I man I knew in Dunedin died this week. An older guy from the queer community. I feel like I had an affinity for him. He was an older, bigger, warm artist guy, who was socially awkward and had depression. Someone I hoped I could be like when I grew up. I feel really sad, so I made him a comic.
TRANSCRIPT:
Panel 1:
(The whole comic is drawn in various tones of blue. There is a caption in the middle of the panel, which reads:) Wake up, Little Bear.
Larry: (A person wearing a dark-ish blue bear suit, who is laying in a bed, facing up, towards the viewer, with eyes closed. Eyebrows are raised and mouth is closed. One arm is bent up at the elbow, paw behind Larry’s head, and the other is bent at the elbow, across Larry’s chest, above the blanket.)
(The other side of the panel is filled with a rainbow that has eyes, and is drawn entirely in tones of blue, active stick figures, a flower, birds, stars, and a window, all of which are within a pale blue, dissolving cloud.)
Panel 2:
Larry: (A person who is both facing, and looking directly at Sam, with raised eyebrows and a closed mouth, which has very slightly upturned edges.)
Sam: (A person who is both facing, and looking directly at Larry, with raised eyebrows and an open mouth.) It’s time to go.
(There is a mirror, and a chest of drawers in the background.)
Panel 3:
Larry: (An arm and paw reaching for a blanket.)
Sam: (An arm and hand holding out the blanket towards Larry’s paw.) Bring your blanket.
(There are a number of pieces of furniture in the background.)
Panel 4:
(There is a caption at the top of the panel, which reads:) ‘Though the sun is bright, the air is crisp.
(The sky fills the panel, a number of clouds dispersed throughout it.)
Panel 5:
(There is a caption at the top of the panel, which reads:) I made us sandwiches,
(There is a sandwich, filled with frilly lettuce, tomato, ham, and mayonnaise.)
Panel 6:
(There is a caption at the top of the panel, which reads:) with pickles on the side.
(There is a closed jar, full of pickles, and an upright pickle leaning against it.)
Panel 7:
(There is a caption written in white on an entirely black background, which reads:) Don’t hide, Little Bear.
Panel 8:
(There is a caption at the top of the panel, which reads:) Stay awhile with me.
(In the distance, there is a figure dressed in black who is standing atop a hill. To one side there is a tree, and above, the sky is clear, bar a few small clouds.)
(There is a caption at the bottom of the panel, which reads:) For Larry, RIP 2011.
That’s a beautiful comic you’ve done there. Really moving.
Thankyou, I felt like I had to do something, and this is what came out.
Agreed, beautiful. I seriously started to get teary eyed, man. Its good to have a way to get those feelings out. <3
What an incredible tribute to a friend. You can feel the sadness and love.
I’m sorry for your loss.
Wow. I’m just so taken aback by that happening. But what a gentle and moving way to receive the news.
I feel sad.
Me too, his funeral was this afternoon – could we have an Auckland memorial when you get back? since I don’t know who else up here knew him 🙁 Even if it’s just a sad, quiet cup of coffee
I think a cup of tea in a dark candlelit room with piano music playing in the background would be nice. That’s my fondest memory of him, unless you have any other ideas?
yes, that sounds amazing
I did not know him, but I’ve a feeling I would’ve liked him based on the people who care for him.
RIP.