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Valigarmander @valigarmander.bsky.social · 13/10/2026

Because I'm Depressed #651: "On College Essays, Pt. 5" #becauseimdepressed #comics bcdecomic.com/comics/651/

A ten-panel comic.

Panel one: Chel is standing in front of her professor’s desk. The professor sits with her arms crossed. She says, “You’re a smart student, Chel. Why are you using -A.I.- to write your essay? Am I not giving you enough time to complete it on your own?”

Panel two: Chel averts her gaze in embarrassment, hesitating to answer.

Panel three: Chel lowers her head and sheepishly says, “I didn’t feel like doing it. I procrastinated until the night before it was due… and then I generated an essay just so I’d have something to turn in.”

Panel four: The professor raises a hand and says, “Chel, you’re here to -learn- and -grow-. And that isn’t going to happen if you allow -an app- to do all of the thinking for you.”

Panel five: The professor continues, “I don’t just give out assignments to waste your time, you know. They’re to help you reinforce what you’ve learned in this class, and to allow me to see how much my class is helping you expand your knowledge and improve your thinking skills.”

Panel six: Chel listens silently as the professor says, “And I can only see that growth if it’s expressed by -you-, in -your own words.-“

Panel seven: The professor asks, “Do you get what I’m saying?” Chel glumly answers, “Yeah… I do.”

Panel eight: The professor smiles and says, “I’m -flexible-. If writing essays isn’t your speed, we can try something a bit different. Let’s talk about it after class, okay?” Chel smiles in relief and says, “Okay. Thanks!”

Panel nine: The professor puts her hands together and grins warmly, adding, “And one last thing, Chel!”

Panel ten: The professor’s smile turns to an angry frown and she warns, “Don’t try turning in a paper written by an A.I. a -third- time. -I’ll know.-“ Chel smiles uneasily and says, “Got it.”

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Valigarmander @valigarmander.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

Because I'm Depressed #650: "On College Essays, Pt. 4" #becauseimdepressed #comics bcdecomic.com/comics/650/

A seven-panel comic.

Panel one: Chel is sitting at her desk in her bedroom. She stares at her laptop with a look of boredom and annoyance, her head resting in her hand.

Panel two: The laptop screen displays a word document. It is titled “The Influence of Politics on the Works of Jorge Luis Borges”. Nothing has been written after the title.

Panel three: Chel continues to stare at her laptop.

Panel four: She lifts her head from her hand and looks aside as she thinks to herself.

Panel five: Chel sits up and begins working away at her laptop. She says to herself, “Maaaaaybe I’ll use A.I. again. Just this one time.”

Panel six: Chel smirks confidently and continues, “But I’ll be -smart- about it this time. Before I submit it, I’ll give it a once-over to make sure it matches my writing style. She’ll -never- know I didn’t write this essay.”

Panel seven: The following day, Chel is once again standing in front of her professor’s desk. The professor, her arms crossed and an irate look on her face, says, “You didn’t write that essay.” Flustered, Chel raises her arms and responds, “I wrote -parts- of it!!”

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Valigarmander @valigarmander.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

Because I'm Depressed #649: "On College Essays, Pt. 3" #becauseimdepressed #comics bcdecomic.com/comics/649/

A nine-panel comic.

Panel one: Chel’s professor sits at her desk at the head of the classroom. She smiles warmly and waves at the class, saying, “-Great- discussion today, folks! I’ll see you again on Thursday.”

Panel two: Students begin filing out of the classroom. As Chel walks towards the door, the professor calls out, “Oh, and -Chel?- May I have a word with you before you go?” Chel stops in place, surprised.

Panel three: Chel approaches the desk nervously and says, “Y-Yeah?” The professor puts her hands together with a smile and says, “I just wanted to tell you that I -loved- your essay! It was -very- illuminating!”

Panel four: Chel rubs the back of her neck and smiles awkwardly, responding, “-Oh!- Yeah, well, I just found the topic really fascinating. Once I got started writing, it was hard to know when to stop, y’know?”

Panel five: The professor smiles and looks at the computer monitor on her desk. She says, “It shows! And I’m -really- impressed with the breadth of your vocabulary.”

Panel six: She swivels the monitor around to face Chel and points at the screen, saying, “Like this word here, -‘thermidorean’.- Could you tell me what it means?”

Panel seven: Chel stares as the professor in stunned silence.

Panel eight: Chel looks aside, sweat beginning to drip down her face, as she sputters, “Uh, well. Yeah. It, uh…”

Panel nine: With a weak smile, Chel says, “…It’s like a type of vegetable..?” The professor’s smile vanishes as she swivels the monitor back to its original position, and she says, “Mmmhmm. How about you come back on Thursday with something that -you- wrote.”

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Valigarmander @valigarmander.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

Because I'm Depressed #648: "On College Essays, Pt. 2" #becauseimdepressed #comics bcdecomic.com/comics/648/

A ten-panel comic.

Panel one: Chel and Wren meet at the plaza outside the cafe where they work. Wren grins and holds up a full plastic bag, saying, “Hey Chel, I got a bunch of expired creamer singles from work! Want to go to the overpass and throw them at Cybertrucks?” Chel frowns and replies, “I can’t… I have an -essay- due tomorrow that I haven’t started yet.”

Panel two: Wren says, “-So?- Just use an -A.I.- to write it for you. It’ll take twelve seconds.” Chel begins, “Wren, I’m not going to—“

Panel three: Wren smiles and pulls up their phone, saying, “Psssh, -everyone- does it! What’s the topic?”

Panel four: Wren looks up at Chel with a smile. Chel looks to the side and hesitantly answers, “Uhhhh. The influence of Jorge Luis Borges’ political views on his writings.”

Panel five: Wren starts tapping on their phone and asks, “Length?” Chel awkwardly rubs her arm and says, “…Four pages, double-spaced.”

Panel six: Wren smiles confidently at their phone and says, “Aaaaannnddd… -There!- All done! I’ll send it to you!” Chel frowns guiltily and says, “I really don’t feel comfortable doing this…”

Panel seven: Wren looks up at Chel and says, “Chel, the essay’s already -written!- We can have fun -now,- you can turn the assignment in -tomorrow,- and your professor will be none the wiser!”

Panel eight: Wren continues, “-Or,- if you’d prefer, you can go home now and waste the rest of your evening writing it yourself.”

Panel nine: Chel looks off to the side as she considers her dilemma.

