Exploring Christian Themed Solutions and Mental Health Through Comics

Mariannette Oyola-Perez Exploring Christian Themed Solutions and Mental Health Through Comics

Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of for the Degree of Master of Fine Arts at Liberty University

Todd Smith, Chair

Joshua Wilson, First Reader

Paul Reynolds, Second Reader

Todd Smith, Department Chair for me. Equiam, Zabdiel and Abigail, Dedication you guys are the reason I strive for This book is dedicated to anyone improvement. You are infinitely who refuses to accept that there will important, special, and wanted. Tio only ever be darkness. To the light- Juanra, you are the best example of seekers and the fighters: there is what the Lord can do when someone hope. You have a choice. is present and willing to learn. A huge thank you goes out Acknowledgements to my thesis friends, Sarah, Joy, This thesis could not have been Zach, and Andrea: without you completed without the help of my guys, panic moments would have loving family. Tio Roberto, you are been permanent panic. A huge, huge the one the Lord has placed in my thanks goes out to Charlie Benz for life to guide me through discipline writing Animal Head’s script and and love. Without your instruction, being my best friend throughout all there is no doubt whatsoever that this process. I wouldn’t be where I am today. Thanks to my wonderful Titi Madeline, your constant love professors, Monique Maloney, Paul and compassion is my example to Reynolds, Joshua Wilson and Todd follow. You are an example of loyalty Smith for your guidance, constant through thick and thin—one that I affirmation and sound instruction. wish to follow forever. Mamita, you Finally, I would like to thank are the origin. You are the first one my Lord and savior, Jesus Christ to bring me to the Light, and that for this opportunity. Lord, you told will never be forgotten. Your passion me from the start that you brought and hard work are my standard. Itzel, me to it, and you won’t leave me Eunice, and Aliza, Rebecca, you guys through it. Thank you for all that are my sentinels—keeping watch in you’ve done for me and my loved the night! Your constant support ones. All glory goes to you, forever means more than you’ll ever know. and ever. My dad, Mario, you are my forever muse and the reason I do Thank yo u! what I do. Mayra, you are such a strong woman. Thank you for your example and all that you have done Contents 9 Abstract 11 Problem 17 Research 3 8 Visual Process 79 Deliverables 89 Conclusion & Plans 92 Bibliography Abstract The second leading cause of death for the ages of 10-24 is suicide, a statistic that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows has steadily risen since 1999. Although it is seldom spoken about in mental health circles, an enmity seems to exist between Christianity and modern psychology in regards to mental illness and how it should be treated; this enmity could be preventing helpful Christian-based principles from being shared with the at-risk population while simultaneously excluding Christians from a conversation they need to be a part of .

Interestingly, further research shows that the at-risk demographic overlaps significantly with those most likely to buy or read comic books: people ages 13 to 24. If there is an overlap between comic readers and the at-risk population and if there could be useful information to be shared from Christian teachings with those populations, then perhaps exploring Christian-themed solutions to mental illness through comic books might be of benefit to both communities.

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The second leading cause of death for people therapists. Although it is seldom spoken of ages 10-24 in the United States is suicide, and in mental health circles, there seems to be although it is rarely spoken of in mental health enmity between Christianity and modern circles, an enmity seems to exist between psychology, especially regarding mental illness Christianity and modern psychology regarding and how it should be treated. what should be done about this. This enmity could be preventing helpful Christian-based Research shows that although there are principles from being shared with the at-risk many reason for this enmity, the following population, which, interestingly enough, reasons are the most prevalent: (1) the Church significantly overlaps with those most likely to has historically viewed mental illnesses as buy or read comic books: people ages 13 to 24. nothing but spiritual in nature and has often Further investigation proposes that one of the rejected psychology and psychotherapy as reasons for such an increase might come from viable options for believers; (2) many secular yet another rise in reported cases of mental psychologists believe that Christianity is illness and emotional struggles, of which nothing but a religious practice and thus diagnoses of depression and anxiety are the has nothing of value to offer in the area of most prevalent. Without the proper treatment psychology; (3) many Christian teachings or therapy for those affected and without are derided as “hate speech,” creating an creating awareness amongst those who are not antagonism between the secular and the affected, the 24% to 36% percent of at-risk church in general. Because of these reasons, Americans is only expected to grow. Biblical practices that might aid in the treatment of mental illness and emotional Since suicide is only one of the possible struggle will remain almost exclusively repercussions of pushing this topic aside and Christian practices and be left mostly since the at-risk population literally holds unexplored by a secular demographic, which is America’s future in its hands, solutions have as much a potential disservice to those trying been presented in the areas of psychology, to help as to the ones needing help. psychiatry, counseling, and therapy. However, Christian philosophies, practices, and Coincidentally, further research shows that psychotherapies are often left unexplored, the at-risk demographic has an interesting especially by mainstream psychologists and overlap with those who are most likely to buy

| 11 Animal Heads or read comic books: people ages 13 to 24. As a continuation of comics’ progression, Towry, Barry Alfonso, Bob Sourk, and Greg topics of interest in a sort of “how to” for The juxtaposition of words and pictures is comic book agencies soon began to form, such Bear and currently attracts more than 130,000 Christian artists who are passionate about not a modern idea; from as early as Egyptian as DC Comics in 1934, followed by Marvel attendees to each of their locations every year. reaching targeted demographics through art, art historians were able to recognize Comics in 1947. Although some comics’ comics and illustration and who wish to the effectiveness of the combination of narratives were more fantastical in nature, If comic books and webcomics are such present them with viable solutions to cope language and image for recordkeeping and they still represented their time, as was the an important and effective method of with mental illness while encouraging an communication. This combination has case with Captain America who was meant to communication, especially when considering alliance between Christian teachings and continued to develop throughout different serve as a morale booster during World War II. young audiences, perhaps they can be used to modern psychology. Merely glancing at the historical events, often being used for social bring awareness to mental illness, suicide, and internet, television, or pop culture would be commentary and political satire. This With the introduction of online platforms, Christian principles as viable solutions. Even more than enough to understand that mental was the case with Ben Franklin who, in online comics, or webcomics, started to if Christian teachings and practices aren’t illness and its effect on our culture are no 1754, created one of the first documented emerge. Although it is debated, some experts accepted by all, theoretically, if just a portion myth. Just one death by suicide is enough to American Political art pieces, “Join or Die,” agree that the 1980’s “Witches in Stitches” of the at-risk population was reached, it could shake the general public into awareness and as a part of his newspaper, the Pennsylvania by Eric Monster Millikin was the first help them cope with mental illnesses and thus action to prevent the next one, and this should Gazette. Places like Paris and Britain also webcomic; it was even distributed through potentially help decrease suicide rates. be more than enough to wake up the church as continued using image, language, and satire, CompuServe, the first major commercial The purpose of this study is to synthesize well. often launching magazines dedicated to online service provider in the United States. their showcase as was the case with Punch . Such is the popularity of comic books and and Vanity Fair, published between 1840 webcomics that they have become pop culture and 1870. Meanwhile in America, the first icons, often acting as main motivators for newspaper comic strip, “The Yellow Kid,” was comic book conventions such as the famous published in 1896 by Richard Felton Outcault, Comic Con, which was founded in 1970 by which opened the door for other comic strips. Shel Dorf, Richard Alf, Ken Krueger, Mike

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I. Introduction There has been an increase in suicide rates in psychotherapy, and through the vehicle America since the 1990s (Scutti). These cases of comic books, effective storytelling, and are heavily associated with various mental narrative, Christian psychotherapeutic illnesses, especially depression and anxiety theories and practices could be better (Mental Health). For youth from the ages of communicated to the at-risk population while 10 to 24, the second leading cause of death is sidestepping preconceived dogmatism and suicide (Mental Health). Coincidentally, the hate-speech notions. age group that is most likely to purchase comic books is 13 to 29-year-olds (Alberson). There II. Correlation between Mental is a significant overlap between the at-risk population and the demographic most likely Illnesses and Suicide Rates to buy a comic book, and although the topic As mentioned before, America has experienced of mental illness has been addressed through an increase in suicide rates since the 1990s, comic books before, there has been very little with suicide becoming the second leading information on how a Christian worldview cause of death for young people aged 10 to 24, might be presented through the same and 13.2% of those suicides are youth from medium, especially since, historically, there 15 to 24 years old (Mental Health). Statistics has been an antagonistic relationship between show that mental disorders often work as a Christianity and psychology (Thompson). form of trigger for these suicidal tendencies, and 50% of all Americans are diagnosed with Furthermore, because of dogmatic a mental illness or disorder at some point in approaches implemented by Christians in their lifetime; of these, depression and anxiety the past, a Christian message is more likely have the strongest connection to suicide to be dismissed as “hate speech” by many (Depression and Suicide Risk). (Britt). Despite this double-disconnect between Christianity and psychology and Experts have studied that becoming Christianity and the secular world, Christian acquainted with the “essence” of the mental counseling continues to develop and produce illness is the key to treatment, and thus, as the results, proving itself a viable option for

