Comics Tagged : relatable

Grustle Hours

Grustle Hours
Bonus Panel
Grustle Hours

Strip Info

Title
Grustle Hours
Date
July 14, 2024
Tags
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Notes

I think about time a lot. Like a whole lot. There’s so much I want to do in my lifetime. So I worry that, unless I make the most of every minute, I won’t get to everything. This anxiety has made me very susceptible to productivity and hustle culture. The Grustle Monster is, obviously, the embodiment of my anxiety. I have conversations like this with him every day.

But lately, my relationship to time and achievement has been changing. Part of that has been due to several big personal events in the last year. Part of it is due to reading the book 4000 Weeks by Oliver Burkeman. Now I’m trying to think about time as this beautiful, limited resource of unknown quantity. This lovely video from my old boss Ze Frank sums it up nicely.

So do you have a Grustle Monster in your head? How do you deal with him?

Transcript

Panel 1 : Int. Kevin’s Apartment – Day

Kevin lays on his couch, looking at his phone. Behind him, The Grustle Monster stands with his arms crossed.

Grustle Monster
Eight hours for sleep. Eight hours for work. Two hours for meals. One hour for exercise.
Panel 2 : Int. Kevin’s Apartment – Continuous

The Grustle Monster continues.

Grustle Monster
That leaves five hours per day for your side-hustle. You say you don’t have time, but it’s your discipline that’s lacking.
Panel 3 : Int. Kevin’s Apartment – Continuous

Annoyed, Kevin retorts.

Kevin
You forgot: two hours for commute, three hours for family, two hours for bathing and chores…
Panel 4 : Int. Kevin’s Apartment – Continuous

The Grustle Monster does the math.

Grustle Monster
That’s twenty-seven hours per day.
Kevin
So piss off.
Bonus Panel : Int. Kevin’s Apartment – Moments Later

Kevin, still on his couch, still looking at his phone.

Grustle Monster
Where does ‘Scrolling Social Media for Two Hours” fit?
Kevin
SELF CARE!

The Best Streaming Service

The Best Streaming Service
Bonus Panel
The Best Streaming Service

Strip Info

Title
The Best Streaming Service
Date
October 2, 2023
Tags
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Transcript

Panel 1 : Int. Kevin’s Apartment – Day

Kevin walks through the front door of his apartment at night, taking off his jacket. His bird sits on a nearby table, playing jacks. The bird looks up at Kevin.

Bird
Hey! Where have you been?
Kevin
At the gas station, filling up my car.
Panel 2 : Int. Kevin’s Apartment – Continuous

Kevin hangs up his jacket as his bird looks at him skeptically.

Bird
For three hours?
Kevin
Yeah. There was this amazing movie on Gas Station TV.
Panel 3 : Ext. Gas Station – Earlier

Kevin stands at the pump, staring at the tiny gas station TV, holding back tears. He holds the pump handle in his hand. The gas cap on his car is open. He hasn’t even started pumping gas yet. The sun is setting. A line of cars behind him HONK incessantly at him.

Panel 4 : Int. Kevin’s Apartment – Continuous

Kevin shrugs.

Kevin
Scorsese? At the Exxon?!
Bird
These streaming wars are getting out of hand.
Panel 5 : Int. Kevin’s Apartment – Continuous

An attendant approaches Kevin at the pump.

Attendant
Sir? Are you crying?
Kevin (clearly crying)
No! It’s the gas fumes! Shut up!

Forced Career Change

Forced Career Change
Bonus Panel
Forced Career Change

Strip Info

Title
Forced Career Change
Date
September 25, 2023
Tags
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Transcript

Panel 1 : Int. Void – Day

An Instagram icon with arms and legs stands on a table. Kevin stands in front of it, presenting a comic.

Kevin
I’m a cartoonist! I make comics!
Panel 2 : Int. Void – Continuous

Instagram snatches the comic from Kevin’s hands. Kevin looks surprised.

Panel 3 : Int. Void – Continuous

Instagram rips up Kevin’s comic as Kevin’s eyes bug out.

Instagram
Now you make videos.
Panel 4 : Int. Void – Continuous

Instagram insists.

Instagram
Say it.
Kevin (defeated)
Now I make videos.

A Shorts Story

A Shorts Story
Bonus Panel
A Shorts Story

Strip Info

Title
A Shorts Story
Date
July 2, 2023
Tags
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Transcript

Panel 1 : Int. Apartment – Day

Kevin stands in his apartment, wearing teal shorts, revealing his skinny, pale legs. His bird, standing on a nearby table, leans over in interest.

Bird
What’s with the shorts? You never wear shorts
Kevin
I’m going to a BBQ and it’s too hot out for pants.
Panel 2 : Int. Apartment – Continuous

The bird continues.