Panel ten: Chel and Wren are leaning over the rail atop a city overpass, with several creamer singles at their sides. Chel smiles contently and says, “Life is too short for homework.” Wren looks down excitedly at the road below and exclaims, “-Nice!- I got one!”

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Valigarmander @valigarmander.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

Because I'm Depressed #647: "On College Essays, Pt. 1" #becauseimdepressed #comics bcdecomic.com/comics/647/

A four-panel comic.

Panel one: Dozens of students sit at tables in a crowded college classroom. They listen to the professor, who is sitting stop a table at the head of the classroom. The professor says, “…That’ll be all for today. -Wonderful- discussion, everybody! We’ll continue on Thursday.”

Panel two: The professor grins and continues, “Your homework for today is an essay on Borges, due a week from now! You’ll find the assignment on Canvas.”

Panel three: Chel, sitting at the back of the classroom, looks disappointed and thinks to herself, “Is college nothing but -essays?- Why can’t it be multiple choice? Or true-or-false? Or fill-in-the-blanks?”

Panel four: Irritated, Chel picks up her notebook and stands up from her seat, thinking, “I hate having to know what I’m writing about.”

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Valigarmander @valigarmander.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

Because I'm Depressed #646: "On Therapy (Again)" #becauseimdepressed #comics bcdecomic.com/comics/646/

A seven-panel comic.

Panel one: Diego is sitting across from Zelda in her office. Diego, sitting on a sofa with his arms crossed angrily, says, “I’m really beginning to question why I pay you so much for all this therapy. I’ve been coming to you for -years-, and I still feel miserable every single day!

Panel two: Zelda gives Diego a look of concern and says, “I’m sorry you feel that way, Diego. Let’s talk this over and see if we can figure out -why- our sessions haven’t been helpful for you.”

Panel three: Zelda asks, “Have you been cutting back on unhealthy foods and late-night snacking, as I recommended?” Diego replies, “Uhhh, no.” Zelda continues, “Well, have you at least been eating more fruits and vegetables?” Diego answers, “Nah.”

Panel four: Zelda asks, “What about those physical exercises we talked about?” Diego dryly answers, “I don’t have time for them.” Zelda asks, “How about going outdoors more often?” Diego replies, “Haven’t really felt like it.”

Panel five: Zelda asks, “Have you decreased your time on social media?” Diego answers, “Yes.” Immediately after, he asks, “Wait, ‘increased’ or ‘decreased’?” Zelda replies, “-Decreased.-“ Diego responds, “Oh. Then no.”

Panel six: Zelda asks, “Have you tried deep breathing or meditation, like I suggested?” Diego points at Zelda and asks, “Does breathing deep from a vape pen count?” Zelda replies, “No.” Diego says, “Then no.”

Panel seven: Zelda removes her glasses and rubs her brow in exasperation, then says, “Frankly, I’m -also- starting to question why you pay me so much for therapy.” Diego bitterly says, “Imagine how much -liquor- I coulda bought with that money.”

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Valigarmander @valigarmander.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

Because I'm Depressed #645: "On Beautiful Days" #becauseimdepressed #comics bcdecomic.com/comics/645/

A three-panel comic.

Panel one: Diego is sitting on a bench on a city riverfront, facing the river, on a bright and sunny day. A woman is walking her dog on the sidewalk in front of him. Bridges stretch across the river, and buildings stand on the opposite bank. Diego, relaxed and with his arms resting on the back of the bench, says to himself, “This really is a -beautiful- day.”

Panel two: Diego continues to sit on the bench. A pair of joggers sprint past him on the sidewalk.

Panel three: Diego, still sitting on the bench, says to himself, “I should’ve stayed in bed rather than risk ruining it.”

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Valigarmander @valigarmander.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

Because I'm Depressed #644: "On Anger Issues, Pt. 4" #becauseimdepressed #comics bcdecomic.com/comics/644/

A seven-panel comic.

Panel one: Eve and Diego are standing in the kitchen together. Eve is getting herself a glass of water, while Diego is rummaging through a cupboard. Eve says, “I’ve been reflecting on what you said the other day, and I think you’re right. I -do- struggle to keep my anger in check sometimes.” Diego replies, “You don’t say.”

Panel two: Eve continues, “For my own sake and for everyone else’s sake, I’m going to try some -calming techniques- whenever I start to feel angry. Like slowly counting up to ten, for example.”

Panel three: Diego closes the cupboard and says to Eve, “Knowing you, you might need to count to a -hundred- instead.”

Panel four: Eve turns Diego, offended, and prepares to say something in response.

Panel five: Eve stops herself, rubbing her brow in frustration.

Panel six: Eve closes her eyes and begins slowly counting, “One. Two. Three. Four.”

Panel seven: Eve continues, “Five. Six.” Diego interjects, “Is it working?” Eve growls furiously, “-Shut up.-“

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Valigarmander @valigarmander.bsky.social · 18/08/2026

Because I'm Depressed #643: "On Anger Issues, Pt. 3" #becauseimdepressed #comics bcdecomic.com/comics/643/

A nine-panel comic.

Panel one: Eve is sitting on the living room sofa, her head resting in her hand and an angry expression on her face. Chel enters the living room, looking down at her cell phone.

Panel two: Eve quickly turns towards Chel and shouts, “-CHEL!-“ Chel looks at her in surprise.

Panel three: Eve leans over the arm of the sofa and says, “Be -honest.- Do you think I have -anger issues?-“

Panels four through seven: Chel remains silent, her expression growing more nervous, her eyes darting back and forth and sweat dripping down her face, until she sheepishly points towards the hallway and says, “I, uhh… need to go do my homework.”

Panel eight: Chel darts back down the hallway from which she came, as Eve watches.

Panel nine: Eve crosses her arms, slouches back in the sofa and bitterly says to herself, “I’m surrounded by enemies.”

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Valigarmander @valigarmander.bsky.social · 11/08/2026

Because I'm Depressed #642: "On Anger Issues, Pt. 2" #becauseimdepressed #comics bcdecomic.com/comics/642/

A four-panel comic.

Panel one: Ben and Eve are leaning against the rail of a wooden bridge near a lake. Eve grumbles, “Diego thinks I have -anger issues.” Ben, exhaling vapor from a vape, replies, “Well… yeah, don’t you?”

Panel two: Eve looks over at Ben angrily and responds, “-Of course not!- I might get -angry-, but I don’t have -issues-.”