Animal Heads| 17 study of the “essence” continues to expand, Disorders, Personality Disorders, and commonly mentioned disorders within this Within the Schizophrenia Spectrum, patients so too do the efforts to treat and work with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders as per the category are depression and bipolar disorders. experience “delusions, hallucinations, mental illnesses continue to be explored in DSM Library. Depressive Disorders “include disruptive disorganized thinking or speech, grossly order to provide better living standards and mood dysregulation disorder, major depressive disorganized or abnormal motor behavior prevent suicide (Blumenthal). In order to understand how Anxiety Disorders disorder (including major depressive episode), such as catatonia, and negative symptoms work, it is important to understand the persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia), (DSM Library). difference between anxiety and fear. As per premenstrual dysphoric disorder, substance/ the DSM, “fear is the emotional response to medication-induced depressive disorder, Although there is a large range of Personality real or perceived imminent threat, whereas depressive disorder due to another medical Disorders, they are mostly recognizable as anxiety is anticipation of future threat” (DSM condition, other specified depressive disorder, “an enduring pattern of inner experience Library). Anxiety can manifest itself in several and unspecified depressive disorder” (DSM and behavior that deviates markedly from different forms, including Separation Anxiety Library). the expectations of the individual’s culture, Disorders, Selective Mutism, or Specific is pervasive and inflexible, has an onset in Phobia. In all these cases, there is a stress That is to say, the patient often feels the adolescence or early adulthood, is stable over inducer that causes an anxiety response. For “presence of sad, empty, or irritable mood, time, and leads to distress or impairment” instance, in the case of Separation Anxiety accompanied by somatic and cognitive (DSM Library). Popular Personality Disorders III. The Different Types of Disorder, “the individual … is fearful or changes that significantly affect the include Paranoia Personality Disorder or anxious about separation from attachment individual’s capacity to function.” In contrast, “a pattern of distrust and suspiciousness Mental Illnesses figures to a degree that is developmentally Bipolar Disorders, which mainly include such that others’ motives are interpreted as Although understanding the human mind has inappropriate” (DSM Library). In the bipolar I disorder, bipolar II disorder, and malevolent,” Antisocial Personality Disorder proven to be a very difficult task, psychologists case of Selective Mutism, although the cyclothymic disorder, are characterized by or “a pattern of disregard for, and violation have been able to identify different types of individual may speak regularly, in situations extreme mood swings between mania and of, the rights of others,” and Borderline mental illnesses, and this differentiation helps in which they are expected to talk, they fail depression in the case of Bipolar I disorder. Personality Disorder which is characterized professionals and individuals understand to speak, which affects their normal social Patients experiencing Bipolar II disorder by “a pattern of instability in interpersonal the nature of a mental pattern and discover communication. In the case of people with have hypomanic and depressive episodes, and relationships, self-image, and affects, and how best to treat it. These categories include specific phobias, individuals are fearful and although cyclothymic patients have fewer marked impulsivity” (DSM Library). Anxiety Disorders, Mood Disorders, anxious about specific objects or situations swings between poles, it still interferes with Psychotic Disorders, Eating Disorders, such as animals, natural environments, or their lives in destructive ways. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder is Impulse Control and Addiction Disorders, blood-injection-injury. For it to be considered characterized “by the presence of obsessions Personality Disorders, Obsessive-Compulsive a specific phobia, however, the individual’s Psychotic Disorders are characterized by and/or compulsions.” In this case, the word Disorders, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorders, fear of the object must be “out of proportion distortions within methods of thinking or “obsession” is defined as “recurrent and Stress Response Syndromes (Adjustment to the actual risk posed” (DSM Library). general awareness. Within this disorder, persistent thoughts, urges, or images that Disorders), Dissociative Disorders, Factitious two of the most common symptoms are are experienced as intrusive and unwanted,” Disorders, Sexual and Gender Disorders, Mood Disorders are characterized by hallucinations, usually in the form of sounds while “compulsion” is defined as “repetitive Somatic Symptom Disorders, and Tic “persistent feelings of sadness or periods of and visions, or delusions, which are beliefs behaviors or mental acts that an individual Disorders. For the purposes of this research, feeling overly happy, or fluctuations from accepted as truth despite being proven untrue feels driven to perform in response to an I will only be focusing on defining Anxiety extreme happiness to extreme sadness” (Golberg, 2016). Schizophrenia is the most obsession or according to rules that must Disorders, Mood Disorders, Psychotic (Golberg, 2016). Perhaps the two most widely heard of the Psychotic Disorders. be applied rigidly” (DSM Library). These

| 18 19 Animal Heads Animal Heads| obsessive compulsions range in manifestation and treat those outside of the church who able to overlap theology’s nature with that V. Why Christians Fails to from repetitive thoughts to physical acts like struggle with mental illness. Studies show of counseling and makes a case that they are counting obsessively or even picking one’s skin that in comparison to the general population, not mutually exclusive, and thus, theology Infiltrate the “Secular” World or pulling one’s own hair. Christians tend to be more accepting of those plays the most important role in distinction and Solution who struggle with mental illness (Gray). between Christian and secular counselors. A. Enemy or Ally: Relationship between Christianity and IV. Relationship between Mental B. Christian Psychotherapy In the video, Psychology and the Christian, This disconnect between Christianity and Pastor Brad Bigney speaks more to this Psychology Illnesses and Christianity psychology has been noted by many Christian subject when he explains two different The way faith and science relate to one another has been a great source of debate for A. Christian Historical View of psychologists and counselors, and they have modern psychology models (Freud’s and P.F. many years. Some experts would argue that Mental Illnesses sought to develop Christian though in the Skinner’s,) and their roots. In both cases, there are core characteristics that do not agree the way either field interprets the natural Historically, the connection between field of psychology. The basic goal behind the with biblical principles and thus, cannot be world is through radically different worldviews Christianity and psychology has been poor, expansion is to seek to become a part of the “Christianized.” that begin with different assumptions and thus especially regarding mental illness. Studies field with a Christian worldview as the main reach different conclusions. In a historical show that within Christian circles, to look for motivation. This development seeks to explore For instance, Freud thinks of man as animal, sense, the way faith and science have addressed outside professional help when dealing with mental illness not only through the clinical when the Bible speaks about intelligent design the topic of human nature is regarded as mental illness is seen as controversial at best scope, but also through that of neuroplasticity (Genesis 1:27). Freud also believed that the opposites, one based upon religion and the and heretical at worst; those who seek therapy and psychiatry as viable solutions (Clinton.) solution to man’s struggle was to get rid of other upon logic and observation. From as are often considered to be turning their the guilt produced by the superego (morality), early as Nicolas Copernicus and Galileo’s backs on God or to the notion that a higher C. Biblical Counseling but the bible speaks about “the desires of the time, conflicts between reason and religion power can help them with their struggles Another school of thought that has recently flesh” versus “the desires of the spirit,” and have arisen. Galileo, upon pointing out that (Thompson). regained popularity amidst Christian circles how one is to follow one and reject the other (1 his discoveries about the natural world went is Biblical Counseling. It is important to note Corinthians 14:1). against the beliefs held by the Roman Catholic Because of Christianity’s general belief that that those who seek to practice this sort of church at the time, had to withstand trials and mental illnesses are to be dealt with spiritually, counseling understand there to be a marked Because the desires of the Spirit are judgment. Concerning the whole ordeal, Dr. they seek to remedy mental illnesses and difference between Biblical Counseling and synonymous to morality in a Christian David Entwistle writes that “the seeds of later struggles through spiritual support, which Christian Psychology. sense, Freud’s model goes against Christian conflict were later sown by placing theology leaves little room for those within the teachings. Those who prefer to use Biblical above all other modes of intellectual pursuit, congregation who wish to seek professional According to Heath Lambert, author of Counseling as their preferred method of with little recognition of the human capacity help. Since studies show that social support A Theology of Biblical Counseling: The therapy and counseling are weary of using to err in putting theology together” (2010, p. within preferred social groups is fundamental Doctrinal Foundations of Counseling modern psychology references in their practice 23). to treating those who suffer from mental Ministries, “counseling is a theological because their core philosophy and biblical illness. discipline.” Thus, Lambert directly challenges theology might not align at all. In essence, This view of man’s interpretation of the assumption that human behavior is between psychology and theology, they will theology over discovery wasn’t held by all Thus, recovery from mental illness the realm of psychology by establishing the always choose straight theology as the base of the Christian faith, however. For instance, within religious spheres is far less likely efficiency of “what the Bible teaches today their counseling and therapy. it is said that Martin Luther stipulated (Wesselmann). This, however, does not about any given topic,” which includes that “science and faith deal with the same reflect how Christian congregations view therapy and counseling. In his book, he is reality, albeit in different ways and following

