Comics Tagged : self care

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 Tetris Effect

The Tetris Effect

Strip Info

Title
The Tetris Effect
Date
October 16, 2023
Tags
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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

Full Disclosure
Bonus Panel
Full Disclosure

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!

Every GenX Kid’s Dream

Every GenX Kid’s Dream
Bonus Panel
Every GenX Kid’s Dream

Strip Info

Title
Every GenX Kid’s Dream
Date
August 6, 2023
Tags
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Transcript

Panel 1 : Int. Teenage Kevin’s Room – Day

Teenage Kevin looks surprised when Future Kevin appears out of a wormhole behind him.

In the year 1993…
Future Kevin
Hey Kevin! I’m YOU from the future! I’ve got great news!
Panel 2 : Int. Teenage Kevin’s Room – Continuous

Future Kevin continues.

Future Kevin
Thirty years from now, they’re going to make a great TMNT movie!
Teenage Kevin (O.S.)
Big deal. We’ve already had three TMNT movies.

Future Kevin holds up a poster for Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtes: Mutant Mayhem.

Panel 3 : Int. Teenage Kevin’s Room – Continuous

Future Kevin continues.

Future Kevin
Yeah, but this one will have a score by Trent Reznor!
Teenage Kevin (dismissive)
~OK cool~ Thanks for letting me know. Bye!

Teenage Kevin waves his future self away.

Panel 4 : Int. Teenage Kevin’s Room – Continuous

Future Kevin shrugs.

Future Kevin
I thought you’d be excited! What are you do–
Teenage Kevin (interrupting)
JUST GO!

We now can see that Teenage Kevin, hunched over, has hastily thrown a blanket over his groin.

Bonus Panel : Int. Future Kevin’s House – Later

Back in the future, Future Kevin stands in his living room, shivering in disgust. Nearby, his bird scoffs.

Bird
It’s your fault. You gotta knock, remember?

Catching Up

Catching Up
Bonus Panel
Catching Up

Strip Info

Title
Catching Up
Date
July 30, 2023
Tags
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Transcript

Panel 1 : Int. Apartment – Day

Kevin, wearing a Hawaiian shirt and carrying luggage, stands in the doorway of his house. His bird greets him with raised wings.

Bird
Hey hey! Welcome back from vacation!
Kevin
Thanks! What did I miss?
Panel 2 : Int. Apartment – Continuous

Kevin’s bird ponders.

Bird
Let’s see… He renamed it “X”, but he doesn’t own the trademark. So there probably a bunch of lawsuits coming. Also: he limited the number of tweets you can read without paying.
Panel 3 : Int. Apartment – Continuous

Kevin’s smile fades. His face ages as he listens to his bird go on.

Bird
Oh! And he started paying people to post, but you have to subscribe first – which kinda sounds like a pyramid scheme?
Panel 4 : Int. Apartment – Continuous

Kevin turns around and walks away, dragging his luggage with him. His bird calls after him.

Bird
…and did I mention he wants us to use it as a banking app? BECAUSE HE WANTS US TO USE IT AS A BANKING APP!
Bonus Panel 1 : Ext. Beach – Later

Now at the beach at sunset, Kevin drags his luggage behind him as he walks into the ocean.

Bonus Panel 2 : Ext. Beach – Later

Kevin is gone under the water. All that’s left are his footsteps and the drag marks of his luggage.

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?

The Face of a Real Man

The Face of a Real Man

Strip Info

Title
The Face of a Real Man
Date
April 16, 2023
Tags
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Transcript

Panel 1 : Int. Void – Day

Close on Kevin’s hands, shaking a bit of moisturizer from a pink bottle into his palm. A few feet away, a gruff-looking fellow puts up his hand in protest.

Gruff-Looking Fellow
Moisturizer? With sunscreen? -pfft- I don’t use any of that girlie stuff.
Panel 2 : Int. Void – Continuous

The gruff-looking fellow gets in Kevin’s face, pointing at his own. Kevin recoils.

Gruff-Looking Fellow
This here’s the face of a real man!
Panel 3 : Int. Void – Continuous

Extreme close-up on the fellow’s scowling face. It’s burnt, cracked, pock-marked, and craggy. It’s… not pleasant.

Panel 4 : Int. Void – Continuous

Kevin winces.

Kevin
Real men have skin cancer?
Gruff-Looking Fellow
You mean my face rubble?

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 Dedicated Practice of a Future Prodigy

The Dedicated Practice of a Future Prodigy

Strip Info

Title
The Dedicated Practice of a Future Prodigy
Date
September 11, 2022
Tags
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Transcript

Panel 1 : Int. Living Room – Day

The Grustle Monster sits, arms folded, next to Kevin, gaming, on the couch.

Grustle Monster
GAMING IS A WASTE OF TIME.
Kevin
-Sigh- C’mon, man. Please just let me relax.
Panel 2 : Int. Living Room – Continuous

The Grustle Monster continues.

Grustle Monster
RELAXING DOESN’T GET YOU CLOSER TO YOUR GOALS.
Kevin
Fine. What if my goal is to become an esports pro?
Panel 3 : Int. Living Room – Continuous

Kevin continues.

Kevin
Suddenly, this isn’t wasted time, but the dedicated practice of a future prodigy.
Panel 4 : Int. Living Room – Continuous

The Grustle Monster retorts.

Grustle Monster
YOU’VE BEEN STUCK ON THE TUTORIAL LEVEL FOR WEEKS!
Kevin
IT’S HARD!

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!