Panel three: Eve continues, “‘Issues’ implies I’m not -justified- in being angry about all the stupid shit happening around me at every moment.”

Panel four: Ben replies, “Hmm… I never considered that.” Eve rests her head on one of her hands and says, “Really, it’d be an issue if I -wasn’t- pissed off all the time.”

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Valigarmander @valigarmander.bsky.social · 04/08/2026

Because I'm Depressed #641: "On Anger Issues, Pt. 1" #becauseimdepressed #comics bcdecomic.com/comics/641/

A six-panel comic.

Panel one: The clock display on the kitchen oven reads “7:01 PM”. From out of frame, Eve shouts, “God -damn it!!-“

Panel two: Diego, standing in the kitchen with a can of beer in his hand, looks at Eve and asks, “What’s wrong?” Eve angrily gestures at the oven and yells, “The fucking clock on the oven is five minutes too slow!”

Panel three: Unimpressed, Diego says, “Okay…” Eve turns and points at the microwave, adding angrily, “And the fucking clock on the microwave is five minutes -too fast!-“

Panel four: Eve raises her hands in frustration and screams, “Every fucking month I fix them, and then a month later they’re out of fucking sync again! Why can’t our clocks just run at the -same fucking speed!?- -FUCK!!-“

Panel five: Diego stares at Eve wide-eyed as she huffs angrily.

Panel six: Diego deadpans, “You might have anger issues.” Eve snaps back, “-You- might end up in traction if you don’t watch it.”

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Valigarmander @valigarmander.bsky.social · 28/07/2026

Because I'm Depressed #640: "On the Sun" #becauseimdepressed #comics bcdecomic.com/comics/640/

A four-panel comic.

Panel one: Diego is standing next to a bus stop on a city street during a hot day, as the sun beats down on him. He is sweating profusely and fanning himself off with his hand.

Panel two: Diego tilts his head up and looks into the sky, shielding his eyes from the sunlight with his hand.

Panel three: The sun shines brightly in the sky above the cityscape.

Panel four: Sweat dripping down his face as he looks up at the sky, Diego scowls and says, “How I -loathe- you.”

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Valigarmander @valigarmander.bsky.social · 21/07/2026

Because I'm Depressed #639: "On Encouraging Words" #becauseimdepressed #comics bcdecomic.com/comics/639/

A four-panel comic.

Panel one: Diego and Ben are sitting on the living room sofa together. Diego is slouched back and looks depressed. He says, "I'm so -depressed-... I could really use an encouraging word right now."

Panel two: Ben strokes his chin in deep thought.

Panel three: Ben turns to Diego and says, "-Effervescent.-"

Panel four: Diego looks at Ben, annoyed, and says, "That's not what I meant." Ben replies, "How about -stentorian?-"

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Valigarmander @valigarmander.bsky.social · 14/07/2026

Because I'm Depressed #638: "On Loneliness, Pt. 5" #becauseimdepressed #comics bcdecomic.com/comics/638/

A six-panel comic.

Panel one: Diego glumly walks down the hallway and into the living room.

Panel two: Diego glances into the room and sees Eve, Chel, and Ben sitting on the sofa together. They’re watching a show on the TV.

Panel three: Diego approaches the sofa from behind. Ben has his arm resting in the back of the sofa, while Chel is leaning against Eve. The three look content. Diego asks, “What’re you watching?”

Panel four: Ben answers, “New comedy show.” Eve adds, “It sucks.”

Panel five: Diego responds, “Ahhh.”

Panel six: Diego crosses his arms and smiles softly, joining the other three in watching the show.

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Valigarmander @valigarmander.bsky.social · 07/07/2026

Because I'm Depressed #637: "On Loneliness, Pt. 4" #becauseimdepressed #comics bcdecomic.com/comics/637/

An eleven-panel comic.

Panel one: Diego is sitting at his desk in his bedroom. He has a drink in one hand and is resting his head in the other, looking wistfully at a framed picture of Ada on the desk. He says, "Happy Anniversary, hon."

Panel two: The framed photo shows Ada sitting down, her hands in her lap, smiling gently. Diego continues, "Twenty years married."

Panel three: Diego throws back his glass, drinking deep from it.

Panel four: He rests the glass on his desk, staring at the picture.

Panel five: He lowers his head in sadness, adding, "Nineteen years separated."

Panel six: Diego says, "You'd think by now, the pain would've faded. Yet it still feels as fresh as ever."

Panel seven: Diego raises his gaze and stares off into the distance, continuing, "But that's my fault, isn't it? I just can't let go of you."

Panel eight: The photo of Ada is in focus. Diego says, "You were my best friend. My confidant. I relied on you for comfort, for companionship, for guidance. And since you left... I've been totally lost."

Panel nine: Diego stares intently at the photo.

Panel ten: Diego's gaze lowers in sadness, and he says, "I'm sorry, Ada. If I had been a better husband..."

Panel eleven: Diego slouches over his desk, staring at the photo of Ada, and continues, "...Maybe I could've convinced you to stay with me."

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Valigarmander @valigarmander.bsky.social · 30/06/2026

Because I'm Depressed #636: "On Loneliness, Pt. 3" #becauseimdepressed #comics bcdecomic.com/comics/636/

A twelve-panel comic.

Panel one: Eve and two coworkers, a man and a woman, are walking away from the shuttered entrance to the City Zoo and into a parking lot. The sun is setting and the zoo is closed. Eve, walking with a backpack slung over her shoulder, comments, "Well, that was a shitty day." Eve's female coworker responds, "You're telling me. When I chose to become a vet tech, I didn't think I'd be spending so much time collecting -stool samples-."

Panel two: Eve looks over at her coworkers with a smile and says, "Y'know, -I- think a night on the town would help us unwind. There's this new place downtown we -need- to check out. It's got a -rooftop bar!-"

Panel three: Eve's coworkers glance at each other uneasily.

Panel four: They both turn to face Eve. The male coworker says, "Nah." The female coworker smiles and says, "I'm good."

Panel five: Eve raises her hands incredulously and says, "Come on, you two. What happened to your sense of -adventure?- We used to go clubbing after work -all the time!-"

Panel six: The male coworker frowns and responds, "Eve, we're in our -forties.- I have a colonoscopy in the morning." The female coworker adds, "And I have to go pick my kids up from school."

Panel seven: As Eve looks on with a disappointed expression, the female coworker continues, "Our all-nighters back in the day were a lot of fun, but we're just -too old- for that now."

