Comics Tagged : social media

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!

Just Trying To Make A Living

Just Trying To Make A Living
Bonus Panel
Just Trying To Make A Living

Strip Info

Title
Just Trying To Make A Living
Date
December 4, 2023
Tags
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Notes

Don’t tell Instagram, but I’ve started a Patreon. Patreon, if you don’t know, is a membership site where you can get access to exclusive bonus material from me for a small monthly fee. Tiers start at $2 a month and come with a bunch of cool stuff: including bonus comics; old, embarrassing comics from my archive; and a monthly, invite-only “Draw With Me” livestream. Join me!

Transcript

Panel 1 : Int. Void – Day

A cartoon version of You, with all your wit, charm, and good looks, walks up to Kevin and waves.

You
Hi, Kevin! I really like your comics and cartoons!
Kevin
Gee thanks!
Panel 2 : Int. Void – Continuous

Kevin motions to a nearby door. It’s a frosted glass door with a sign over it. Cut off by the panel border, the sign reads only “Patre”. Beyond the frosted glass door, we can kinda make out baloons and some type of flashy lighting. Looks like a real party.

Kevin
You know, I have some great bonus stuff over here if you’re interested.
Panel 3 : Int. Void – Continuous

You smile that winning smile everyone loves.

You
Oh cool! You’ve got a Patre-
Panel 4 : Int. Void – Continuous

From off-screen, Kevin interrupts you by shoving his hand in your face. His finger presses your lips, quieting you.

Kevin
Shhhh!
Panel 5 : Int. Void – Continuous

Kevin comes in close next to you, pressing his cheek into yours.

Kevin (whispering)
The Algorithm will hear you!
Bonus : Int. Void – Moments Later

The Algorithm, a towering, angry robot, appears behind You and Kevin. It extends its arms out in a menacing way. You and Kevin shrink in fear.

The Algorithm
Outside Link Detected!!
Kevin
Run!

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.

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.

You’re The Worst

You’re The Worst

Strip Info

Title
You’re The Worst
Date
October 17, 2022
Tags
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Notes

Yes, I did a version for Twitter and Facebook too.

Transcript

Panel 1 : Int. Void – Day

Kevin stands next to a social media app logo.

Kevin
Did you know this lil’ guy doesn’t show you all of my comics?
App
It’s true. I don’t!
Panel 2 : Int. Void – Continuous

The app continues.

App
I’m focusing more on video these days.
Kevin
And how’s that going?
App
Not great!
Panel 3 : Int. Void – Continuous

Kevin continues.

Kevin
So if you don’t want to miss out, sign up for my free mailing list. You’ll get my new comics a day early, plus all kinds of fun stuff — right to your inbox!
Panel 4 : Int. Void – Continuous

The app looks up at Kevin.

App
I’m going to bury this post.
Kevin (patting it’s head)
Of course you will. You’re the worst!

No “Off” Switch

No “Off” Switch

Strip Info

Title
No “Off” Switch
Date
June 12, 2022
Tags
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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.

Welcome to The Metaverse!

Welcome to The Metaverse!

Strip Info

Title
Welcome to The Metaverse!
Date
March 27, 2022
Tags
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Transcript

Panel 1 : Int. The Metaverse – Day

Kevin stands in a digital void next to a giant orc.

Orc
Welcome to The Metaverse! Here, you can be anyone you want!
Panel 2 : Int. The Metaverse – Continuous

The orc continues.

Orc
Look at me! I’m an accountant irl. But here, I’m an orc warrior! No judgement!
Panel 3 : Int. Metaverse – Continuous

The orc continues.

Orc
Go ahead! Be who you’ve always wanted to be!

Kevin closes his eyes and starts to glow.

Panel 4 : Int. The Metaverse – Continuous

Kevin’s shirt changes from black to light pink. “Plip!” He smiles.

Panel 5 : Int. The Metaverse – Continuous

The orc looks on, skeptically.

Orc
Yeeeah… Salmon’s not your color.

Kevin deflates.

Keyboard Generals

Keyboard Generals

Transcript

Panel 1 : Int. The Situation Room – Day

A stressed US President hunches over a large conference table in The Situation Room. Seated around the table are military generals, advisers, and policy leaders. On the table are laptops and papers with sensitive military information. The President motions to a round, bald-headed man wearing wraparound sunglasses and a Bored Ape Yacht Club t-shirt standing beside him. The guy throws up the devil horns sign.

“Gentlemen, this is a very precarious international situation, Which is why I brought in @callofdoody69 for his expert opinion.”

An Important Message From The Future

An Important Message From The Future

Strip Info

Title
An Important Message From The Future
Date
August 8, 2021
Tags
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Transcript

Panel 1 : Int. Void – Day

In the year 2006…

Past Kevin is startled by Future Kevin, who reaches for him through a time portal.

Future Kevin
“Hey! I’m you from the future! I have something very important you need to hear…”
Panel 2 : Int. Void – Continuous

Future Kevin gets to the point.

Future Kevin
Not every piece of media is for you.
Panel 3 : Int. Void – Continuous

Past Kevin listens skeptically as Future Kevin continues.

Future Kevin
Instead of publically complaining about a movie, tv show, or band you don’t like, try thinking ‘This is not for me’ and moving on.
Panel 4 : Int. Void – Continuous

Past Kevin frowns.

Past Kevin
Okay… but why come back and tell me this now?
Future Kevin
You’re about to join this thing called ‘Twitter…’

Free Ways To Support Your Favorite Artists

Free Ways To Support Your Favorite Artists

Strip Info

Title
Free Ways To Support Your Favorite Artists
Date
July 4, 2021
Tags
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Transcript

Panel 1 : Int. Void – Day

A single panel graphic. A header at the top reads, “Free Ways To Support Your Favorite Artists (from good to best).”

In a descending column under that are the following actions: “Bookmark, Like, Comment, Share,” and finally, “Learn to code, hack Instagram, and change the algorithm to favor artists again.”

At the bottom is a drawing of Kevin hunched over a laptop looking suspicious.

Gossip Folks

Gossip Folks

Strip Info

Title
Gossip Folks
Date
April 4, 2021
Tags
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Transcript

Panel 1 : Int. Void – Day

A person sits at their desk, happily typing away at their laptop.

Gossiping with my friends
Panel 2 : Int. Void – Day

The same person, no longer typing, completely deflated.

Wondering if my friends are gossiping about me

How I Feel Every Valentine’s Day

How I Feel Every Valentine’s Day

Strip Info

Title
How I Feel Every Valentine’s Day
Date
February 14, 2021
Tags
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Transcript

Panel 1 : Int. Home – Day

Sarah sits on a stool. On a nearby table, Instagram walks up.

Instagram
Why so sad?
Sarah
I’m alone on Valentine’s Day. Again.
Panel 2 : Int. Home – Continuous

Instagram makes an offer.

Instagram
Wanna see pics of your friends in happy relationships?
Panel 3 : Int. Home – Continuous

Sarah stares blankly at Instagram.

Panel 4 : Int. Home – Continuous

Instagram starts walking away, beckoning Sarah to follow.

Instagram
Yeah, y’do. C’mon!

Sarah sighs.