Jacenta L. Irlanda, Diamanto Sala, and host R. Alan Brooks all have something in common: A love of comics from a very young age. All three found escape and joy in reading and creating comics as children and that love persists today, though with a more nuanced approach, especially due to their respective jobs and identities. In Jacenta’s case, she incorporates comics into her art therapy practice in order to help clients access their emotional trauma in a safe manner. For Diamanto, their job as a sex worker has enhanced their desire to see themes of justice in the comics they consume. For both of them, meaningful representation—not tokenization—both on the page and behind the pen, are of paramount importance. In this special two-for-one episode, the group discusses these themes, plus the pressure to conform their artistic style to others’, advice for receiving harsh feedback, and more.

This episode contains mature language and content.

Links mentioned in this episode:

La Borinqueña — Puerto Rican superhero Jacenta mentions

“Steven Universe,” “She-Ra,” “The Owl House” — Cartoons with queer representation Diamanto and Alan mention

The Burning Metronome by R. Alan Brooks