Panel eight: Eve frowns, puts her hand on her hip, and huffs, "Well" suit yourselves. If you change your mind, I'm free all night."

Panel nine: Eve's coworkers begin cheerfully walking off into the parking lot as Eve watched them forlornly. The male coworker says, "Sure thing, Eve. Have a nice one." The female coworker says, "Later."

Panel ten: Eve watches her coworkers leave with a sad expression.

Panel eleven: Bitterly, Eve hoists her backpack up and begins walking in the opposite direction.

Panel twelve: Eve walks by herself into the parking lot, the setting sun in the sky ahead of her.

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Valigarmander @valigarmander.bsky.social · 23/06/2026

Because I'm Depressed #635: "On Loneliness, Pt. 2" #becauseimdepressed #comics bcdecomic.com/comics/635/

A nine-panel comic:

Panel one: Chel is sitting on the bed in her bedroom, alone. She's looking down at her phone.

Panel two: She continues to look at her phone, a somber expression on her face.

Panel three: The phone displays a social media post by Yadira. The photo shows Yadira and two friends taking a selfie together, all smiling and arms around one another. Yadira's caption says, "Finals are done, time to celebrate!!"

Panel four: Chel looks deeply upset.

Panel five: She types a comment on her phone that reads, "I miss you".

Panel six: Chel looks down at her phone, hesitating.

Panel seven: She frowns and looks to the side.

Panel eight: The phone displays the comment Chel posted, which simply reads, "Congrats! <3"

Panel nine: Chel slumps back in her bed and sighs dejectedly.

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Valigarmander @valigarmander.bsky.social · 16/06/2026

Because I'm Depressed #634: "On Loneliness, Pt. 1" #becauseimdepressed #comics bcdecomic.com/comics/634/

An eighteen-panel comic.

Panel one: A sweeping view of a grocery store, with customers walking around and attendants manning checkstands. In the middle of the store, Ben approaches a checkstand with a loaded shopping basket in hand. An attendant calls out to him, "Hi, Ben. I can take you at this lane." Ben responds, "Thanks, Paula!"

Panel two: Paula, an older woman with white hair and a nose ring, smiles and asks, "Find everything okay?" Ben grins, placing his basket on the conveyor belt, and replies, "Sure did!"

Panel three: Paula begins scanning items and placing them into a shopping bag. Ben watches silently, a smile on his face.

Panel four: Ben looks aside, as if considering his words.

Panel five: Ben leans over the counter and asks, "Sooo" have you talked to my -mom- lately?"

Panel six: Paula continues scanning items and answers, "She came in last week. Her and your dad are doing just fine."

Panel seven: Still leaning over the counter, Ben nervously asks, "And -Gabe?- Has his wife..?" Paula responds with a smile, "A healthy baby girl."

Panel eight: Ben smiles ecstatically and says, "-Wow!- I can't believe it! A -baby girl!-"

Panel nine: Ben grins and strokes his chin, continuing, "That means I've got a nephew -and- a niece now! Ain't that -something'?-"

Panel ten: Paula finishes bagging Ben's groceries with a mildly concerned look, saying, "You know" maybe it'd be better for you -and- your family if you would just -reach out- to them instead of stalking them through me. That'll be forty-six ninety, by the way."

Panel eleven: Ben swipes his card on the keypad to pay, saying, "I've already tried that, believe me. It just ain't that simple with Jehovah's Witnesses."

Panel twelve: Paula hands the bag off groceries to Ben, who takes it with a smile. Paula says, "Well" have a good day, Ben." Ben replies, "You too, Paula."

Panel thirteen: Ben begins to turn to walk away, saying, "And" thanks for relayin' the good news."

Panel fourteen: Ben begins to walk off, his smile fading. Paula watches him go with a concerned look.

Panel fifteen: Ben stops in place as Paula asks, "Can I tell your mother you said hi, at least? The next time she comes in?"

Panel sixteen: Ben stands in silence, facing away from Paula.

Panel seventeen: Ben says, "No" it's better if you don't."

Panel eighteen: Ben walks in silence out the exit doors of the grocery store as Paula watches from the checkstand.

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Valigarmander @valigarmander.bsky.social · 09/06/2026

Because I'm Depressed #633: "On Reciprocity" #becauseimdepressed #comics bcdecomic.com/comics/633/

A five-panel comic.

Panel one: Ben and Eve are sitting on the living room sofa. Ben has an Xbox controller in hand, while Eve is staring down at her phone. Eve says, "I'm getting hungry. Why don't you make something for me to eat?"

Panel two: Ben responds, "Why should I? You never make -me- anything." Eve, still looking down at her phone, answers, "If you make me something to eat -now-, then I promise I'll make something for you -later-."

Panel three: Ben asks, "How much later?" Eve replies, "Thirty years from today."

Panel four: Ben stares forward, contemplating.

Panel five: Ben is standing in the kitchen, stirring a boiling pot on the stovetop. A jar, an empty box of pasta, and a cutting board with a sliced bell pepper sit on the counter. Ben says to himself with a smile, "It's nice havin' somethin' to look forward to."

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Valigarmander @valigarmander.bsky.social · 02/06/2026

Because I'm Depressed #632: "On Diets (Again)" #becauseimdepressed #comics bcdecomic.com/comics/632/

A four-panel comic.

Panel one: Diego is eating a fast food hamburger at the dining room table. A carton of fries and a soda are on the table in front of him. Chel walks past him, looking at him with a concerned expression.

Panel two: Chel says, "Dad... you're supposed to be on a -diet-." His mouth full of food, Diego answers, "I -am- on a diet. What of it?"

Panel three: Chel gestures at the table incredulously and asks, "Where are all the -vegetables-?" Diego replies, unfazed, "French fries are potatoes. Potatoes are vegetables."

Panel four: Growing annoyed, Chel puts her hand on her hip and asks, "And the burger?" Diego turns to her angrily and responds, "I asked them to put an -extra pickle- on it! Now get off my case!"

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Valigarmander @valigarmander.bsky.social · 26/05/2026

Because I'm Depressed #631: "On Diets" #becauseimdepressed #comics bcdecomic.com/comics/631/

A five-panel comic.

Panel one: Diego is sitting in a hospital examination room. Indrani enters the room, pushing the privacy curtain aside with a smile. She says, "Good afternoon, Mr. Rivera! What seems to be bothering you?"

