29 Comments
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Kelcey Ervick's avatar

What a beautiful and profound comic about loss and death--and of course about life. Thank you, Rob.

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Robert James Russell's avatar

Thank you for your kind words, Kelcey. Appreciate you reading.

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H Maria Armijo's avatar

This is bittersweet and so moving. Have you ever read Michael Rosen’s Sad Book? It’s a picture book and he does a lovely job talking about his grief. Thank you for sharing.

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Robert James Russell's avatar

Thank you for reading! I haven't read Sad Book--just looked it up, and it looks fantastic. I'm going to check it out. Thanks for the recommendation.

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Stella Kalaw's avatar

This resonates, Robert. I lost my sister from a devastating illness two months ago. Left us all shocked and heartbroken. I don’t feel so alone reading your comics. Thank you for sharing

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Robert James Russell's avatar

Thank you so much for reading, Stella. I'm so sorry for your loss. I'm glad this comic brought you some small amount of solace.

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Sara Rauch's avatar

This is gorgeous, Rob--so poignant and wise and moving, I had chills as I read it. Big hugs to you, my friend.

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Robert James Russell's avatar

Thanks for reading, Sara. And thanks for the kindness.

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Mary Carter's avatar

This was a gift--thank you. I love that these are pages from a spiral-bound notebook. (The fringe, the everlasting fringe.)

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Robert James Russell's avatar

Thanks for reading, Mary!

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Rachelle Meyer's avatar

This is a lovely piece. By coincidence, I’m working on a short comic to publish next weekend about grieving with my family long distance after my sister died unexpectedly. I appreciate your thoughts so much.

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Robert James Russell's avatar

Thanks for reading, Rachelle. I'm so sorry for your loss. Drawing and making comics has truly been the balm that pulls me out of my despair. Hope the same for you.

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Rachelle Meyer's avatar

It helps to process my feelings and make sense of the world. You did this beautifully here. 🌸

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Murthy's daughter's avatar

Lost my father recently.. and i have been having very similar thoughts.. abt not being afraid of dying anymore.. but still feeling alive and looking forward to things. So beautiful. Thank you for sharing <3

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Tizz's avatar

What a beautiful gift. Thank you for sharing your art and your story. My heart feels your loss. Addiction took so many people I love. It nearly took my life, but 26 years ago, I chose another path. Grief has been a large part of my life. I'm a 64-year-old woman who lost most of her life to fear. But there has been joy. I just started taking drawing lessons and plan to begin "the100dayproject" on 23 Feb with my daughter-in-law and artists on Blue Sky. Hopefully, more friends and family will join. Thank you again for sharing your art. Your story touched my heart.

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Robert James Russell's avatar

I'm glad there's been joy. And I hope there's so much more of it to come. Hope you're enjoying your drawing lessons!

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Tizz's avatar

Thank you. ♥

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Margreet de Heer's avatar

That's beautiful! Thanks.

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Jenna Schnuer's avatar

A beautiful and kind piece. And the scratch pad vibe is spot-on. (The bunnies running around are delightful.) I’m so sorry for all your sister went through and your loss. I hope everything you love about being alive helps you move forward.

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Robert James Russell's avatar

Thank you so much for reading, Jenna. Leaning into everything I love has helped so much.

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Kris Meyer's avatar

Thanks for being so transparent with your thoughts and feelings. It leads the way for others. I'm really sorry that your sister died. It must be hard.

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Robert James Russell's avatar

Thanks for reading, Kris.

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Max Murphy's avatar

Teared up reading this. Amazing work.

I know this won’t mean much from an internet stranger, but I’m sorry for your loss ❤️‍🩹

I had a family member pass who suffered from alcoholism as well, and I know it’s extremely difficult.

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Robert James Russell's avatar

No, it means a lot. Thank you for reading, for your kind words. I appreciate it all so much. And I'm sorry for your loss, too.

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Kate Pyontek's avatar

Thank you so much for sharing this. I’m so sorry for your loss.

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Robert James Russell's avatar

Thanks for reading, Kate. Appreciate you.

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Georgiana Nelsen's avatar

This is wonderful, Rob. So sorry for your loss.

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Alice Kaltman's avatar

Love this Rob. Universal, moving, deep, funny, gorgeous. Thanks for sharing with your fans!

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Carrie colvin's avatar

Priceless 🙌🫂❤️💕

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