Comics Tagged : relatable
Grustle Hours
Bonus Panel
Strip Info
- Title
- Grustle Hours
- Date
- July 14, 2024
- Tags
- bonus panel, capitalism, cell phone, couch, grind, hustle, Kevin, productivity, relatable, self care, side hustle, social media, The Grustle Monster
- 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
Bonus Panel
Strip Info
- Title
- The Best Streaming Service
- Date
- October 2, 2023
- Tags
- Bird, bonus panel, cars, film, Gas Station TV, gasoline, jacks, Kevin, Martin Scorsese, movies, pop culture, relatable, streaming
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
Bonus Panel
Strip Info
- Title
- Forced Career Change
- Date
- September 25, 2023
- Tags
- bonus panel, creativity, Instagram, Kevin, relatable, social media, video
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.
-
- Now you make videos.
- Panel 4 : Int. Void – Continuous
-
Instagram insists.
-
- Say it.
- Kevin (defeated)
- Now I make videos.
A Shorts Story
Bonus Panel
Strip Info
- Title
- A Shorts Story
- Date
- July 2, 2023
- Tags
- anxiety, awkward, BBQ, Bird, body positivity, bonus panel, Kevin, relatable, roast, shorts, social interactions, white people
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
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?
Starting A New Hobby – Part 2
Strip Info
- Title
- Starting A New Hobby – Part 2
- Date
- April 2, 2023
- Tags
- Bird, crafts, creativity, hobbies, Kevin, metalworking, recreation, relatable, weird things people do
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
Bonus Panel
Strip Info
- Title
- Starting A New Hobby – Part 1
- Date
- March 26, 2023
- Tags
- Bird, bonus panel, crafts, creativity, hobbies, Kevin, metalworking, recreation, relatable, weird things people do
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
Bonus Panel
Strip Info
- Title
- Just A Reminder
- Date
- February 5, 2023
- Tags
- awkward, cell phone, dental humor, dentists, Kevin, medical, relatable, self care, social interactions
- Notes
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
Strip Info
- Title
- Prime Grind Time
- Date
- December 30, 2022
- Tags
- capitalism, grustle, holidays, Kevin, productivity, relatable, self care, The Grustle Monster
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
Strip Info
- Title
- The Grustle Monster Cometh
- Date
- September 4, 2022
- Tags
- creativity, creator economy, fomo, grind, grustle, hustle, Kevin, motivation, productivity, relatable, self care, The Grustle Monster
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
Strip Info
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
Strip Info
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.