Panel two: Diego answers with a concerned expression, "Well, every morning as of late I wake up feeling nauseous. And I have -awful- heartburn, day and night."

Panel three: Diego turns his head away from Indrani, somewhat embarrassed, and continues, "And, uhhh... my -hemorrhoids- have been acting up pretty badly again."

Panel four: Still smiling, Indrani explains, "I'm going to tell you right off the bat: those are all symptoms of a -poor diet-. We've been through this -before-, haven't we?" Diego growls, "Hrrrm."

Panel five: Indrani continues, "I suggest you try a -low-fat diet- with lots of whole grains and vegetables. And -no more- alcohol!" Diego raises his hands angrily and shouts, "Why is it always a -diet-? Just give me a -pill- that'll fix everything!"

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Valigarmander @valigarmander.bsky.social · 19/05/2026

Because I'm Depressed #630: "On Self Worth" #becauseimdepressed #comics bcdecomic.com/comics/630/

A three-panel comic.

Panel one: Diego is sitting on the recliner in the living room, slouched back and looking depressed. Eve is standing nearby, examining the books on the bookshelf. Diego says, "I constantly have these nagging little doubts about my worth as a human being. Am I -wrong- to feel that way?"

Panel two: Eve turns her head to look at Diego and says, "Absolutely, Diego."

Panel three: Eve turns back to the bookshelf and continues, "You ought to be having -huge- doubts." Diego looks up at her unhappily.

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Valigarmander @valigarmander.bsky.social · 12/05/2026

Because I'm Depressed #629: "On Good News" #becauseimdepressed #comics bcdecomic.com/comics/629/

A six-panel comic.

Panel one: Diego and Ben are sitting on the living room sofa. Ben is on his phone, while Diego is slouched back with his arms crossed. Diego grouses, "This country is fucked, the world is fucked, everything is so -fucked-." Ben looks at him and replies, "C'mon, man. That's not true."

Panel two: Diego angrily retorts, "-Yes it is!- Just look at the -news!-" Ben smiles and says, "It's not -all- bad news out there, bro! There's a lotta -good- news happenin' too!"

Panel three: Ben leans towards Diego, showing him what's displayed on his phone. Ben explains, "Here, look at -this!- 'Maryland has become the first state to ban dynamic pricin' in grocery stores.' That's real good news!"

Panel four: Diego asks, "What's 'dynamic pricing?'" Ben answers, "Y'know, when stores use your personal data to raise prices on things you'll probably buy."

Panel five: Diego stares forward with a distressed expression and exclaims, "That's a -thing?- And it's still -legal- in 49 states!?"

Panel six: Diego grasps the sides of his head and shouts in despair, "Oh God, the world is -worse- than I -ever imagined!-" Ben looks down at his phone and says, "Uh... forget the news. How about some funny cat videos instead?"

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Valigarmander @valigarmander.bsky.social · 05/05/2026

Because I'm Depressed #628: "On Generations" #becauseimdepressed #comics bcdecomic.com/comics/628/

A two-panel comic.

Panel one: Wren and Chel are sitting on a bench at a dingy bus stop. Frowning, Wren says, "Our generation sure got -screwed over-." Chel, sitting with her arms crossed, replies, "Yeah... But what can we do about it?"

Panel two: Wren leans forward, raises their fists and says with a devious grin, "Screw over the next generation even -worse-." Chel looks at them, unimpressed.

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Valigarmander @valigarmander.bsky.social · 28/04/2026

Because I'm Depressed #627: "On Scents, Pt. 7" #becauseimdepressed #comics bcdecomic.com/comics/627/

A nine-panel comic.

Panel one: A bottle of shampoo held in Diego's hand. Its scent is labeled "Jasmine & Black Cherry".

Panel two: Diego looks down at the bottle somberly. He is sitting on the bed in his bedroom; framed pictures of Ada adorn the walls in the background.

Panel three: Diego pops open the lid of the shampoo bottle with his thumb.

Panel four: Diego closes his eyes and raises the bottle to his nose, inhaling the scent. Visions of jasmine flowers and black cherries surround him.

Panel five: A flashback to Diego and Ada as teens, lying side by side in the grass. They're holding hands and smiling as they stare off into the sky.

Panel six: Diego turns his head to look at Ada, smiling warmly.

Panel seven: Ada continues staring into the sky.

Panel eight: Ada turns her head to look at Diego and returns a smile.

Panel nine: Back in the present, Diego sits on his bed with the shampoo bottle in hand. He smiles and sighs wistfully.

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Valigarmander @valigarmander.bsky.social · 21/04/2026

Because I'm Depressed #626: "On Scents, Pt. 6" #becauseimdepressed #comics bcdecomic.com/comics/626/

A seven-panel comic.

Panel one: Ilda and Diego are standing in the back room of Byte Me, near a large shelving unit. Ilda has her arms crossed and is listening to Diego. Diego is leaning against a stack of boxes loaded on a pallet. He says, "And when you walked past me the other day, it was the first time I'd experienced that scent since Ada and I began courting over twenty years ago. I didn't want to lose that scent forever... and I took it a bit too far."

Panel two: Ilda looks aside with a frown and says, "Well, now that you've taken the time to -explain- yourself..."

Panel three: Ilda looks at Diego and smiles, continuing, "I think that's really sweet."

Panel four: Ilda says, "You clearly love her a lot, even after all these years that she's been gone." Diego looks to the floor somberly and stutters, "Y-Yeah."

Panel five: Ilda begins walking away, saying, "I'll check the bottle when I get home, and I'll let you know the next time I bring in a shipment." Diego smiles warmly and responds, "-Thank you!- I really appreciate it!"

Panel six: Ilda stops in place, raising her index finger declaratively and saying, "Oh, and one more thing."

Panel seven: Ilda grabs Diego by the tie and leans over him with an angry scowl, saying, "Touch my hair again, and I'll stomp your face in so hard you'll be smelling nothing but -show polish- for the rest of your life." Diego, sweat dripping down his face, weakly replies, "Understood."

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Valigarmander @valigarmander.bsky.social · 14/04/2026

Because I'm Depressed #625: "On Scents, Pt. 5" #becauseimdepressed #comics bcdecomic.com/comics/625/

A thirteen-panel comic.

Panel one: Ilda walks in front of a shelving unit in the back room of Byte Me, writing something on a tablet in her hand. The shelves behind her are loaded top-to-bottom with boxes of different sizes.

