Robert James Russell is an author and illustrator based in Lincoln. His graphic memoir Hard Body, out in 2026 by Simon and Schuster, focuses on toxic masculinity and body image.

We discuss what makes graphic memoir a uniquely expressive form, his current creative inspirations and how anyone can start making diary comics.

Connect with Rob on his Substack, website or Instagram.

Nerdlandia is hosted, produced and edited by Emily Case-Buskirk. Theme song and ending credit music by Keith Wess. Cover art by Ellen Stubbings. Additional by Pocketbeats Music and Jonas from Pixabay