Bird
Wow. You’re wearing them in public? But people will see your bare legs!
Kevin
I know. But I’m sure no one will notice.
Panel 3 : Ext. Field – Later

Kevin is at the BBQ. Some jerk yells to the crowd.

Some Jerk
Hey everyone! The chicken legs we ordered are here!
Panel 4 : Int. Apartment – Later

After the party, Kevin is back home.

Bird
Sooo… how’d it go?
Kevin
Never again.

Kevin sets his shorts on fire with a lighter.

Touch Grass

Touch Grass
Bonus Panel
Touch Grass

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?

Starting A New Hobby – Part 2

Starting A New Hobby – Part 2

Strip Info

Title
Starting A New Hobby – Part 2
Date
April 2, 2023
Tags
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Transcript

Panel 1 : Int. Kevin’s Apartment – Day

Kevin stands at his table, wearing a metalworking visor, apron, and gloves. He holds a welding torch in his hand. On the table in front of him, a vise holds a piece of metal. Kevin’s bird, wearing a visor of his own, looks on from a pile of nearby metalworking gear.

Kevin
OK! After buying all this gear, I’m finally ready to try my new hobby for the first time!
Panel 2 : Int. Kevin’s Apartment – Continuous

Kevin presses his torch to the metal. Sparks fly everywhere.

Panel 3 : Int. Kevin’s Apartment – Continuous

Kevin turns off the torch. The metal has melted into an unattractive lump.

Panel 4 : Int. Kevin’s Apartment – Continuous

Kevin turns to walk away, throwing the torch over his shoulder.

Kevin
Whelp, I’m no good at this. I quit!
Panel 5 : Int. Kevin’s Apartment – Months Later

Kevin sits on his couch, rubbing his chin in thought.

Kevin
I think I want to try a new craft as a hobby…

His bird facepalms.

Starting A New Hobby – Part 1

Starting A New Hobby – Part 1
Bonus Panel
Starting A New Hobby – Part 1

Strip Info

Title
Starting A New Hobby – Part 1
Date
March 26, 2023
Tags
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Transcript

Panel 1 : Int. Kevin’s Apartment – Day

Kevin sit on his couch, rubbing his chin in thought. His bird sits on his arm.

Kevin
I think I want to learn a new skill as a hobby.
Bird
Cool!
Panel 2 : Int. Kevin’s Apartment – Months Later

Kevin sits at his table, hunched over his laptop. His bird sits on his shoulder.

Bird
Make anything yet?
Kevin
Not yet. I’m still researching techniques and gear…
Panel 3 : Int. Kevin’s Apartment – Months Later

Kevin sits in the same spot, wearing protective eyewear. Some metalworking gear sits on the table next to him.

Bird
Anything yet?
Kevin
Not yet. I need better gear…
Panel 4 : Int. Kevin’s Apartment – Month’s Later

Kevin sits at the same spot, wearing a leather apron and a safety face shield. Metalworking gear sits on the table next to him. His bird sits atop a pile of unopened boxes of stuff behind him.

Bird
Anythi-
Kevin (interrupting)
Look: this is half the fun of this for me, okay?!
Panel 5 : Ext. Graveyard – Day

A tombstone reads: “Here lies Kevin. Who almost started a new hobby.”

Just A Reminder

Just A Reminder
Bonus Panel
Just A Reminder

Strip Info

Title
Just A Reminder
Date
February 5, 2023
Tags
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Notes

Bonus panel

Transcript

Panel 1 : Int. Office – Day

Kevin sits at his desk at work, checking his email on his laptop. A message from his dentist reads: “Reminder: Your dental appointment is tomorrow at 10:30AM.”

Panel 2 : Int. Subway Car – Later

Later that evening, Kevin stands in a crowded subway car, checking his phone. A text message from his dentist reads: “Reminder: your dental appointment is tomorrow at 10:30AM. Reply STOP to opt out of reminders.” Kevin looks annoyed.

Panel 3 : Int. Apartment – Later

Later that night, Kevin sits at his dining room table, eating dinner. He holds his phone out to listen to a voicemail. It says “This is an automated reminder from your dentist’s office. Your appointment is tomorrow at 10:30AM.” Kevin looks angry.

Panel 4 : Int. Bedroom – Later

Later that night, Kevin lies asleep in bed. It’s quiet.

Panel 5 : Int. Bedroom – Continuous

Suddenly, Kevin’s dentist pokes his head up at the foot of Kevin’s bed.

Dentist
…Don’t forget about tomorrow!
Kevin
DAAAAH!
Panel 6 : Int. Bedroom – Continuous

The next afternoon, Kevin sits on his couch, watching TV. His bird sits on his head.

