Welcome to Thingswithout.com. Things Without is a webcomic about creatures who are kind. It stars the Things, they have no arms or legs, but have infinite capacity. The Things are nigh invulnerable physically, but quite soft and squishy emotionally. and have friends who are boots, socks, bunnies and audacious tamarins. When I created them, I didn’t know I had a Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder, but it’s quite interesting to me to see how powerful bendy-ness is part of this comic!
You possibly know my work because of my the comic A Sad:
It’s been many years since I created A Sad and I’m honored and humbled by the stories folks have shared with me about this comic. I love that Things Without has been used as a tool for folks to express their emotional needs. I love that folks can pull this out and say this! This is how I want to be treated when I have a sad. I treasure all the stories I’ve heard and it’s so amazing to think of the secret life the Things have out in the world.
It’s nice to have these reminders that sometimes just being present is enough. Asking what a person needs is often better than diving in with a solution. It’s such an easy habit to fall into, and I need a reminder from my own comics sometimes. Thank you for visiting Things Without, I’m so grateful the Things and all their friends came into my life, they certainly help me when I have a sad.
I hope you enjoy your stay, here are a few cartoons I’m particularly fond of:
- Pop! Strong for So Long
- Mental Health Comics
- Stories featuring Boot. Boot has been through a lot, but still keeps caring.
- Bunson Hoppydew is a wonderful little boy bunny who loves dancing, friendship and cake. His lifestyle advice is sometimes a little peculiar, but always brings a smile to my face.
If you have any favorites, I’d love to hear them in the comments.
FYI, comments for most Things Without comics get closed after a few weeks (sometimes a month or two, I’m not always good at remembering, but forgetting to close comments is a way to tell google you’re lame if there’s no activity!), but I’ll keep comments open on this one. Though if you want to license my comics or art, please e-mail me, rather than use the comments section!
A Sad Support
Wikimedia has a pretty good list of mental health resources and crisis lines around the world.
Lifeline 13 11 14, is a fantastic general support line in Australia.
The Creator of the Things called Lifeline once, just because she had a really rough day at work. It felt a bit silly to call, she wasn’t in massive crisis, but she reminded herself they said nothing to small and not to self censor yourself out of accessing support. It was nice to be able to talk through some stuff in a confidential anonymous way that respected the privacy of the person she had helped. Calling definitely pushed her comfort zone, but it was also really empowering. She went and got the help that felt best for her needs, not the oughts society tells you (especially the you ought to just deal with it).
We Need to Talk About Mental Health talks about stuff that’s much bigger than sadness. But is a handy resource in these complex and crazy making (literally crazy making) time. I hope it helps folks navigate some of the bigger issues and have a resource to share to make certain conversations easier.
Do you know about Patreon? It’s a place where everyday folks can become patrons of the arts. One of your favorite artists might be there right now, creating exclusive content and supported by a community of patrons. The Patreon that supports the Things is https://www.patreon.com/lizargall
A Sad Things Without Comic Transcript
The Things are delightful soft featured creatures that do not have arms or legs.
Thing 2: I have a sad
Thing 1: Are you looking for solutions or comfort?
Thing 2: I would like to be angry, then sad, then comforted, then adventure for solutions, then giggles
Thing 1: Let’s start!
Thing 2: Raar
