What does it take to tell a wordless story? Today, the panelists explore that question as Jillian guides Matt and Scout through the fantastical immigrant story of The Arrival by Shaun Tan. Together, we muse on the power of reaching out and sharing our stories to bring us closer together, even when we feel worlds apart. (And also, discuss the immutable staying power of a weird little guy.)

• (00:00) - “The Arrival” by Shaun Tan
• (00:21) - Front Matter
• (01:52) - Our experience with The Arrival
• (04:17) - Zero words!
• (08:35) - The antique photo style
• (10:29) - Dark gutters!
• (12:13) - SPOILER ZONE
• (12:44) - Symmetry
• (14:35) - The creature
• (15:19) - Not the real world but very real
• (18:12) - Kinship with the main character
• (19:50) - Moments that stuck with us
• (27:16) - The final page
• (32:07) - Familiars
• (38:02) - Studying this book
• (42:51) - Further reading

• Tan has written and illustrated several other books, with his other most notable being “The Lost Thing”
• Tan’s essay on the picture book: https://www.shauntan.net/esssay-picture-books-who-for
• Daytripper by Fabio Moon & Gabriel Ba
• Nonfiction graphic novels about the experience of immigrants and refugees are a genre all in their own - there’s a lot out there for you to take your pick from! Here’s a brief list curated by the Chicago Public Library: https://chipublib.bibliocommons.com/v2/list/display/298488099/1717973901

A comics podcast for everyone, proud to be a part of The Worst Garbage network.

Find us on Bluesky or Tumblr.

This week’s panelists can be found at:
Scout
Matt

Jillian

Editing this week by AJ Fillari.
Cover art by Scout Wilkinson.
Intro/Outro music by Boqeh.

Today the Panelists discuss what makes autobiography good, marvel at the eccentricity of this book's art, and learn the value of good criticism. Never forget to eat your vegetables and pull some weeds.

• (00:00) - “It's Lonely At The Centre of The Earth” by Zoe Thorogood
• (00:20) - Front Matter
• (01:06) - Content Warnings
• (01:22) - Zoe Thorogood
• (02:41) - Impressions
• (08:53) - Structure (or lack of it)
• (10:51) - Starting the comic over
• (12:01) - Exhilarating Art
• (20:33) - Spoiler Zone
• (22:03) - Art spoilers
• (24:45) - Self-criticism
• (27:23) - The monologue makes it better
• (32:23) - Sorry you’re relatable, Zoe
• (35:52) - The catboy
• (40:36) - VRChat
• (42:21) - The potato story
• (43:41) - Criticism is good
• (44:30) - Further reading

- The impending blindness of Billie Scott, Avery Hill Publishing, 2020
- Creepshow Vol.2 #3 (OF 5), Image Comics, 2023
- Hack Slash: Back To School, Image Comics, 2023–2024
- "Harley Quinn and the Seven Sidekicks" in Harley Quinn: Black+White+Redder #4, DC Comics, 2023
- "For James" in Ice Cream Man #43, Image Comics, 2025
- Spinning by Tillie Walden

A comics podcast for everyone, proud to be a part of The Worst Garbage network.

Find us on Bluesky or Tumblr.

This week’s panelists can be found at:
Scout
Robin

Jillian

Editing this week by AJ Fillari.
Cover art by Scout Wilkinson.
Intro/Outro music by Boqeh.

Today, it's just vibes. Your Panelists discuss Hirayasumi, the sliciest slice-of-life manga to ever exist. This vacation of a read hits on burnout and what it means to be an artist, both favorite topics for the show. But it primarily is the story of Hiroto and his cousin, Natsumi, living in a home left to Hiroto by a woman he called "Granny."

• (00:00) - “Hirayasumi” by Keigo Shinzo
• (01:54) - A vibe check
• (06:20) - Narration vs using space
• (11:05) - There IS conflict between characters
• (12:40) - Natsumi stands out
• (13:23) - Fashion Corner!
• (14:56) - Natsumi & Akari
• (15:33) - SPOILER ZONE
• (15:50) - Yuri spinoff?
• (18:15) - So…Hideki?
• (22:26) - Hiroto’s passivity
• (26:16) - Tachibana
• (29:27) - Is the author a serial killer?
• (30:35) - We love Granny
• (35:23) - How Granny shapes Hiroto’s life
• (39:03) - Art! 🖼️
• (43:23) - Hiroto’s acting
• (44:55) - Natsumi becoming a mangaka
• (46:42) - Further Reading

- Smoking Behind the Supermarket With You by Jinushi
- Skip to Loafer by Misaki Takamatsu
- Tokyo Alien Bros. by Keigo Shinzo
- Sakura Quest anime
- Yuru Camp/Laid-Back Camp anime

A comics podcast for everyone, proud to be a part of The Worst Garbage network.

Find us on Bluesky or Tumblr.

This week’s panelists can be found at:
Scout
Matt
Robin

Jillian

Editing this week by AJ Fillari.
Cover art by Scout Wilkinson.
Intro/Outro music by Boqeh.