Bird
Hey – didn’t you have a dental appointment this morning?
Kevin
Ah shit! I forgot!

Prime Grind Time

Prime Grind Time

Strip Info

Title
Prime Grind Time
Date
December 30, 2022
Tags
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Transcript

Panel 1 : Int. Office – Day

Kevin sits as his desk, looking over at calendar hanging on the wall. The calendar reads “December.” All of the days are crossed off except for the last week.

Kevin
Ahh! The week between Christmas and New Year’s: when no one expects me to work…
Panel 2 : Int. Office – Continuous

A wider angle reveals The Grustle Monster standing behind Kevin, arms crossed.

Grustle Monster
EXCEPT ME.
Kevin
…Except my Grustle Monster.
Panel 3 : Int. Office – Continuous

The Grustle Monster looms over Kevin as he draws.

Grustle Monster
NO DAYS OFF, BRO. THIS IS PRIME GRIND TIME.
Kevin
…Which is why I feel compelled to draw a comic instead of relaxing.
Panel 4 : Int. Office – Continuous

The Grustle Monster continues.

Grustle Monster
YOU’LL THANK ME WHEN YOU’RE RICH.
Kevin
From comics? Do you even hear yourself?

The Grustle Monster Cometh

The Grustle Monster Cometh

Strip Info

Title
The Grustle Monster Cometh
Date
September 4, 2022
Tags
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Transcript

Panel 1 : Int. Bedroom – Night

Kevin lays in bed, startled awake by a large, purple monster kicking in the door. Across the monster’s chest, the word “GRUSTLE” is written.

The Grustle Monster
WHAT ARE YOU DOING IN BED? AMBITION NEVER SLEEPS!
Panel 2 : Int. Bedroom – Continuous

The monster jumps on the foot of Kevin’s bed, causing it and Kevin to shoot up at attention.

The Grusle Monster
WHILE YOU’RE IN HERE, SOMEONE’S OUT THERE STEALING YOUR SUCCESS!
Panel 3 : Int. Bedroom – Continuous

The monster bellows.

The Grustle Monster
GET UP! GET OUT!! GET TO WORK!!!
Kevin
AAAAAAH!!!!
Panel 4 : Int. Office Breakroom – Later

Hunched over his coffee, disheveled, with a crazy look in his eye, Kevin twitches as his coworker makes a dry observation.

Coworker
Dude, you look like crap.
Kevin
Can’t sleep… Grustle Monster will get me!

Daily Affirmations

Daily Affirmations

Strip Info

Title
Daily Affirmations
Date
August 7, 2022
Tags
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Transcript

Panel 1 : Int. Kevin’s House – Day

Kevin’s parrot smiles into his mirror.

Bird
Who’s a pretty bird? Who’s a pwitty widdle birdy? You are!
Panel 2 : Int. Kevin’s House – Continuous

The bird realizes Kevin is watching from the doorway behind him. Kevin snickers.

Panel 3 : Int. Kevin’s House – Continuous

The bird snaps.

Bird
What? Shut up! Like you don’t do it too!
Panel 4 : Int. Kevin’s House – Continuous

The bird continues.

Bird
Get outta here, pencilneck!

Kevin’s smirk fades.

Panel 5 : Int. Kevin’s House – Later

Kevin stands in front of his bathroom mirror. Frowning and tearing up, he points to himself.

Kevin
Don’t let him call you a pencilneck! Who’s a big, strong man? You are!

Quite The Journey

Quite The Journey

Strip Info

Title
Quite The Journey
Date
July 3, 2022
Tags
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Transcript

Panel 1 : Int. Car – Day

A driver’s POV looking out the window. A road sign flies by reading “ROAD MAY FLOOD, 500 FT”

Panel 2 : Int. Car – Continuous

Another sign flies by: “ROAD MAY NOT FLOOD, 400 FT”

Panel 3 : Int. Car – Continuous

A third sign: “GET OFF ROAD’S DAMN BACK, 300 FT”

Panel 4 : Int. Car – Continuous

The driver (Kevin) looks out the window with concern.

Panel 5 : Int. Car – Continuous

A fourth sign: “SORRY. ROAD JUST WENT THRU BAD BREAKUP, 200 FT”

Panel 6 : Int. Car – Continuous

A fifth sign: “ROAD NEEDS TIME TO WORK ON ROAD, 100 FT”

Panel 7 : Int. Car – Continuous

A sixth, different sign: “ROAD WORK AHEAD, NEXT 10 MI”

Panel 8 : Int. Car – Continuous

In the driver’s seat, Kevin smiles. Glad that worked out.