June 12, 2022
- Tags
- anxiety, beach, Bird, fomo, Kevin, mental health, productivity, relatable, self care, social media, vacation
Transcript
- Panel 1 : Ext. Beach – Day
-
Kevin sits on a beach chair on a sunny shore. Wearing an open Hawaiian shirt, he clasps his hands behind his head and smiles. His bird perches on his elbow.
-
- Kevin
- Isn’t this great? A week away from social media! No F.O.M.O. No stress…
- Panel 2 : Ext. Beach – Continuous
-
Kevin and his bird sit in silence, soaking up the sun and surf.
- Panel 3 : Ext. Beach – Continous
-
Another moment of quiet.
- Panel 4 : Ext. Beach – Continous
-
Kevin’s bird turns to him.
-
- Bird
- You’re thinking of ways to turn this into content, aren’t you?
- Kevin
- Yes. I’m very broken.
The Procrastination Game
Strip Info
- Title
- The Procrastination Game
- Date
- May 8, 2022
- Tags
- Bird, couch, creativity, dumb things people do, Kevin, mental health, productivity, relatable, self care, videogames
Transcript
- Panel 1 : Int. Living Room – Day
-
Kevin sits on his couch, controller in hand, playing a video game. His bird sits next to him.
-
- Kevin
- Ugh. This game sucks.
- Bird
- Then why not play a game you like?
- Panel 2 : Int. Living Room – Continuous
-
Kevin replies.
-
- Kevin
- Because if I play a game I like, I’ll get absorbed and won’t do the other things I have to do today.
- Panel 3 : Int. Living Room – Continous
-
The bird ponders.
-
- Bird
- So why not do those other things first, then play a game you like?
- Kevin
- Because playing games is how I procrastinate.
- Panel 4 : Int. Living Room – Continous
-
The bird looks concerned.
-
- Bird
- Wow, you’re all messed up, huh?
- Kevin
- My therapist calls me his “goldmine.”
The Breakthrough
Strip Info
- Title
- The Breakthrough
- Date
- February 20, 2022
- Tags
- Batman, Bruce Wayne, crime, masculinity, mental health, movies, pop culture, self care, superheroes, therapy, thugs, toxic masculinity, vigilantes
Transcript
- Panel 1 : Ext. Gotham City Rooftop – Night
-
Batman holds up a thug by his collar on a Gotham rooftop.
-
- Thug
- What are you?
- Panel 2 : Ext. Gotham City Rooftop – Continuous
-
Batman growls.
-
- Batman
- I’m the victim of childhood trauma processing his emotions in an unhealthy way!
- Panel 4 : Int. Therapist’s Office – Later
-
Batman, in full costume, lays scowling on the couch of his therapist. Sitting nearby, the therapist writes in his notepad with a patient smile.
-
- Therapist
- Excellent, Bruce! We’re making real progress here.
Your Precious Spare Time
Strip Info
- Title
- Your Precious Spare Time
- Date
- November 7, 2021
- Tags
- Bird, couch, fomo, gross, Kevin, mental health, movies, peer pressure, PG13, recreation, spare time
Transcript
- Panel 1 : Int. Living Room – Day
-
Kevin slouches on the couch, watching TV, scowling. The bird sits on his head.
-
- Kevin
- Ugh. This movie is awful.
- Bird
- Then why are you watching it?
- Panel 2 : Int. Living Room – Continuous
-
Kevin continues
-
- Kevin
- Because everyone’s talking about it and I don’t want to be left out of the conversation.
- Panel 3 : Int. Living Room – Continuous
-
The bird looks quizzical.
-
- Bird
- Why are you letting peer pressure decide how you spend your precious spare time? Why not do what you want?
- Panel 4 : Int. Living Room – Continuous
-
Kevin leaves the room, looking sheepish, pulling the door closed behind him.
-
- Bird
- Oh gross!
-
We see Kevin is holding a box of tissues in his hand.
The Secret of My Success
Bonus Panel
Strip Info
- Title
- The Secret of My Success
- Date
- October 10, 2021
- Tags
- Avengers, bonus panel, burnout, Captain America, city, Kevin, Marvel, memes, mental health, movies, New York City, parody, self care
Transcript
- Panel 1 : Ext. New York City – Day
-
Close up on Captain America, during that famous scene in the big battle of the first Avengers movie.
-
- Captain America
- Kevin, you haven’t taken any time off from work in over a year. How are you not burnt out?
- Panel 2 : Ext. New York City – Continuous
-
Kevin, walking away, looks back over his shoulder with a smile.
-
- Kevin
- That my secret, Cap…
- Panel 3 : Ext. New York City – Continuous
-
Closer on Kevin. Still with the cocky smile.
-
- Kevin
- …I’m always burnt out!
- Panel 4 : Ext. New York City – Continuous
-
Reverse on Kevin as he faces away from Captain America. His smile is gone. Replaced by the hundred-yard stare, heavy eyelids, and sagging mouth of someone at his wits’ end. Cap stands confused behind him.
- Panel 5 : Ext. New York City – Continuous
-
Wide shot from behind Kevin as that flying alien catepillar thing approaches him. Kevin’s shoulders slump.
-
- Kevin
- -Sigh- Can we not?
Blue’s Clues Blues
Strip Info
- Title
- Blue’s Clues Blues
- Date
- September 19, 2021
- Tags
- apartment, bachelor pad, Bird, Blues Clues, childhood, couch, Kevin, mental health, nostalgia, self care, Steve from Blues Clues, TV
Transcript
- Panel 1 : Kevin’s Int. Living Room – Day
-
Kevin’s POV: Steve from Blues Clues speaks in a clip from that recent video.
-
- Steve
- And then you at you! And look at all you’ve accomplished!
- Panel 2 : Int. Kevin’s Living Room – Continuous
-
Up angle on Kevin, who is watching the clip on his phone, derpy look on his face. The bird watches over his shoulder.
-
- Steve (OS)
- And it’s just… it’s just so amazing, right?
- Panel 3 : Int. Kevin’s Living Room – Continuous
-
Wide angle of Kevin’s shitty bachelor apartment. Laundry on the floor. Dirty plates and trash strewn about. Unopened mail. Framed Quentin Tarantino movie posters on the wall. And that one torch lamp every dude had in the early 00s. Kevin sits slumped on the couch, in his boxers and socks, watching the video on his phone.
-
- Bird
- He’s not talking to you.
- Kevin
- I figured.
As Good As It Gets
Strip Info
- Title
- As Good As It Gets
- Date
- June 27, 2021
- Tags
- Bird, birdcage, existentialism, Kevin, mental health, self care, The Future
Transcript
- Panel 1 : Int. Home – Day
-
Kevin sits at his desk, working on his laptop. Behind him, his bird stands on its cage.
-
- Bird
- What if this is as good as it gets?
(For you, I mean.)
- Panel 2 : Int. Home – Continuous
-
Kevin rasies an eyebrow as the bird continues.
-
- Bird
- What if you’re never as happy, healthy, or successful as you are right now?
- Panel 3 : Int. Home – Continuous
-
Kevin looks visibly annoyed as the bird really drives it home.
-
- Bird
- What if it’s just one long, slow slide into irrelevance from here on out?
- Panel 4 : Int. Home – Moments Later
-
The bird is in its cage. A black shroud covering it.
-
- Bird
(from under the shroud) - Not the self-reflective type I see.
- Bird