| 20 | 21 Animal Heads Animal Heads different agendas - description, analysis, and the fact that since theology uses Scripture as In contrast, there are those who favor For those seeking to practice psychology from explanation on the side of science; reassurance, its base while psychology uses nature as its the Allies Model, which “recognizes the a Christian perspective, the rejection of the trust, and responsibility on the side of faith” base, there can be no correlation between one underlying unity of human nature and Enemies Model, as well as the integration of (Nurnberger, 2010, p. 134). Still, an enmity and the other, and only one can be correct. the legitimacy of both theological and the Allies Model, has assisted tremendously. between theology and science had already been Concerning this division, John D. Carter psychological investigation . . . and that all Institutions such as Liberty University, for established, and it was one that would not be states that this enmity isn’t one-sided; in his truth is known by God, who is sovereign instance, have sought to include a Psychology so easily shaken off. The fields of psychology article titled “Sacred and Secular Models of over all things” (Entwistle, 2010, p. 147). degree as part of their curriculum to provide and Christianity are no exception to this. Psychology and Religion,” he states that this In this model, psychology’s importance a Christian platform from which to practice model is “Christianity against Psychology, and is acknowledged under God’s sovereignty. Psychology. Bachelor of Science Student, With the emergence of Christian counseling Psychology against Christianity’ (1981, p. 84). Instead of thinking of psychology as Josh Welch states that part of the reason and therapy came the increased exploration something that is inherently going to be why he chose to study Psychology at Liberty of the historical relationship between In this model, not only is there mutual against scriptural truth, those who hold this University was because of the Christian Christianity and Psychology. This emergence exclusivity between the two camps, there is view try to understand psychology through background it provided. Welch states that occured with one main question in mind: hostility between them as well. Entwistle calls a biblical worldview, recognizing truths that “in a field dominated by new ideals, different can Christianity and Psychology truly work those loyal to reason, Secular Combatants, resonate with Biblical principles. theories, and principles rising up, it is good to together towards a common goal, or should and those loyal to Christianity, Christian have a foundation set in Christianity and have they remain mutually exclusive? In order to Combatants; where Secular Combatants “Although theology and psychology that faith-based background so that you can understand the relationship between the two are skeptics regarding religious ritualistic are separate with their own sources, take those secular principles and apply them disciplines, experts thought about different practices, Christian Combatants constantly methodologies, and findings, they both express in a Christian context” (Liberty University, descriptive models that help define the guard against human reason and secular truth about human nature and functioning” 2018). different viewpoints each holds on various academia as sources of truth, much like the (Entwistle, 2010, p. 150). Carter writes issues. The collective goal was to narrow Roman Catholic church did with Galileo. that this model finds “expected congruence down each discipline’s best practices so that Carter continues to say that the “‘Religion between Scripture and psychology because emotional and psychological issues could be against psychology’ model rejects any ideas God has revealed himself in a special way in better addressed. Dr. Entwistle defines these regarding the human nature that is beyond Scripture and in a general way in creation models as follows: the Enemies Model, the the scope of the Scriptures and is highly and also via his image in man” (Carter, 1981, Spies Model, the Colonialist Model, the suspicious of psychological theories and 89). Other scholars have understood this Neutral Parties Model, and the Allies Model. practices” (Carter, 1981, p. 87). model to seek to explain “what the domains of B. Original vs. Modern definition of This research chapter will focus mostly on the psychology and theology have in common.” “Hate Speech” Enemies Model and the Allies Model. Conversely, the “psychology against religion” How these disciplines interpret human “Hate speech has been defined as ‘words that side sees religion as “the creator of needless, nature, human development, what is “wrong,” wound’” (Britt). Unfortunately to some, Dr. Entwistle defines the Enemies Model as personal emotional pain due to its oppression and how it got to be “wrong,” and how to especially when looked at through a secular “an ‘either/or’ position on the psychology of and imposition of guilt.” To Secular overcome that which is “wrong” ( Johnson and mindset, biblical teachings are “words that human beings versus the theology of human Combatants, “religion is… allowable for Jones 2000, p.39). In other words, the Allies wound” to some. For example, the fact beings” (Entwistle, 2010, p. 137). For those children and for primitive people who are not Model serves as a way to find similarities that Leviticus 18:22 says, “do not have who hold to this view, there can only be sophisticated enough to recognize its limiting between camps which have otherwise been sexual relations with a man as one does with either science or religion, not both. Those function.” (Carter, 1981, p. 84). thought of as enemies. a woman,” because “that is detestable,” is who favor this model pay close attention to blatant hate speech to some homosexuals.

| 22 | 23 Animal Heads Animal Heads Thus, because the Christian’s core belief is that what connected man to Christ was a of language, and then again, through the B. How to Write a Good Story/ based upon moral values that some considere certain “experience” which he described as development of art and art mediums. Narrative hate speech, many are often outraged. an “intense longing, an ‘unsatisfied desire Through storytelling, elements such as Because of the historical importance of which is itself more desirable than any other worldview, ideational systems, and belief storytelling and narrative, many professionals The presence of hate speech, however, is not satisfaction’” (Starr). It is said, then, that it systems are communicated, and through said have sought to understand what the a new subject of interest. Some scholars say was Lewis’ belief that through his work, he communication, community interaction is components of a good story are. Joseph that the beginning of hate speech regulation merely provided a window of joy’s fulfillment, both established and widened (Braid). One Campbell was one of these professionals, and started after World War II. After the heinous in which man’s intense longing and unsatisfied such way in which storytelling has modernly is, arguably, one who stands out amongst actions of the Third Reich, many learned desire was momentarily fulfilled, leaving them prevailed is through the medium of the comic them as someone who gathered the most to identify anti-Semitic and racist language wondering how to receive more. The goal was book. Because comic books are considered a helpful information on the topic. In his immediately. For instance, John Paul II to make an experience for the viewer in which “multimodal medium” that combines images studies, he focused on “myth” as the repeating famously stated that a culture of peace is they had no other choice but to look, listen, and words in one visual package (Kukkonen), human story. Furthermore, he made an built by “rejecting at the outset every sort of and receive (Starr). its effectiveness in terms of education, interesting connection between man’s myths racism and intolerance” (Auxier). I propose, storytelling, and narrative are indisputable. and the way that we as humans relate to God however, that in the modern day, this notion The way Lewis achieved this was through In education programs, because of its pop- by saying both that “the source of myths is the of “rejection” has been stretched to extend understanding that being a Christian didn’t cultural relevance, comic books act as a sort human psyche” and that “myths are the masks past “racism and intolerance” in the context mean that he had to choose Reason over of helpful mediator between educator and of God”. Because of his interest in the human for which it was meant and into the idea that Imagination, or vice versa. On the contrary, student (Gluibizzi). Some educators say that psyche, Campbell sought to understand it any form of rejection should automatically be his faith was best manifested through their through comic books, one can follow a sort through different psychological studies like associated with hate speech. Herein lies the marriage, which brings readers time and time of American historical narrative that would Carl Jung’s theories. Campbell automatically problem: “if tolerance is defined, as it often is, again to the heart of both his Christian belief otherwise be lost (Karp). Ergo, the legitimacy understood the intrinsic connection between as ‘the ability to accept the values and beliefs and his literary practice (Guite). Perhaps the of the comic book as a powerful cultural tool is psychology and storytelling. of others,’ (Lickona,2002, p. 1) it poses a fact that C.S. Lewis didn’t seek to preach legitimized through its storytelling legacy and dilemma: How can individuals be asked to dogmatically, but to merely show a glimpse narrative base. Perhaps one of the most well-known ways in accept all people’s values and practices when of that which he knew was real joy through which Campbell was able to explore myth was they may believe that some of those ideas and Reason and Imagination, is what made his through the study of the repeating patterns behaviors are wrong?” (Von Bergen). message so effective. in hero’s tales throughout history. Through his extensive research, he was able to find a C. C.S. Lewis’ “Experience” VI. Social Importance of large number of reoccurring themes, including When Christians seek to communicate with Storytelling, Narrative, Art, character archetypes, similar obstacles and others and share a message relating to their conflicts, and struggles that need to be religious worldview, they might be faced and Graphic Novels overcome by the hero to complete the story. with problems like mindless dogmatism of A. The Importance of Storytelling Campbell explains that even when someone’s their own making, prejudice, and rejection It can be observed throughout history that myth isn’t expressed, that doesn’t mean that because their message could be perceived as storytelling is a strong cultural component it doesn’t exist, and that furthermore, there is hate speech. C.S. Lewis, however, was able for most, if not all civilizations. Originally such a thing as a “true myth,” as exemplified to communicate to Christians and secular only passed down through word of mouth, by its testing through a human being’s life people alike through his work. Lewis believed storytelling evolved through the development (Campbell). Thus, according to Campbell, the

| 24 | 25 Animal Heads Animal Heads key to making a good story is to make sure as to increase communication efficiency and distance between the viewer and the scene’s emotional cues huge -- and raises the intensity that the hero of the story goes through all the customer satisfaction. Experts in fields such as elements. of the problems behind them.” From the elements which have historically resulted in a art, interior design, and advertisement suggest viewer’s perspective, this sort of shot demands satisfactory hero’s journey. extensive research of color significance in Medium Long Shot: attention and observation made easier due the areas such as psychology, health, culture, and “Fall[s] between the long and close shots, this extreme proximity. VII. Communication Theories emotion (Singh). is more informative than emotional.” This shot expresses emotional neutrality because it Dutch Angle: A. Advertisement C. Cinematographic Techniques: is too close to be considered informative, and “Tilting the camera gives a subtle cue that Part of understanding the most effective Shots too far to be an intimate shot. Still, it reveals something about the scene is unstable or method of communication is to understand According to Timothy Heidrich of more information about the subject than the just a little bit off-kilter.” The Dutch Angle what has worked in the past. Like Joseph Videomaker, the “camera is a surrogate for Long Shot. effectively shows disequilibrium within the Campbell did in order to understand what [the] audience. The way it interacts with the subject’s mentality or surroundings. makes a good story, marketing strategists Chip scene dictates the way [the] audience feels they and Dan Heath wrote a book about how to are interacting with the scene.” Thus, how a Medium Shot: Bird’s Eye Shot: “make ideas stick.” In the book, they discuss camera is positioned and how it captures an “Where [the audience is] starting to engage “Similar to the extreme long shot, this starts many tactics they have compiled from a series image is an active part of good storytelling and with the characters on a personal level.” In to get into the abstract realm of shapes and of studies they have conducted and from other mood-setting. Although there are many types this shot, the camera (or audience) is standing lines.” In this shot, the viewer isn’t engaged professionals in the field. Ultimately, they of shots, the ones this thesis will focus on for as close to the subject as someone would with a character, which allows them a moment express that for an idea to “stick,” it has to be creative purposes are as follows: during a normal conversation, which allows of emotional rest (Heiderich). “interesting but not sensational, truthful but for the viewer to establish an emotional not mind-blowing, important but not ‘life-or- Extreme Long Shot: connection with the subject. death.’” VIII. Historical Review of how “Show subjects of relatively massive Worldview affects Art scale” (Heiderich). That is to say, the Extreme Close-Up: B. Color Long Shot shows scale comparisons so that “More intimate than the medium shot, the Although each artist is responsible for Studies show that color plays an important the audience can get a better idea of the expressions and emotions of an actor are learning theory and techniques, it has been role in people’s decisions of whether they monumentality. Normally, this sort of shot more visible and affecting and is meant to historically proven that personal philosophies like something or not (Singh). This can displays large elements like mountains or engage the character in a direct and personal and worldview affect theory application be observed most powerfully through the rivers. manner.” Since this shot is closer than normal and, thus, the result an artist produces. For natural world, where different colors are conversation, it tells the viewer that the scene instance, the Dada movement originated in known to work as signifiers ranging from Long Shot: has more to do with the character’s reaction the 20th century between the end of World reproduction to self-defense (Eckstut). “The distance of the camera from its subject to his or her surroundings. The viewer notices War I and the beginning of World War Ergo, the effective use of color through an also reflects an emotional distance; the more personal details that otherwise might II. Although the movement’s style is very intelligent awareness of color psychology and audience doesn’t get as emotionally involved have been lost in normal a conversation. easily recognized in terms of aesthetics and color theory is quintessential in how a product in what’s going on as they would if they artistic practices, one of the most important will be perceived and received or rejected. The were closer. In this sort of shot, the viewer Extreme Close-Up: aspects of the art movement is why it was vastness of color theory is undeniable, and is a casual bystander, and is there to explore “For amplifying emotional intensity, the being created. For some scholars, Dada thus, careful research should be conducted the setting. General details are available, but extreme close-up puts the camera right in was either a nihilistic manifestation or was before a color is chosen for any product so nothing specific can be gathered due to the the actor’s face, making even their smallest deeply rooted in Taoism or Zen Buddhism