Panel two: Ilda pauses in place, still writing on the tablet. One of the boxes behind her is pushed aside by Diego, who is lying flat on one of the shelves and wielding a pair of scissors.

Panel three: With Ilda still distracted, Diego reaches out and grabs her ponytail, raising the scissors to it.

Panel four: Ilda abruptly steps forward, yanking Diego forward. Ilda notices Diego holding her ponytail; Diego looks shocked.

Panel five: Ilda stares down at Diego with disbelief and dawning anger.

Panel six: Diego looks up at Ilda, stunned and wide-eyed, with sweat dripping down his face. He’s still holding Ilda’s ponytail in one hand and the scissors in the other.

Panel seven: Diego smiles awkwardly and says, “This, uhhhh… this looks bad, doesn’t it?”

Panel eight: Ilda grimaces angrily as she snatches her ponytail from Diego and responds, “You’re -damn right- it does, little man.”

Panel nine: Diego waves his hands with a panicked expression and explains, “I-I just wanted to snip a little piece off! B-Because I really like the way it -smells!-“

Panel ten: Ilda glares at Diego furiously.

Panel eleven: Diego awkwardly grins and says, “Th-that came out wrong. I just meant that you smell like my -dead wife!-“

Panel twelve: Ilda’s enraged expression melts into an utterly confused one.

Panel thirteen: Diego slouches forward dejectedly and places his hand on his forehead, saying, “…Can I start over from the beginning?”

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Valigarmander @valigarmander.bsky.social · 07/04/2026

Because I'm Depressed #624: "On Scents, Pt. 4" #becauseimdepressed #comics bcdecomic.com/comics/624/

A six-panel comic.

Panel one: Agatha approaches Diego, who is stepping out from behind a stack of boxes in the back room of Byte Me. Agatha says, “No dice… Sorry, Diego.” Frustrated, Diego replies, “Damn it… There -has- to be another way!”

Panel two: Agatha gestures at Diego and tells him, “You’re making this harder than it needs to be. Why not just -ask her- directly? I’m sure she’d be willing to help you out if she knew the whole story.” Diego looks down at the floor, frowning, and says, “I can’t just -ask- her that!”

Panel three: Agatha turns to walk alway, looking over her shoulder at Diego with a frown, and says, “I’m not sure what else to tell you. Either be honest and upfront with her, or let go of this whole thing.”

Panel four: Agatha walks off. Diego unhappily watches her leave.

Panel five: Diego notices a tool cabinet next to him and leans over it, peering inside one of the open drawers.

Panel six: Diego takes a pair of scissors from the drawer, stroking his chin with his other hand as he examines it thoughtfully. He says to himself, “Or… take a -third- option.”

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Valigarmander @valigarmander.bsky.social · 31/03/2026

Because I'm Depressed #623: "On Scents, Pt. 3" #becauseimdepressed #comics bcdecomic.com/comics/623/

Panel five: Ilda smiles and begins to walk away, saying, “Okay, everything’s in order. See you next week!” Agatha watches her leave, responding, “Ah, yeah. Have a nice day!”

Panel six: Agatha turns around to look at Diego, shrugging disappointedly.

Panel seven: Diego glowers in frustration behind the boxes.

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Valigarmander @valigarmander.bsky.social · 24/03/2026

Because I'm Depressed #622: "On Scents, Pt. 2" #becauseimdepressed #comics bcdecomic.com/comics/622/

Panel five: Faisal, his arms crossed, says, “Well, I imagine she’ll be dropping off another shipment in a couple of days.” Diego grins and points at Agatha, saying, “Great! Agatha, -you- need to ask her for me!” Agatha is taken aback.

Panel six: Flustered, Agatha gestures at herself and asks, “-Me?- Why me?” Diego dourly responds, “Because if -I- go up to her and tell her I like the way her hair smells, I’m going to end up in a sex offender registry.”

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Valigarmander @valigarmander.bsky.social · 17/03/2026

Because I'm Depressed #621: "On Scents, Pt. 1" #becauseimdepressed #comics bcdecomic.com/comics/621/

A ten-panel comic.

Panel one: Faisal and a woman are standing in the back room of Byte Me. The woman, with her hair in a long, segmented ponytail, and wearing a baseball cap and a down jacket, hands Faisal a tablet and says, “That’s the whole load. Just sign here.” Faisal smiles and signs the tablet, saying, “Yep…”

Panel two: Faisal returns the tablet to the woman with a big grin and says, “There ya go. Nice meeting you! Try not to work too hard the rest of the shift.” The woman gives a laid-back smile as she takes the tablet and replies, “Yeah, well, I’ve got six more stops to do today.”

Panel three: The two walk off in different directions. Faisal waves goodbye and says, “Alright, peace out!” The woman responds, “Later.”

Panel four: The woman walks off toward the exit door next to the loading dock. Diego appears from the other end of the room, walking towards her while absentmindedly looking down at his phone.

Panel five: Diego and the woman walk past each other without looking at each other.

Panel six: Diego reacts with extreme shock as a flowery scent wafts past him.

Panel seven: Stunned, he stops in place and whips around to look back at the woman.

Panel eight: The exit door slams shut. The woman has just left.

Panel nine: Diego turns to Faisal and Agatha, who are loading boxes onto a stock cart. While pointing at the exit door with a startled expression, Diego shouts at his two coworkers, “-Who- was -that!?-“ Faisal placidly answers, “Her? That’s -Ilda-, the new driver.”

Panel ten: Sweat dripping down his face, Diego gravely says, “-I need to find out what shampoo she uses.-“

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Valigarmander @valigarmander.bsky.social · 10/03/2026

Because I'm Depressed #620: "On the End of Civilization (Again)" #becauseimdepressed #comics bcdecomic.com/comics/620/

A three-panel comic.

Panel one: Ben and Chel are hanging out in Ben’s messy, poster-adorned bedroom. Ben is sitting on his bed, holding his guitar in his hands. He looks at Chel, who is sitting backwards on an office chair next to the bed, one arm lying on the backrest and the other propping up her head. With a weary expression, Chel says, “Civilization as we know it might end in our lifetimes… Isn’t that -terrifying?-“

Panel two: Ben strokes his chin in contemplation.

Panel three: Ben smiles and responds, “Actually, it makes me feel a lot better about not settin’ up an I.R.A.” Chel looks at him, unimpressed.

