IT'S LONELY AT THE CENTRE OF THE EARTH: A Retrospective Q+A

[@iino07]

My lecturer told me to read this book after I opened up about how I was feeling. After turning the final page there was this tiny spark that went off in my head and I have started to look at myself and life differently than beforehand. At the back of your graphic novel it says “this book was not supposed to exist” but im so glad that it does, as does everyone else whose read it im sure. Thank you for creating it ❤

[@owensreviews625]

I’m still incredibly happy that the Potato story made it into the final product.

[@southrnsky]

i bought Its Lonely at a random comic store in a middle of nowhere college town while i was visiting my best friend last month and i liked it so much that i ordered and read Billie Scott too!! your stories and art are really special and i hope i can give you more of my money in the near future :)

[@Xombie17]

Ah man, I really love this book. Your art style is fantastic, and the theming really hit home. I'm currently in a pretty bad bout of depression after my wife left me and finding myself terribly alone. Customers were basically the only human interaction I had for quite a while, and since I sell pretty high end products, they're usually one and done customers for several months if not years. Anyway, thank you so much for putting several smiles on my face, and a few tears. Your book really meant a lot to me. I'm still struggling, but hey, at least I'm still here to struggle.

[@alexlennen]

This was really nice, loved the balance of genuine insight and silliness

[@dantenavarro9604]

Zoe, i really appreciate all the learning you share ❤. Thanks a lot

[@Wakkawakkaweng]

I am a 40 y.o dude from Massachusetts who suffered a nervous breakdown 18 months ago. Your work transcends age and sex and just everything- even with the cruelty of having a mental illness I draw strength and companionship from knowing others suffer the way I do, thank you Zoe. Also I made a friend who went to comic con get me a signed copy of your book so yay!

[@SaulmanPhishbass]

i am shopping around for a comic, is this book left-leaning? socialist? feminist? etc? Thanks

[@spoingo6986]

@@SaulmanPhishbass??? Does the politics matter? Its apolitical. It’s about being human and mental health. Does everything you read need to vote the same way as you?

[@SaulmanPhishbass]

if that's my preference, what's it to you? Yes i want to read material i am comfortable with because it should serve as entertainment. My ideals don't need to be challenged all the time. The Ninja Turtles or Barbie don't need to tell me how i should feel about society. If it's cringe leftwing politics, there's enough of that in the real world, there's also real books for such things, not everyone wants an ideology shoved down their throats 24/7. Sometimes, i need to disconnect and relax. Why can't your OPENNESS CULT appreciate this? Regardless, i think you confirmed it. It is indeed an extremist leftwing book. I'm glad i stayed away. Thank you!@@spoingo6986

[@jefftonsman]

​@@SaulmanPhishbass most works of fiction are

[@jefftonsman]

​​@@spoingo6986nothing is apolitical

[@Skeletorslurpsspaghetti]

Howdy! I read this book in one sitting on the floor of a barnes and noble in New York City and I can’t stop thinking about it. I’m 19, I moved out from my parents’ place at 3 in the morning on my 18th birthday and flew 2600 miles away from everyone and everywhere I’d ever seen, I’m figuring out what I want the rest of my life to look like, and working as a manual laborer to support myself. I adore comics and manga and I think I’m actually going to try writing my own comic this year. I’m not very good at art, but only practice can change that. This book really means a lot to me! Perhaps when I have more money I’ll actually purchase it instead of reading it for free in the back of the store lol

[@Swamp-Bat]

Relatable

[@natali8186]

you are literally the person who got me into comics. i have followed u since we both were around 16 and it was after i read billie (the first EVER graphic novel that i read) that i realized i can genuinely make a living out of my art. and now my comic is getting printed this year. thank you for being my inspiration to this very day and showing me that everything’s possible

[@fawevgbsr]

Like how this came outta nowhere, big up Zoe and that! Queen of the london underground!