| 26 | 27 Animal Heads Animal Heads (Lochmann). In this case, neither “Nihilism,” are not mere illustrations of the text, however; comics in healthcare to deliver information, and nurses” (Fries). Their work expands “Taoism,” nor “Buddhism,” are art theory or they assist the viewer in attaining a more tell stories (from both the patients’ and from Manga to Web Comics, and they hold technique. These terms are worldviews or life complete experience of what Brosh is trying to healthcare providers’ perspectives), and conferences every year and have been the philosophies which informed and influenced convey. Because communicating what happens teach medical humanities to future doctors recipients of many awards. the artist’s creative process and the ultimate to one while experiencing mental illnesses and visual result. Similarly, Romanticism is a emotional struggles is very difficult, Brosh’s sort of rebellion against the Neo-Classical ability to combine her text with words is very movement (Neoclassicism Curriculum helpful, as the combination allows the viewer Education at the Getty). Both movements to see beyond black and white and into a more were rooted in different philosophies and personal account of her struggles. worldviews; Neo-Classicism is characterized by a pull back towards logic and Greek B. Mom’s Cancer Classicism, while Romanticism sought to Although Brian Fies’ graphic novel Mom’s reject the notion of logic as man’s leading Cancer is not specifically about mental illness, worldview and embrace a different life it deals very closely with words and images philosophy (Grugan). Some scholars believe juxtaposed to communicate the physical and that “philosophy finds in art its true expressive emotional struggles one goes through when capacity as a transcendental practice” a loved one suffers from a serious sickness. (Rodowick). Thus, because every human being In it, Fies provides a very detailed account has a dominating philosophy or worldview, of the processes a Cancer patient goes it could be argued that how art theories and through, but instead of giving it through the practices are implemented will be affected by Cancer patient’s perspective, he focuses on the artist’s philosophy or worldview. the daughter as the point of view character. Critics praise Mom’s Cancer for the fact that IX. Comics and Graphic Novels it simultaneously tells a physical story as well as an “emotional truth” (O’Brien.) Themes of that deal with Mental Illnesses depression, anxiety, pain, despair, and hope are A. Hyperbole and a Half explored through a graphic novel most would Allie Brosh’s Hyperbole and a Half is a be too wounded to attempt to illustrate or combination between a written blog and a write. web comic that depicts Brosh’s thoughts, struggles with depression and anxiety, humor, C. Graphic Medicine and wit. In her incredibly honest book, Brosh In order to complete Mom’s Cancer, Brian allows the viewer into her mind by writing Fies worked with other physicians, nurses, exactly what she is feeling, no matter how academics, caregivers, writers, artists and absurd it might be. Next to her writing, cartoonists who call themselves International however, she presents poorly drawn images as Graphic Medicine. International Graphic representation of what she was feeling. They Medicine develops “interesting ways of using Image removed for copyright

| 28 | 29 Animal Heads Animal Heads Case Study: Maniac

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| 30 Animal Heads X. Case Study: Maniac addicted, both characters find themselves The theme of loneliness versus connection volunteering to be a part of an experimental has been extremely important for many, pharmaceutical trial through which Dr. especially within the fields of psychology and James Mantleray, a disturbed paraphiliac philosophy. Ironically, although the topic with mother issues, is trying to eradicate the of loneliness is something that affects all of need for talk therapy for mental struggles. In mankind, it is seldom spoken of openly. “For order to do this, Mantleray creates a sentient many people, the experience of loneliness is supercomputer called GRTA, which they endured and coped with on a private level. affectionally call Gertie, to analyze the data It is rare that individuals have the chance that subjects would produce after ingesting to talk about and share what they feel when three pills which would identify (A), map (B), lonely” (Garrett). The Netflix series Maniac and confront (C) the individual’s problems. establishes this idea from the start with the lines, “hypothesis: all souls are in a quest While Owen’s motivations to make contact to connect. Corollary: our minds have no with Annie were based upon one of his awareness of this quest” (Maniac, 2018). schizophrenic delusions, a character named Through the narrative of a retro-futuristic Grimson informs Owen of his mission to save society in which mankind’s ability to connect the world and tells him that Annie would now has been severely hindered and mental illnesses be his handler; Annie, however, is still in the are notably prevalent, Maniac demonstrates trial stage because the A pill—the first pill the importance of relationship as a means needed to complete the trial—was what she to satisfy the intrinsically basic human had become addicted to. As the plot continues, need of connection and as a possible coping it becomes apparent through a series of mechanism for those who struggle with strange behaviors that Gertie is going through mental illness. a grieving period after having fallen in love with one of her developmental scientists Maniac is a 10-episode Netflix miniseries who had recently passed away. Her grieving, created and written by Patrick Somerville however, would cause a series of abnormalities and directed by Cary Joji. The two primary which affected the trial subjects, especially characters are Owen Milgram, an individual Annie and Owen. diagnosed with Paranoid Schizophrenia who is the black sheep of his rich and wealthy family, Owen and Annie’s journey through recovery and Annie Landsberg, a woman diagnosed is shown through a series of dreamlike, with Borderline Personality Disorder after drug induced “trips.” Somehow, Annie and having lost her sister in a traumatic car Owen’s subconscious keep connecting as a accident. After Owen loses his deadbeat possible biproduct of Gertie’s broken heart. job and after Annie runs out of a powerful This connection allows them to be able to hallucinogenic drug to which she had become go through the pill stages together, allowing Image removed for copyright

| 32 33 Animal Heads Animal Heads| them to provide moral support for one dreamlike world after having struck a deal to and express her desire to have a constant but this does not work for me. I don’t think it another and explore how their relationship stay only if it meant being with Ellie, allowing relationship with him, and she came to break works for you either. So you saw some things dynamic was affected by their conditions Annie to continue her life as “healthy Annie.” him out of the mental institute. Owen was that weren’t there. So, what?” Owen retaliates and preconceived life notions. For instance, Owen’s resolution was far more literal than it able to overcome his fears and leave with her, by speaking aloud why it wouldn’t make one of Annie’s strongest struggles was the first appeared. Unlike Annie, whose resolution effectively starting their recovery from trauma sense to leave with her, reminding her that fear of being like her manipulative mother, came within the confrontation phase of the and establishing real connections. he’s tried to do the normal thing before only who would “wait until [her] defenses were trial, Owen’s Grimson hallucinations in told to be confronted with a broken heart. “It’s down, and then she’d gut [her],” as per him he would be the savior of the world, Maniac’s thesis, so to speak, revolves around just easier if you’re not real,” he says. “But Annie’s description. Thus, Annie often came which resulted in his being the key to coerce the negative effects of loneliness on the human I am real. You know me. You’re braver than across as calloused and harsh, surface level Gertie to let her subjects go after she had an psyche and the need for true connection with this, Owen. And I will never do that to you.” defense mechanisms which were challenged emotional breakdown because of her grieving others as a means to cope with how warped This is the sort of conversation that should throughout Gertie’s scenarios and Owen’s period. This gave some validity to Owen’s our minds can become. When trying to break be encouraged in general, but especially with companionship. “hallucinations,” which ended up becoming him out of the mental institution, Owen first those who suffer from mental illnesses which more real to him than others in his world tries to resist Annie by saying, “I’m crazy,” have otherwise hindered their abilities to Throughout the series, Annie identifies would know. to which Annie responds, “maybe you’re relate and have healthy connections. the source of her struggles as having been diagnosed. Maybe you need to be medicated, extremely unpleasant to her sister, Ellie, Furthermore, being able to experience the after Ellie had announced that she would trial allowed him to understand the constant be moving away. Since Ellie had been an pressure his family had put him under through important source of strong emotional support such things as asking him to lie in court about for Annie throughout the turmoil her mother his rapist brother. His father addressed this had put her through, Annie began to act out, request as an “honor,” in which Owen got to a progression that climaxed at a vacation the protect the Milgram men from opportunistic sisters took where Annie and Ellie were part women who just wanted a way “in” with of a fatal accident which left Ellie dead and their family. Once the pharmaceutical trial Annie even more traumatized than before. concluded, Owen was able to truthfully testify Since then, Annie not only carried around the against his brother in court, expressing that fear of being like her mother had been with “he wasn’t a liar, and that he was sorry.” For her but also the guilt of having been so unfair this, his family retaliated by sending him to a to Ellie without the possibility of mending the mental institution because of mental stability. relationship. Spending time with Annie helped him realize In the “confrontation” portion of her trial, that he was in need of true connections as Annie was able to see her sister and “let her opposed to the fake fantasies he had about go,” consciously choosing to let the guilt running away with someone and starting go and live in a world where Ellie would anew. Thus, when Annie, having putting never exist. Being able to make this decision into practice her newly found emotional meant that she wouldn’t be stuck in Gertie’s resolutions, was able to reach out to Owen Image removed for copyright