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Valigarmander @valigarmander.bsky.social · 03/03/2026

Because I'm Depressed #619: "On the End of Civilization" #becauseimdepressed #comics bcdecomic.com/comics/619/

A four-panel comic.

Panel one: Chel is sitting in a recliner with a sad expression, slouched back, her hands in her lap. Eve is pulling a book from a bookshelf next to the recliner, glancing down at Chel. Chel says, “We’re living through the end of civilization, aren’t we? There’s no point in even -trying- to fight it.”

Panel two: Eve turns to face Chel, smiles warmly, and says, “I disagree. The world has been through worse than this before, and people still managed to pull it back from the brink. Things will get better, Chel. It’s just going to take a lot of -consistent-, -determined- work from good folks like us.”

Panel three: Chel frowns and says, “Sighhh. I guess so.” Eve, looking perplexed, says, “You sound disappointed.”

Panel four: Chel crosses her arms and answers, “I wanted an excuse to give up.”

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Valigarmander @valigarmander.bsky.social · 24/02/2026

Because I'm Depressed #618: "On Medicine" #becauseimdepressed #comics bcdecomic.com/comics/618/

A two-panel comic.

Panel one: Diego is sitting at the kitchen table, pouring himself a drink from a bottle into a shot glass. Ben approaches from behind and asks with a smile, “What’re ya drinkin’, bro?” Diego answers, “Medicine. For my health.”

Panel two: Ben takes the bottle and examines it, saying, “…This is Irish cream.” Diego raises the shot glass to his mouth and continues, “My -mental health.”

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Valigarmander @valigarmander.bsky.social · 17/02/2026

Because I'm Depressed #617: "Problems" #becauseimdepressed #comics bcdecomic.com/comics/617/

A three-panel comic.

Panel one: Chel and Ben are seated in the passenger and driver’s seats, respectively, of Ben’s car, as Ben drives them down the road. Chel looks at Ben and asks, “What’s the best thing to do when you’ve got a problem on your hands? Try and solve it right away, or think it over for a bit first?”

Panel two: Ben responds, “Think it over, for sure. You should -always- think long and hard about a problem before tryin’ to fix it.”

Panel three: Chel scratches her chin in contemplation and says, “Yeah… to make sure you go about fixing it in the right way.” Ben grins and replies, “Nah, to give it time to go away on its own.”

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Valigarmander @valigarmander.bsky.social · 10/02/2026

Because I'm Depressed #616: "On Achievements (Again)" #becauseimdepressed #comics bcdecomic.com/comics/616/

A three-panel comic.

Panel one: Eve is sitting at the kitchen table, typing away at her laptop. Diego is standing behind her, leaning against the counter and looking down at his phone with a sad expression. Diego says, “It’s hard not to feel like a -failure- when most of our old classmates have gone on to achieve -so much-.”

Panel two: Diego leans over Eve to show her his phone, which she turns to look at. Diego says anxiously, “Look at these careers! Can you imagine what your life would be like if you were an -executive- or an -ambassador- or a -published author-?”

Panel three: Eve turns in her seat towards Diego and says with annoyance, “I -am- a published author.” Diego looks at her unimpressed and replies, “I meant a -popular- one.”

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Valigarmander @valigarmander.bsky.social · 03/02/2026

Because I'm Depressed #615: "On Achievements" #becauseimdepressed #comics bcdecomic.com/comics/615/

A four-panel comic.

Panel one: Ben and Diego are sitting on the living room sofa. Ben is leaning back with his arm resting on the back of the sofa and looking at Diego, who is scrolling on his phone. Diego says, “I’ve been looking up people we went to high school with. Some of them have become doctors, actors, business leaders, professional athletes… One of them’s even a -state senator-!”

Panel two: Diego gestures at his phone with an angry expression and continues, “It’s -maddening-! They’ve accomplished -so much- with their lives! And what the hell have -I- accomplished!?”

Panel three: Diego stares at his phone, frowning sadly. Ben scratches his chin in thought.

Panel four: Ben smiles and says to Diego, “You took the trash out this mornin’.”

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Valigarmander @valigarmander.bsky.social · 27/01/2026

Because I'm Depressed #614: "On Nightmares" #becauseimdepressed #comics bcdecomic.com/comics/614/

A five-panel comic.

Panel one: Diego is standing at the time clock near the break room at his workplace, wearily sliding his ID card through the scanner. Agatha approaches him with a smile and says, “Morning, Diego! Did you sleep well last night?” Diego replies, “No… I kept having these -nightmares-.”

Panel two: Frowning, Diego explains, “I dreamed that all of my -hair- fell out. And then all of my -fingernails- and -toenails-. And then one by one, all of my -teeth-. Then my -eyeballs- slid out of their sockets, and my -tongue- flopped out of my mouth and onto the floor.”

Panel three: Diego’s expression intensifies and he clenches his hands, continuing, “Next, my -skin- peeled off in its entirety. And then my -bare flesh- sloughed off of my skeleton, which then collapsed in on itself. In the end I was just a -writhing pile- of -organs-, -meat- and -bones-, unable to -move-, unable to -scream-, and yet fully -aware- and -conscious-.

Panel four: Diego stands in silence, an intense look still on his face. Agatha looks at him with a stunned expression as she slides her card through the time clock.

Panel five: Diego relaxes and looks around, saying, “Honestly, not as bad as having to wake up and come in to work today.”

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Valigarmander @valigarmander.bsky.social · 20/01/2026

Because I'm Depressed #613: "On Friends" #becauseimdepressed #comics bcdecomic.com/comics/613/

A four-panel comic.

Panel one: Chel and Wren are hanging out in Chel’s bedroom. Wren is sitting on Chel’s bed, cutting into a sheet of paper to make a zine. Chel is sitting on a chair next to the bed, a pencil and sketchbook in hand. Chel looks up at Wren and thinks to herself, “Wren is so -cool-… Why do they even want to hang out with me?”

Panel two: As Wren starts folding their zine with a smile, Chel continues to look at them, thinking, “Wren’s so clever, motivated, and outgoing… They’re more fun than I am, more artistically talented…”

Panel three: Chel looks down at her sketchbook glumly and thinks, “Maybe they only stick around out of -pity- for me.”

Panel four: Chel returns to drawing on her sketchbook. Meanwhile, Wren stops working on their zine and looks at Chel with a slight frown, thinking, “Chel is so -cool-… Why does she even want to hang out with me?”

