cartoonconnie comics blog: Yellow Jacket

Tuesday, February 08, 2022

Yellow Jacket

If you see someone wearing a very vintage yellow jacket walking around, it might be me! This is the story of how my dad got this for me when I first moved to NYC 15 years ago.

My brain wants to tell longer stories these days, but I don't have a great way to share them yet. Many ideas are too long for short comics and take more time to develop. I'm still working on a book. This is an awkward comic strip that is more a window into my creative process than a finished product.

Thanks for patiently reading along and not giving up on me. Connie on Ko-fi

[3-page comic]

Page 1, 2 panels: flashback to Los Angeles, 2007. A father proudly holds up a large yellow jacket on a hanger to a younger version of the girl. The girl tries it on and looks ridiculous. Text reads, "15 years ago, my dad got me a large, second-hand, butter-yellow, puffy jacket to wear when I moved to New York City. He says, matter-of-factly, "It's so you can survive winters and not get hit by cars."

Page 2: illustration of an yellow armchair, walking passed a fire hydrant on the sidewalk. Text reads, "For years, I was too embarrassed to wear it because it made me look like a piece of yellow upholstered furniture."

Page 3: girl with a bun, wearing an overwhelming, butter-yellow jacket because it was given to her by her father and is a reminder of where she comes from. Text reads, "I recently took it out of storage and started wearing it again because, if my dad taught me anything, it's "WHO CARES what anybody else thinks?!"

Page 1 of 3. 3-page comic. Page 1, 2 panels: flashback to Los Angeles, 2007. A father proudly holds up a large yellow jacket on a hanger to a younger version of the girl. The girl tries it on and looks ridiculous. Text reads, "15 years ago, my dad got me a large, second-hand, butter-yellow, puffy jacket to wear when I moved to New York City. He says, matter-of-factly, "It's so you can survive winters and not get hit by cars." Page 2: illustration of an yellow armchair, walking passed a fire hydrant on the sidewalk. Text reads, "For years, I was too embarrassed to wear it because it made me look like a piece of yellow upholstered furniture." Page 3: girl with a bun, wearing an overwhelming, butter-yellow jacket because it was given to her by her father and is a reminder of where she comes from. Text reads, "I recently took it out of storage and started wearing it again because, if my dad taught me anything, it's "WHO CARES what anybody else thinks?!" Autobio comic by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie, NYC, 2022

Page 2 of 3. 3-page comic. Page 1, 2 panels: flashback to Los Angeles, 2007. A father proudly holds up a large yellow jacket on a hanger to a younger version of the girl. The girl tries it on and looks ridiculous. Text reads, "15 years ago, my dad got me a large, second-hand, butter-yellow, puffy jacket to wear when I moved to New York City. He says, matter-of-factly, "It's so you can survive winters and not get hit by cars." Page 2: illustration of an yellow armchair, walking passed a fire hydrant on the sidewalk. Text reads, "For years, I was too embarrassed to wear it because it made me look like a piece of yellow upholstered furniture." Page 3: girl with a bun, wearing an overwhelming, butter-yellow jacket because it was given to her by her father and is a reminder of where she comes from. Text reads, "I recently took it out of storage and started wearing it again because, if my dad taught me anything, it's "WHO CARES what anybody else thinks?!" Autobio comic by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie, NYC, 2022

Page 3 of 3. 3-page comic. Page 1, 2 panels: flashback to Los Angeles, 2007. A father proudly holds up a large yellow jacket on a hanger to a younger version of the girl. The girl tries it on and looks ridiculous. Text reads, "15 years ago, my dad got me a large, second-hand, butter-yellow, puffy jacket to wear when I moved to New York City. He says, matter-of-factly, "It's so you can survive winters and not get hit by cars." Page 2: illustration of an yellow armchair, walking passed a fire hydrant on the sidewalk. Text reads, "For years, I was too embarrassed to wear it because it made me look like a piece of yellow upholstered furniture." Page 3: girl with a bun, wearing an overwhelming, butter-yellow jacket because it was given to her by her father and is a reminder of where she comes from. Text reads, "I recently took it out of storage and started wearing it again because, if my dad taught me anything, it's "WHO CARES what anybody else thinks?!" Autobio comic by Connie Sun, cartoonconnie, NYC, 2022

4 comments:

dinosaurpirate said...: Love this! I bet it's warm :); February 8, 2022 at 2:10 PM
Robert said...: Your beautifully written and drawn autobiographical story brought back memories.

When I announced to family and friends that I was leaving California for the East coast, I received countless inadequate sweaters for the cold winter. On my first date with Amy, who I married, we bought a serious winter coat and gloves for the upcoming winter.

I can't wait to see your first full length graphic story.; February 9, 2022 at 3:33 PM
anna in spain said...: That's an excellent starting point for a happy life, Connie. Trust me, people don't think about us nearly as much as we fear they do. A lot of people don't even think much. I remember attending a Bible study when 9/11 happened. I mentioned how disturbing the readings were in light of recent events. One of the most respected members of the study piped up: "Your problem is you think a lot. I hardly ever think." The leader caught my eye and we telegraphed each other: "Don't. laugh. Please don't. laugh."

I can't wait to see more of these stories. Your talent shines in this dark world.; February 10, 2022 at 8:40 AM
Robert said...: anna in spain: The point of your post is well taken. But had I been at your Bible study, I would have bit my lip off trying not to laugh, and likely would have failed not to chortle.

Kudos on your self control, and the teacher's.

My best regards,

Robert; February 11, 2022 at 11:21 AM