| 34 | 35 Animal Heads Animal Heads XI. Conclusion The increasing prevalence of suicide in both camps for the common good of those American youth is concerning, especially in affected by mental illness. Currently, one of those aged 10 to 24. This increase is heavily the most popular ways of reaching the at- associated with mental illness, especially risk population is through comic books. The depression and anxiety. Although Christian importance of storytelling and narrative has psychotherapy is being developed, there is a been very prominent throughout history, and strong traditional enmity between Christian Joseph Campbell is famous for documenting principles and Psychology. This enmity was exactly what makes a story good. Additionally, mainly sparked from the moment the Roman there are advertisement theories, color Catholic church decided to place man’s theories, and cinematographic techniques interpretation of theological principles over which comic book artists can implement in reason. Those who adhere to this Enmity their creation processes to help their success Model and are Christian Contenders believe rates increase. that everything that does not comply with theology should not be taken into It can be shown historically that personal consideration. Furthermore, they usually philosophies and worldviews affect the believe that mental illnesses are spiritual artist’s creative process beyond theories and matters and that those who seek professional practices, but for the Christian artist, the help are regarded as “self-helping” individuals challenge of communication is to overcome who don’t trust in a higher power’s ability to elements such as the Enmity Model, external heal. This internal belief, however, seldom prejudice, and the hate speech radars. Luckily, affects how Christians view secular people there have been successful Christian artists who struggle with mental illnesses. On the in the past, such as C.S. Lewis, who have other hand, Secular Contenders believe that been able to focus on “experience” through theology merely produces guilt through the combination of logic and imagination in legalism and that religion is only acceptable as order to effectively communicate Christian a primitive coping mechanism. principles and worldviews without being rejected. Thus, through the careful study of There is, however, a model that reconciles the presented material, a Christian comic Christian principles and Psychology, taking book artist could be able to reach the at-risk the latter into account through a Christian demographic and present Christian-themed perspective. This model, called the Allies solutions to their struggles with mental Model, seeks to mend the gap between illnesses.

| 36 Animal Heads Origins Chapter 3 Just a Bunch of Emojis In most cases, when it came to my creative stared at the three emojis for a few minutes Visual Process process, I would do research and then start before answering. There was something about creating my characters based upon said looking at the animals in context of a human’s Story-Building: Reasons and Explanations research. The characters were designed with excitement that made me have an interesting a specific goal in mind: to exemplify my thought. I knew the reason my friend liked the Bridging the Gap between Biblical Counseling and Mental Health findings. Animal Heads’ case was a little animals was because he felt they represented through Comics different, however. One night, I received a him at some level. He felt very excited that Every time I am asked to speak about what Animal Heads is about, I have to stop and think for simple message from one of my friends via Facebook had designed animal emojis that a second. There are three main themes that this thesis deals with: biblical counseling, mental Facebook. “Hey, did you know that there’s, he could share because, in a way, the presence health, and comics. I have come to look at the three as the triadic heart of this production. If one like, a lot of different animal emojis that you of said emojis felt like representation to is less developed than the other two, the whole thing would fall apart. That begs the question: can send one another in here?” him. Additionally, there was something very what is Animal Heads all about? Put simply, it is to infiltrate pop culture with a biblical message intriguing about the juxtaposition of the in order to equip young people to better deal with mental struggles. Thus, the research portion I remember being amused by his excitement three animals that made me want to explore of this thesis, where I was able to explore biblical counseling, mental health, and other important at such a small detail. His next message the concept both visually and as a personal theories, informs artistic content. consisted of three animal emojis: a tiger, an representation. octopus, and a wolf—his favorite animals. I

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Octavia’s Birth question became, “how do I make an octopus “It’d be really cool to develop these animals anthropomorphic?” When I revisited the as characters,” I said to my friend. “Yeah! It idea, pencil and paper in hand, I explored would be! But… what sort of anthropomorphic different versions of the same concept. Early combination would you go for?” This on, however, I decided that I liked the idea of question stayed in my mind long after our an octopus head on a girl’s body. From that conversation was done. Since we both shared moment on, the character basically designed a love for octopi, it was obvious that said herself, and her name came just as naturally: animal would be my experimental character. Octavia. It means eight, which is only fitting Upon deciding to work with an octopus, the since octopi have eight tentacles. Her last

| 38 | 39 Animal Heads Animal Heads name, Mauve, came out of the French term personality. I knew she was going to be a deep abandoned them. He was often very envious of of my life, it wasn’t until about 10 years ago for purple because Octavia’s skin is purple. thinker, intelligent, purpose-driven, shy, others’ talents—he was threatened by anyone that I decided to fully convert to biblical ways. With the idea of personal representation in excluded, and multitalented. In order to create who he perceived was better than him. Still This conversion has required me to look at the mind, I began to think about what sort of a well-rounded character, however, I needed to to this day, it was very interesting to see his word of the Lord as truth and the source of all qualities an octopus possesses that I identify show the cost of having these positive traits, personal duality play out in self-destructive healing. In the midst of my realization, I was with. For instance, octopi are considered so to speak. Thinking of said cost was easy and self-fulfilling prophecies. reminded of struggle that Paul had in Romans one of the most intelligent and crafty of the because of personal experience. 7. animal species. They have been known to work My multitalented, deep-thinking father was through puzzles to attain rewards, when facing Beautiful/Broken diagnosed bipolar when I was 14 years old. At some point, he writes, “So I find this law predators, they escape through the means of I was born to a seventeen-year-old mother Although with some research and time, I have at work: Although I want to do good, evil is ink ejection and retreat, and they also have the and a sixteen-year-old father, both of which come to believe that he was misdiagnosed, right there with me” (Romans 7:21 NIV). In ability to blend into their surroundings well had had very unstable childhoods. Due to the presence of mental illnesses has been that moment, Paul was speaking about his enough to seem practically invisible to any instability, my mother left me in my father more than obvious in my life. As I have desire to do good according to the Lord’s law, creature around them. and grandmother’s care. Being the daughter of looked at my family history, development, but his utter helplessness to be able to do so in a young creative is perhaps the most defining and tendencies, it is more than obvious to me light of “his flesh”, which is a direct result of Although it might sound a bit presumptuous, influence in my life, outside of finding that with or without psychiatric diagnosis, humanity being, “unspiritual, sold as slave[s] I identified all these reasons as personal Christ and making a decision to allow him to many of us aren’t exactly sane. My father’s to sin” (Rom 7:14b NIV). identifiers. I do consider myself to be a fairly transform my life. As a young man, my father duality between beauty and brokenness had intelligent person, especially when it comes to was very ambitious in his pursuits. He went been a perpetuating cycle in my family tree In Romans 8, Paul provides valuable insight conceptualizing and research. Although I have to college and worked all while taking care of for decades. So with all that in mind, I found to our unsettling struggle, “Those who live come to realize that I have to confront people a young girl who looked up to him in literally that I was no stranger to the concept of according to the flesh have their minds set on about healthy boundaries, what comes most everything. good character traits and bad accompanying what the flesh desires; but those who live in naturally to me in a fight or flight situation character traits. Not only had I dealt with accordance with the Spirit have their minds is flight. Ironically, like the octopus, I do use He was gifted in many areas ranging from it my whole life, as it was exemplified by my set on what the Spirit desires.” (Rom 8:5 ink as something to hide behind on a daily musical arts, performing arts, and visual father, and my grandmother soon after, I have NIV). It should be noted that our deeds and life, as one of my biggest artistic passions is arts. This, however, he often tried to pair been dealing with my personal version of said striving to be good and perfect will never be inking. I try to blend into my surroundings as and back up with deep intellectual pursuits dualism for a few years. good enough to earn us salvation—we have much as I can, often choosing solitude over ranging from philosophy to psychology. He tried and failed. This, however, is part of the the spotlight. Noticing how different I am, wasn’t without fault, of course. His mind’s Flesh/Spirit reason Jesus Christ died on the cross: To however, is very easy, be it because of my big ability to think creatively also allowed for a Looking so deeply in a mirror which reflected fulfill the law and pay for our shortcomings. curly hair, or because I am very blunt about lot of insecurity. While he longed to be part the harsh reality of my beauty/brokenness put In a way, Jesus’ sacrifice ratified our free my thought processes and questions. Finally, of a social group, whenever he succeeded to me through a period of depression—and to will. Instead of either living as if we were I identified with the octopus because the same integrate, he always felt he was misunderstood this day, it still does in some instances. It was righteous and being as far removed from the way they have eight tentacles, I have been told and marginalized, which resulted in him hard for me to understand that I would never word as possible, or haunted by wanting to that I am a multitalented individual. leaving said group on the basis of their be perfect; at least not while in this world. do what is right and being tied down by our apparent prejudice against him. He often Whatever good there was in me would always flesh, knowing Christ allows us to know the Being able to notice these similarities was the thought that people were “out to get him,” be overshadowed by the evil portions of me. Spirit, and knowing the Spirit allows us to key to understanding big portion of Octavia’s so he created relationships as easily as he Although I have known of the Lord for most understand what is truly good.