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Valigarmander @valigarmander.bsky.social · 16/01/2026

New Comics Chronicle short: "Rachel Carson - The Sea and 'Silent Spring'" #comicschronicle #comics #history #science comicschronicle.com/comics/17/ [1/4]

Title: Rachel Carson - The Sea and Silent Spring

Text: Rachel Louise Carson was born in 1907 on a family farm near the factory town of Springdale, Pennsylvania. From her earliest years she was a lover of nature, and an avid writer — at age ten, she had her first story published in the children's magazine St. Nicholas.

Image: A young Rachel Carson sitting on a grassy hill at the foot of a tree, writing in a notebook. In the distance, a town with a smoke-billowing factory can be seen.

Text: A star student, Carson studied English in college before changing her major to biology, and earned a master's degree in zoology. She intended to pursue a Ph.D., but dropped out of school amid the Great Depression to help support her family.

Image: Rachel Carson as a young woman, wearing a graduation cap and gown and holding a diploma while smiling.

Text: Fascinated by the sea, Carson secured a position at the U.S. Bureau of Fisheries. Between research and administrative duties she wrote articles on marine life.
Soon she was writing books, and her bestselling nonfiction “sea trilogy” — Under the Sea Wind (1941), The Sea Around Us (1951), and The Edge of the Sea (1955) — won her popular acclaim and the financial security to quit her job and focus on writing.

Image: Rachel Carson sitting at her desk, typing away on a typewriter. Books and maps surround her.

Text: Her writing style was vivid and poetic, intending to foster a “sense of wonder” in the natural world.

Quotation: “To stand at the edge of the sea, to sense the ebb and the flow of the tides, to feel the breath of a mist moving over a great salt marsh, to watch the flight of shore birds that have swept up and down the surf lines of the continents for untold thousands of years, to see the running of the old eels and the young shad to the sea, is to have knowledge of things that are as nearly eternal as any earthly life can be.”

Image: A view of the ocean. Green landmasses can be seen above the surface. Beneath the waves swim fish of various shapes and sizes, a few squid, and a sea turtle.

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Valigarmander @valigarmander.bsky.social · 13/01/2026

Because I'm Depressed #612: "On Photos" #becauseimdepressed #comics bcdecomic.com/comics/612/

A four-panel comic.

Panel one: A closeup of a smartphone, being held in Indrani’s hand. She points at a photo displayed on her phone’s screen, which shows her in casual clothing, kneeling on the ground and smiling with her arms around a medium-sized dog. Indrani says, “This is me and my dog. His name is -Bruno-, and he’s -such- a good boy!”

Panel two: The phone is now displaying a photo of a refrigerator door, which is decorated with various magnets and photographs. In the center is a child’s drawing of the cartoon character Bluey. Indrani says, “And this is a drawing my granddaughter made for me. She’s only three years old! -So- talented!”

Panel three: The phone is now displaying a photo of a spacious backyard, with trees and shrubs in the distance and a bird bath in the foreground. Indrani excitedly points to a trio of deer grazing in the photo and says, “Oh, and look at this! There were -deer- in my backyard the other day! Isn’t that -wonderful?-“

Panel four: Diego is sitting in a hospital examination room, looking disinterested as Indrani leans in to show him her phone. Diego says, “I didn’t come all the way out here just to see your camera roll.” Indrani replies, “I figured it’d be less depressing than going over your test results.”

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Valigarmander @valigarmander.bsky.social · 06/01/2026

Because I'm Depressed #611: "Lotería" #becauseimdepressed #comics bcdecomic.com/comics/611/

A digital illustration of the four main characters of “Because I’m Depressed” as Lotería cards. In the upper left is Ben as “El Mundo”, drinking from a plastic beverage cup while holding a large globe on his left shoulder. In the upper right is Eve as “La Diablita”, holding a red pitchfork and smiling mischievously. In the bottom left atop a stack of other cards is Chel as “El Corazón”, holding a human heart pierced by an arrow in her hands, with a melancholy look on her face. In the bottom right is Diego as “El Borracho”, inebriated and leaning against the border of the card, with a half-empty bottle of bourbon in one hand.

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Valigarmander @valigarmander.bsky.social · 30/12/2025

Because I'm Depressed #610: "On New Year's Resolutions (Again)" #becauseimdepressed #comics bcdecomic.com/comics/610/

A two-panel comic.

Panel one: Diego and Eve are sitting next to each other on the living room sofa. Diego is holding a can of beer, while Eve has a martini glass in her hand. Diego asks, “Did you make any resolutions for the new year?” Eve replies, “Why bother?”

Panel two: Eve smirks as she plucks the olive out of her drink and says, “I’m already perfect.”

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Valigarmander @valigarmander.bsky.social · 23/12/2025

Because I'm Depressed #609: "On Silence, Pt. 5" #becauseimdepressed #comics bcdecomic.com/comics/609/

A four-panel comic.

Panel one: Chel is sitting on the living room sofa, looking down at her phone. Ben’s wax replica is seated next to her.

Panel two: Eve angrily approaches the sofa from behind, carrying a meat cleaver.

Panel three: Eve swings the meat cleaver into Wax Ben’s head, where it lands with a *KA-CHUNK*, while furiously shouting, “I -warned- you about taking my hair dryer!!” Chel jumps in her seat, startled.

Panel four: Chel looks at Ben’s wax figure, the cleaver embedded in its head, and says, “You killed Wax Ben.” Eve looks at Chel, confused, and asks, “‘Wax’?”

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Valigarmander @valigarmander.bsky.social · 16/12/2025

Because I'm Depressed #608: "On Silence, Pt. 4" #becauseimdepressed #comics bcdecomic.com/comics/608/

A three-panel comic:

Panel one: Ben stands next to the living room sofa smiling and says, “I see you’ve met -Wax Ben!-“ Chel, flustered, gestures at the wax duplicate of Ben sitting next to her on the sofa and incredulously asks, “Is -that- what that thing is!?”

Panel two: Ben grins and says, “Real lifelike, ain’t it? And it’s -entirely- wax, ‘cept for the hair and clothes! It cost me a -fortune-… but the chance to have a wax replica of myself was just -too cool- to pass up on!”

Panel three: Chel looks up at Ben, unimpressed, and asks, “You spent a fortune on a wax sculpture because you thought it’d be -cool?-“ Ben matter-of-factly replies, “Well, also so I could drive in the carpool lane.”

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