| 40 | 41 Animal Heads Animal Heads Familiars/Abusers To know the Spirit is to have a choice between communicate with one another and share the flesh and light. This very thought became the unfortunate information. Familiars then tell heart of Animal Heads as a webcomic. My their hosts about what the animal in question main concern, however, was how to voice this is going to do and suggest that the informed to a mainly unbelieving audience without animals throw a “pre-oby,” which is basically sounding accusatory. No one wants to hear a pre-suicide party. The hosts aren’t exactly an accusatory message, especially in modern celebrating the fact that an animal will kill times where ideas about self-discovery in themselves—they just think of it as a good the context of relativity and hedonism are time to have fun, often not even inviting the prevalent. animal about to commit suicide to the party at all. I wanted to find a visual way to show how a person’s mind works against them and how The idea of the animal host being controlled our culture teaches us to embrace its abuse. by their familiar is equivalent to how I Furthermore, I wanted to postulate the sometimes feel about my flesh and the evil question, “why do you do the things you do?” inclinations that I will forever battle. Without and “do you really have a choice when its only Christ, I am not even able to distinguish you and your mind?” This is how the concept between what is me and what is my evil nature. of the familiars was born. Society teaches us to embrace virtue and vice alike merely because you are to love yourself In Octavia’s world, a familiar is a spiritual as you are. Much like Octavia’s society, our entity invisible to anyone other than their society says that you ought to do what feels animal host. It hovers around them instructs right to you, regardless of how absurd it them how to be themselves. The Familiar may be. The question is, what happens when is usually in the form of the host’s image: what “feels right to you” is what your flesh is since Octavia is an octopus, her familiar is an telling you is the right thing to do? What if octopus. Every animal, including Octavia, this were actual evil and it corrupted you to has socio-culturally been instructed to follow the core, often bringing instant gratification the familiar’s command blindly, never asking at the expense of moral degradation, feelings themselves why they should do it. What these of unfulfillment, depression, anxiety, and familiars are telling their hosts, however, isn’t ultimately, a worthlessness so devastating that all that sane. For instance, it isn’t uncommon it ends in nihilistic life philosophies? What is to see events like “pre-obituaries” in social the point of life if there isn’t any real validity media and newspapers when a familiar to it outside of constantly trying to make whispers to their host that they are no longer yourself happy? What’s happens when you get fit to live, and then for the host to accept this tired of trying? as truth. When the host confirms, familiars

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| 42 | 43 Animal Heads Animal Heads Blahen Blahen Mask/Locket When I was young, I keenly remember and within the eyes as a way to veil herself noticing that my father’s demeanor changed from the outside world. Although she can see depending on where he was. For instance, through the lace, it is very hard for people to with ladies, he would be a total flirt, while see her eyes, which are the windows to the with teachers he would strive to be seen as the soul. teachers’ pet. Sometimes, in order to fit in, he would put on a social mask of sorts, which In a way, however, masks represent he would quickly remove once he came home conformity to the system, especially when and he could criticize everyone to his heart’s what the mask represents is far removed desire. As I continued to observe people as from who the animal actually is. A good well as my own behavior, I realized that Carl example of this predicament is Trixie Jung might have had it right: people employ Voss’ case. Trixie is daughter to a mask different masks in varying situations to better designer (Maskenhersteller) and a famous fit a context. Thus, we use masks to hide what mathematician. Since her parents went our true nature is—or at least control how through a nasty divorce, Trixie has grown much of it comes out when in the presence of up with fear of abandonment and the idea others. that people can leave regardless of how much they ought not to. She spends most of the If animals in Animal Heads represent a day asleep and wakes up to work her shifts at person’s personhood—traits they like and the Mean Bean Cafe and complete her online dislike about themselves, then the masks studies. represent what they want to be perceived as. For instance, Octavia’s mask is comprised of Her likes and dislikes change sporadically, as book pages because she obsessively collects she is constantly on a quest to define who she books and she wishes to be seen as an erudite. is but is constantly turning up empty, and Her mask’s origami flower crown is meant that scares her to no end. She is, however, to exemplify her paperfolding skills as well as very clever and very manipulative, often using serve as an external representation of her love charm and half-truths to get her way. It isn’t for outer space: yellow for stars and purple uncommon for people to feel like they are on for its mystery. Octavia admires her ability to a rollercoaster when it comes to her feelings voice her thoughts intelligently, which is why towards them. One second, she desperately her mask has lips. She also likes lashes because needs them to be around, the next, especially she feels they make her feel feminine, which is in the case of someone who has offended why her mask has eyelashes and a cat-winged her, she wants absolutely nothing to do with eyeliner. Both the eyes and the lip makeup is them, often cutting them off like hairdressers black because that is the color of her ink—her cut off split ends. Trixie’s mask, however, is essence. Finally, she uses lace atop her crown specifically designed to make her look tame

| 44 | 45 Animal Heads Animal Heads and balanced. The color is mostly white and life didn’t have much value and I didn’t know pink to demonstrate child-like daintiness. what to do with it. There are no sharp edges to her mask, only swirls and curves which are meant to present Octavia’s locket was given to her by her her as a smooth and easygoing individual. grandmother before she passed away. Her Unlike her intense makeup and her dyed red grandmother, Aureum Mauve, was a very hair, Trixie’s mask is innocent-looking because unusual animal. In fact, she had been locked that’s what she thinks herself to be: a victim up in an asylum for some portion of her life of circumstance. As the story progresses, because she spoke about there being a choice however, it becomes apparent that although they weren’t being given between a familiar Trixie considers herself to be the victim, she and the Light. Since questioning familiars actively takes decisions as per her familiar’s was seen as taboo, Aureum’s behavior as well instruction, that create self-fulfilling as her claims were taken as insanity. Despite prophesies: she wants to love and be loved, her reputation, Octavia was very fond of her but animals always leave, and thus, they are grandmother. They shared a love for books deserving of her wrath. and literature, so Octavia would spend many hours with her “grammy” before her parents In Octavia’s case, if her mask represents her deemed her a bad influence. Before they need to fit in, her locket represents her desire departed, Aureum gave Octavia a locket: an to be her true self outside of the familiar’s octopus guarding a book. She said, “We are so control. Perhaps one of the biggest reasons as much more than what our familiars tell us we to why I have decided to follow the Lord is my are. grandmother, who not only made the decision for Christ, but also prayed that someday I This locket will remind you of that.” The would come to Him wholeheartedly. She locket was given in secrecy, so Octavia’s showed me that I was loved and valued despite parents didn’t know about its importance, the feelings of worthlessness my flesh had let alone the message it held inside: “lux et tried to instill in me. When I was convinced veritas”. Although Octavia’s disappointment I didn’t belong and that I should have never over life’s meaninglessness would overshadow been born, my grandmother would cite her grandmother’s words, she held on to that Jeremiah 1:5 to me, “Before I formed you in locket as part of her daily appearance: a sign the womb I knew you, before you were born I that despite the darkness of her mind, there set you apart” (NIV). was still the hope for a light.

Although this information didn’t make an immediate impact in my life, it became one of the most important reasons as to why I turned to Christ in a moment where I thought my

| 46 | 47 Animal Heads Animal Heads My Little Prince and His Struggles Another very important reason I decided A year after that, my little brother was to explore the topic of mental illnesses and diagnosed with ADD and high functioning suicide was because of my little brother, Autism. When I heard he had said that he who has always been my little prince, as per wanted to end his life, my heart broke for him Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s book by the same because I knew exactly where he was coming title: like the prince, my brother has always from. I began to look at different ways to relate been curious about that which he doesn’t to him and show him that he wasn’t alone in understand, has a very innocent and lovely his struggle, that the Lord created him with demeanor about him, and is willing to learn in a purpose and that he was incredibly valuable his time. despite whatever his mind was telling him.

I began to see that what had affected my Him, his older brother, and his little sister, grandmother, my father, and me, was starting my babies, had all endured so much already, affect him. At an early age, he started to and they were special beyond words could ever display uneasy restlessness—the kind that say. This project is the result of my desire to made him use entertainment as a way to numb research and create something that perhaps his mind. The kind that made him fight for might relate to them and other kids in their people’s attention or else jealousy and envy age group, and to tell them that there is hope would take hold and result in angry fits. The to their struggles—both the ones they deal kind that made him get in trouble in school with and the ones they can’t even explain. for saying that he wanted to kill himself.

| 48 | 49 Animal Heads Animal Heads Settings and Characters The next step, after thinking deeply about louder. Soon, her chest tightens, she begins to how I wanted Animal Heads to represent experience heart palpitations and a pounding my personal experiences as well as have a headache. Her breathing becomes short and commentary concerning sociocultural mental rushed, and she is unable to stop herself from health practices, suicide, and presented thinking about her fear. She succumbs to the solutions, was looking at how each character attack between sobs. These are all symptoms would play a specific part, and in which someone with Panic Disorder will regularly context they would do so. I decided almost experience. immediately that the setting needed to be incredibly simple and ordinary for the Part of the reason I’ve decided to put this purposes of relatability. Octavia’s town, for detail into the narrative is because I wish to instance, is called “The Town”. She goes to address that, despite whatever the cause of a “The High School,” and is aspiring to get into mental disorder is, its presence doesn’t define “The Erudite University of Pharmaceutics” the individual and that there are alternatives as although she secretly desires to be accepted to how to deal with them. Specifically, I want into “The University of Astronautics”. to highlight that one of the ways someone can Although the coffeeshop’s name is “The deal with mental illnesses is through Christ Mean Bean”, most animals just call it, “The and Biblical counseling, as is the case with Coffeeshop”. Whitney who learns to listen to the Light as opposed to her familiar—no matter how loud Characters and their familiars are meant to the familiar gets. represent a mental state or a mental illness. For instance, Octavia’s familiar instructs her The Light serves as a counterpart to the to obsess over things like collecting books and familiar: if the familiar communicates with stuffed animals, to wash her hands three or the host in destructive ways, the Light four times just to make sure that there are no speaks to the host about love, order, and true harmful bacteria left, and that there needs to identity. As opposed to familiars, the Light be bilateral symmetry in anything she creates isn’t something animals are born with. They in order to make it perfect. Sometimes, it have to consciously decide to let the Light in will play the same thoughts in Octavia’s head before it can begin to attempt to influence. over and over again—even if Octavia doesn’t The presence of the Light doesn’t mean want the thoughts to be there. As per research, automatic change. It represents the possibility these are some of the symptoms a person of a change—the possibility of a choice. The with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder might animal still needs to choose between the experience. In Whitney’s case, her familiar familiar and the light moment by moment. starts off by whispering things that could go wrong. As time goes by, the whispers get

| 50 | 51 Animal Heads Animal Heads List of Characters Familiars: The Light: Appearance (although invisible to most Appearance (although invisible to most Octavia Mauve: Carol Suricatta: animals,) is usually specific to animal host. animals,) is consistently an orb of white light. Meerkat. A very temperate and observant Octopus. A rigid high school senior who Spiritual entities that tell their host who they Spiritual entities that give their hosts the counselor who guides The High School has ensnared herself in the fallacy of being are, how they are to be who they are, and what ability to choose between listening to their seniors in their next steps of life. perfect, specifically in regard to her academic to do in order to be significant. Said goals are familiar or learning about a hidden truth achievements. Represents Obsessive often false premises—they have no realistic about themes such as life, existence, love and Compulsive Disorder. Liam Ränder: method of achievement to them. Animals order. It teaches that self-validation and worth Tiger. Swedish Chemical Engineer and proud are born with familiars and socio-culturally are not dependent on the animal’s deeds, but Whitney Cohello: PhD recipient. He was an action movie star, conditioned to listen to them regardless of in the principle of intelligent design (a concept Dwarf Hotot Rabbit. A sweet, caring, and but he retired in order to go in full time as a how absurd their commands are. further explored as the story progresses). multi-talented high school senior who uses famous chemistry T.V. show host. Animals are not born with the Light; they her struggles in life to help others learn about must choose for it. Those who do choose for it the Light. Represents Panic Disorder. Kayla Cinereus: are often marginalized. Koala. A very lazy high school senior who Henry Bunglon: doesn’t care for much more than sleeping and Chameleon. A very tech-driven high school eating. senior who seeks to imitate others obsessively. Represents low self-esteem struggles. Jericho Livingston: Barkley Armani: Black Cat. An edgy college sophomore who White Wolf. A college freshman who is trusts only selected few due to trauma and externally a partydog, but internally a deep abuse in her past. feeler and peacekeeper. Represents misuse of empathy (enabling tendencies). Odette Barn: Owl. A very wise and sweet high school senior. Trixie Voss: Light Bearer. Red Fox. A sporadic, seductive, and dramatic college freshman trying to find the importance Mildred Gray: of life and if hers has any value. Represents Squirrel. A skittish and diligent college Borderline Personality Disorder. freshman who is breedist towards birdkind.

Arthur Flehmen: Virginia Piya: Dutch Landrace Goat: A egocentric, Harpy Eagle. A larger-than-life sort of college temperamental, and selfish college sophomore Junior. Works at The Library and makes sure who seeks to let the world know that he is a rules are properly followed. big deal. Represents Narcissistic Personality Disorder.

| 52 | 53 Animal Heads Animal Heads | 54 | 55 Animal Heads Animal Heads | 56 | 57 Animal Heads Animal Heads Blahen Blahen Story “Easter Egg” Details

Each of the character names have further showcased by the fact that no matter something to do with the character what outfit Barkley is wearing, he will always thesis. have a circle (meant to signify the moon) For instance, Whitney Cohello means “white featured somewhere in his outfit. Yet another rabbit.” Trixie is inspired by the name “Vixie,” connection comes from Whitney and Trixie’s which derives from vixen, or female fox, and relationship, which is inspired by Native the word “trickster.” Her last name, Voss, is American lore. the Low German word for fox. . Some animal characteristics are Some relationships between animals meant to serve as base for connectivity exist to give subtle nods to other between animals. narratives with the same characters. For instance, both octopi and chameleons For instance, Trixie and Barkley’s romantic share the ability to camouflage against their relationship represents a deconstructed surroundings. Out of the main characters, retelling of The Little Red Riding Hood both Octavia and Henry employ social where Trixie (who goes by Red Chai) is the camouflage tactics the most often, a habit little red riding hood and Barkley is the “big that at some point causes them to have bad wolf.” In this retelling, however, the breakdowns. It is through this common ensnaring and consumption is done by Trixie experience that they learn to trust each through manipulation and guilt. As a result, other and work though their issues together. Barkley is the willing victim of the story. Because wolves tend to be pack animals, Barkley, however, ends up realizing that his one of Barkley’s hallmark traits is being the relationship with Trixie is toxic and that his “peacekeeper” of any group he is a part of, friendship with Whitney is uplifting and as to ensure the group stays together. In natural. Barkley and Whitney’s romantic Arthur’s case, since goats tend to charge relationship is a nod to two traditions: a wolf’s head on towards a threat, one of his defining need to howl at the moon, and the Chinese characteristics is hardheadedness. story of the moon rabbits. In the Animal Heads world, the Chinese myth of moon Some animals literally represent real- rabbits is also common knowledge. Because life people. of his attraction towards the moon, Barkley For instance, Liam Ränder represents has done extensive research on the moon both Dolph Lundgren who attained his master’s in scientific facts as well as lore and myth. in chemical engineering before heading into Upon meeting Whitney, he instantly (and television as an actor, director, screenwriter, secretly) admired her merely because she was a film producer and martial artist. white rabbit. His affinity towards the moon is

| 58 59 Animal Heads Animal Heads| Creative Process and Character to her limits. Once I had explored exaggerated while still displaying interest elements as iterations of Octavia, I was able to draw part of her image. A minimalized version of Design back and tighten Octavia’s original design this process—mood boards, character style Although Octavia’s design came fairly After having done character recreations, to include more of my newfound elements sketches, character silhouettes, and character naturally to me, I explored many different I proceeded to make Octavia character immediately. Her design went from looking iterations—were employed to reach character stylistic iterations just to make sure that silhouettes. Although I already had a very like a generic school girl to a believable high conclusions. Octavia’s appearance reflected what I wanted good idea as to how Octavia would look, I school senior who wished to be taken seriously it to. I did visual research on certain elements decided to further explore other options just I wanted Octavia to have: Japanese school to see what would result from them. After uniforms, headbands, school shoes/heels, etc. I created thirty silhouettes, I narrowed my After having created a Pinterest board that choices down to my favorite five. Then, I held every single picture I found relevant, I lowered layer opacity and did rough sketches narrowed down my choices by creating two over the silhouettes, lightly fleshing the mood boards, both holding between 7-10 character out. I was especially interested in images each. The purpose of this exercise was seeing Octavia’s stylistic differences, were to explore what physical components would she to be part of a different universe. I asked inform my character design. myself, what would Octavia look like if she were a magical girl like the ones that appear in The next step would be to find and recreate Sailor Moon? What would she look like if she different examples of other artists work were a Power Puff Girls villain? What would that displayed elements I was particularly she look like as a Roman warrior? interested in. Because I grew up in the 90s, one of the first examples to come to mind was These were very fun to make because they Sailor Moon. I was particularly interested in allowed me to explore her in different how they drew their anatomy (long leg, short settings and even opened up the possibility torso,) and how they drew school uniforms. of stylistic changes for the sake of better I also explored Jorge Gimenez version of communicating a story. For example, if the Wonder Woman, mostly because of line usage chapter I were illustrating had an “Alice in and rendering. Wonderland” feel to it, I could skew my style to fit what is commonly associated with the Because my desired direction for Animal narrative: dresses, surrealistic elements, etc. Heads involves creating a webcomic, I Additionally, I was able to explore what some explored how other webcomic artists had emotions could look like for Octavia. This approached school uniforms, anatomy, and was the case with one of the exaggerated even color choice. Leeanne Krecic’s Lets forms I drew Octavia as. Her wide stance, Play, Rachel Smythe’s Lore Olympus, and stiff arms, and wild tentacles showed the Stephanie Quimco’s I Love Yoo were my top sort of territorial dominance and aggression choices for exploration. Octavia would exhibit were she to be pushed

| 60 | 61 Animal Heads Animal Heads | 62 | 63 Animal Heads Animal Heads | 64 | 65 Animal Heads Animal Heads Building the Mask Octavia’s attraction to paper isn’t only book- hot glue gun. Because the space fabric lining is based, however. The idea of repurposing dying meant to be a hidden component, laying down Reasoning books has been near and dear to her since she that foundation and then building on top of Masks are incredibly important in the Animal have her mask custom-made by important was a child, so she learned the art of Origami it was easier than making the external layers Heads universe, not only because it is a huge Maskenherstellers. She can, however, buy a to give pages a new purpose. Thus, she created and then hiding the backside. Once the fabric industry, but because they are the animal’s generic mask from the store, and build it up to a crown of origami flowers that looked like was secured, the next step was to cut the book perceived identity. There are many aspects be what she wants it to be. Because Octavia’s stars to her. This also informed the color page so that it would fit different sections of that I took into consideration when creating mask is handmade and she struggles with choice: yellow for stars and purple for outer the mask. I had to be especially careful around all the masks. In Octavia’s case, because of the OCD, her mask must be a human version space. As I was creating the mask, however, my curves—paper doesn’t naturally curve very nature of the mental condition she represents, of perfect, which allows for the attempt at personal choice for yellow and purple have to well. Only one page was used in this process. I first had to think about how a person with perfect symmetry, but room for human error. do with yellow’s association with cheerfulness Once this portion was completed, I created a OCD would build things. Since research as well as sickness and purple’s association “nose” out of the book page and pasted it in shows that they are very prone to create in The next element I explored was what sort of with mystery. The origami crown’s placement place. It isn’t obvious to the design, but there symmetry, I had the choice of either exploring interests Octavia would consider attributes to is meant to be a nod towards the importance is a small origami butterfly underneath the asymmetry as a way to break away from the perfection. Since she collects books, which to of intelligence. nose. It is meant to represent a hidden sense of familiar’s instruction or making symmetrical Octavia are the perfect source of information innocence and whimsicality. Because I wanted designs as a way to show submission to the and entertainment, I thought having the mask Octavia has a fascination with makeup—even to both secure everything in place and add a familiar. After sketching out many variations completely covered with different sections of though she can’t do her own makeup due to shiny topcoat to the mask, I proceeded to coat of the mask, I decided that since Octavia is at a page from an old, unsalvageable book, would lack of technical skill. Thus, she’s created her the exposed side with clear Elmer’s glue. I a very early stage of her development, where fit her aesthetic. Although she would never mask to feature her favorite aspects: eye and repeated this step twice. she isn’t exposed to the Light, it would make dream of tearing a book apart for the sake of lip makeup. As an octopus, Octavia will never better sense to have her sport a perfectly fashion, she thought it would be a beautiful run low on black ink, so she created black cat- Next, I constructed the Origami flowers. The symmetrical design. As the story progresses, idea to repurpose a dying book. Another one of eye eyeliner (yes, cats were the ones to perfect biggest flower is called a kusudama flower, and however, I will use the gradual introduction the more obvious interests Octavia possesses cat-eye eyeliner) and black lips. the smaller, star-like ones are the backsides of of asymmetry as a symbol of her breaking free is space. She believes that space is a great traditional origami flowers. I experimented from the familiar’s dominance. example of perfection because it is the point Lastly, because Octavia thinks her eyes are with various sizes while using my model of origin: for the most part, it exists without obnoxiously blue, she decided to obscure sketch as reference. Those were mounted on After deciding for symmetry, there were a few animal alteration. Additionally, as a person the eye holes with black lace, which she also to the mask with hot glue and secured with ideas to explore for the mask’s creation. These who struggles with OCD, Octavia doesn’t used to line the top of the mask. To Octavia, clear Elmer’s glue as well. In this same step, ideas needed to be chosen in a very specific like specific textures, especially near her although the nature of lace is soft and delicate, I cut the eyeliner and lips out of black paper, order, however, since said order reveals a lot face. Thus, I decided to line the inside of her its black color makes it mysterious and edgy. then, using hot glue, I pasted them in their about the animal in question’s personality, mask with soft cotton space-themed fabric. designated locations. I also used hot glue to motives, and level of deceit their masks Because her interest in space is very personal Physical Components fasten the false lashes onto the top borders of portray. The first aspect to consider was what to her, however, I decided to keep the space In order to create Octavia’s mask, I had to buy the eye holes. I didn’t want to leave them so sort of financial status Octavia’s mask would fabric hidden to the general public; it would a generic white plastic base, which I proceeded pristine, so I burned them down a little bit, reveal. The Mauve family wasn’t exactly be something people would see only if she to manipulate by cutting off the nose and which allowed for a rounded tip and a shorter known to be the richest in the neighborhood, removes her mask. narrowing the cheeks down. Next, I lined the length for each lash. With all these elements which explains their constant pursuit of inside of the mask with the space fabric using a in place, I repeated the Elmer’s clear glue step success. Thus, Octavia cannot afford to

| 66 | 67 Animal Heads Animal Heads again. Once the glue was dry, I proceeded to used. In Animal Heads, however, since there spray the mask with Krylon Artist Spray UV- was no such thing as a human, I would have Resistant Clear Gloss. Since the Elmer’s glue to either try to buy or build an octopus head had dried on so nicely, it only needed one coat. mannequin. I had no luck buying one online, The mask’s final details were in the lace: I hot and just as I was about to begin building the glued a band covering the eyes on the backside, octopus head mannequin, I had a better idea. and I hot glued two straps on the top of the Since Octavia was all about repurposing dead crown. books, using an old book’s hardcover into a mask-holding box would perhaps be one of her Because I didn’t want Octavia’s mask to best ideas yet! So that’s exactly what I did. For merely be placed on top of a table without a this portion, I bought a box that posed as a context, I thought about the setting that one book and lined the insides with the same space would most commonly see her mask when she fabric I had used to line the inside of Octavia’s wasn’t wearing it. I thought of my morning mask. Then, in order to give a more complete routine and how I had designated locations scene depiction, I decided to buy an octopus for things I would use most commonly. If book locket and customize it by supergluing someone were to wear a wig, for instance, a small amethyst pebble onto the octopus’ they would most likely have a mannequin to forehead. This piece is to be displayed as part hold that wig in place when it wasn’t being of the mask-holding book.

| 68 | 69 Animal Heads Animal Heads | 70 | 71 Animal Heads Animal Heads | 72 73 Animal Heads Animal Heads| Story and Panel Work Blahen Once I thought about what sort of story I to see how they handled paneling issues. I wanted to tell and what sort of elements go quickly realized that very seldom did they have into making the sort of story I want to tell, panels side by side; they were often one below I decided to pass on that information to a the other, often leaving large positive spaces screenwriter. I had the honor of working with so that the viewer’s eyes had resting spots. Liberty University Cinema student, Charlie Because the paneled pages I created had to be Benz, who looked at all the information I printed as part of my deliverables, I adapted provided and helped me craft a sequence of the webcomic artist’s style to fit three images events. Although he wrote the first book’s per page. script, I used an extremely abridged version of the first four pages of his work in order to My process for creating illustrations was to create the panels presented as part of my final either take my own pictures and sketch, ink, deliverables. As per my committee’s request, and color them, or find images online similar since I didn’t need to illustrate the whole to my idea and do the same process. Because first chapter, I wanted to create Octavia’s my goal with Animal Heads is to create a introduction, which would serve as a means to webcomic out of it, and, since webcomic get a reader interested in Animal Heads. artists often create a chapter within a week, I wanted to keep color schemes simple. Charlie was incredibly helpful in that he was Each character has a “theme color” which able to divide the script in panels. His panels, will influence lighting, which will be mostly however, were written to accommodate a monochrome. This idea is most evident in traditional comic book. Because of the scroll the first few pages of Octavia’s introduction format most webcomics use, paneling had and in the two environment illustrations. I to be done differently than what is presented did, however, want to make these pages very in a traditional comic book. For this reason, special, so I chose to introduce more color as I once again referenced webcomics online the story progressed.

| 74 | 75 Animal Heads Animal Heads Blahen Blahen

| 76 | 77 Animal Heads Animal Heads Chapter 4 Deliverables Created Deliverables Page three Octavia’s Introduction: Octavia: Who are you Six illustrated and paneled pages telling supposed to be, Octavia? Octavia’s premise. Familiar: Not “who.” “What.” Full-Page Illustration: Octavia: Right… what am I supposed to be? Octavia at the Mirror Familiar: Perfect. You are to be perfect. Three environments and props: Octavia: Am I to be perfect? The Mean Bean, Octavia’s View from Page four the Front of Her House, and Preliminary Familiar: Yes. Sketches of Octavia’s Mask Octavia: Yes. I am to be perfect. Five Illustrated Characters: Page five Henry, Whitney, Octavia, Barkley, and Trixie Octavia: This is the question that haunts me… Am I more Physical Component: than my perfect mask? Or will Octavia’s Mask I always have to hide behind it? Page six Octavia’s Introduction Script Octavia: It’s not like it Page one: matters, anyway. Alarm clock: BEEP BEEP Familiar: You have no option. BEEP Octavia: What’s the point of Page two living… Familiar: Wake up. Time to Familiar: There is no get ready. purpose… Octavia: Wake up. Time to Octavia:… if I can’t be perfect? get ready. Or at least pretend Familiar: Outside of I’m awake. perfection. Familiar: No time to pretend. Get up. Octavia: No time to pretend... get up.

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| 80 | 81 Animal Heads Animal Heads | 82 | 83 Animal Heads Animal Heads | 84 | 85 Animal Heads Animal Heads Blahen Blahen

| 86 | 87 Animal Heads Animal Heads Chapter 5 Conclusion & Future Plans Animal Head’s Future Heads only addresses ages 18-22 of this demographic, I would love to find ways to As mentioned before, it is my goal to continue address the younger audience members who working with Charlie Benz and make Animal struggle with the same issues. Because of Heads a webcomic. Although nothing will the vast difference in age and maturity, I ever replace the importance of traditional would need to be conducting a lot of research comic books, I do believe that its future lies on childhood development, storytelling in webcomics. I have seen great success come for children, and find out what stylistic from webcomic artists who get to harbor choices would appeal to a younger audience. a following, do what they love, and share a As mentioned earlier, one of the biggest message. Through Animal Head’s narrative, incentives for this thesis was my little I wish to address those who struggle with brother’s struggles, so the area of children’s mental illnesses, suicidal thoughts, or life comics and literature are still very near and struggles in general, and to let them know that dear to my heart. there is indeed a choice between what your mind and society are telling you your reality is. Although I lightly researched this area for this thesis already, I plan on conducting further Furthermore, and most importantly, I want research into Biblical counseling and its to show them that that choice is found in practical applications. While doing research the Light, which is Christ. Although that for this thesis, I was able to see that there is is the core of my message, Animal Heads a difference between Biblical Counseling and is inherently designed to be quirky enough Christian psychology: one is based upon the to attract a secular audience. As I eluded Bible as a knowledge base, while the other to above, part of my goal is to be able to is based upon Christianized psychology as a infiltrate the pop culture scene and be able knowledge base. . Still, because the nature of to subliminally influence it with subliminal Animal Heads is to use the Bible as source of messages—or at least vouch for the validity of truth and development, the moment I stop biblical counseling for mental illnesses. studying scripture and professional opinions on it is the moment I risk deviating from Areas of Further Development Animal Head’s original point. Thus, biblical studies and research will continue to be topics As per my research, the at-risk demographic of constant research for me. for suicide is ages 10-24. Because Animal

| 89 Animal Heads Personal Findings This thesis was a huge process for me in areas the rise in suicide and mental illnesses, there such as education and academia as well as my are choices for therapy and treatment, one spiritual and emotional well-being. It certainly of which is Biblical Counseling. The goal of wasn’t an easy journey— the long hours of this thesis isn’t to convince anyone that Jesus research, the many creative blocks I had to Christ holds all the answers, but rather to help pray over and rework, and the few tears I cried those who read it to understand His message while contemplating on the darkness of life as a valid means of treatment and counseling. only ever brought me back to one conclusion: In essence, much like the Light does for the how thankful I am to the Lord for His animal, this thesis is merely here to represent guidance. I am deeply convinced that despite a choice.

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