[@Lyander25]

Selfish art seems the most valuable kind nowadays with how commoditisised everything's become. May you only starve for challenges and never fulfilment.

[@GoldenCecil]

I've read it twice, will probably read it atleast one more time when Crowded is finally in the works. This was a very entertaining QA so thank you Zoe!

[@emilyaltman4318]

I'm from mexico and just got the book today and it meant a lot to me. you're an amazing artist and storyteller, thank you for your honesty and vulnerability as a 23 year old i've never felt more seen.

[@SaintCityStudios]

Accidentally skipped ahead and landed on my exact question 😂, loved the book can't wait for the sequel 🔥

[@masamune347]

I've never read any kind of graphic novel until today I saw it at a random comic book store in Birmingham city as I live in the UK any it was actually the very last copy and I said to myself what the hell what's the worst that could happen I might actually like it well.... I DID!! it felt honest and raw to me and as an introvert whose also autistic I understood in some way how your own thoughts can betray you or in my case getting super tired being around people for too long as for introverts it's emotionally exhausting. I already ordered your first work online The Impending Blindness of Billie Scott and I can't wait to read that as well. I also might actually like graphic novels now so thanks for that as well if anyone has any suggestions then by all means reply back to this comment, again it was a great read I ate a cookie while reading it too.

[@bossman-CT]

Zoe! Im 4 months late, but hearing you talk about audio w/ comics.. I just read a comic called 'We Live', and it had QR codes to music created for the comic on youtube, had a out 6-8 songs over 5 issues. Please please please do this for your next book. Loved listening to music made for that comic, and even had a theme for the book! Also, i just finished reading the book, and I loved it. Felt like a journal we really weren't supposed to see lol, but im so glad you put it out there. So real and raw and loved your very human story of anxiety and depression and getting out of your comfort zone. Not exactly comics, but ive been writing for stand up comedy, and i've been trying to gather the courage to just go and do my first 5 minute set at an open mic.. and this book may have just gave me that extra bit of courage. We shall see. Anyways, keep writing and drawing 😁

[@NextIssuePodcast]

This was GREAT- thanks for making a video like this

[@alexgomezsilva2673]

Loved your book! :3 I was/am going throught some stuff, and your book had an effect on me, somehow it helped me take various choices and change certain things in my life, like i will now go to a psychologist (My first session is in 5 minutes O.O ) as a Mexican illustrator your book gave me hope to continue following my dreams and be not ashamed of who i am. (Also i'm a fan of the lines, shapes, colors and different styles you use in the book!)

[@SlayInnit]

I'd only just ordered my copy a few days ago after plucking it from my wishlist randomly. Was absorbed immediately! Then saw this video was up and new. Made for a good Saturday!

[@joeylee3566]

Been a fan since Billie Scott keep up to eh good work Zoe! The self loathing eventually ends I'm glad you embraced the other facets of your life.

[@darren2123]

Omg I just brought your book (it's lonely at the centre of the earth) yesterday from the bookstore!! I so excited to read!! ❤❤

[@Sean683]

Haven't finished watching yet but I just wanna say I've been carrying It's Lonely around with me ever since I finished reading it last month because I can't put it down. It's one of my favourite works I've read recently so thanks for making it, it's really inspired me to try write something of my own

[@tjwalkup7155]

Please post more even short content is great. Zoe you are amazing and I want more. Thank you in advance.

[@zachberry4742]

Watching you mess with the light 💡 was like watching a cat 🐈‍⬛ play with a ball of yarn 🧶 Lol.

[@writingwithdifficulty]

Literally love you and your book so much. Absolutely wonderful art, your video really instilled that for me as well. Though It Is Lonely, you make me feel not so alone ♥️

[@ritwiksarkar8020]

From a fan from India, I don't know if you'll ever see this text, if you do by any chance, just wanted to let you know your works are incredible. Billie Scott is my current favourite. ❤ Keep churning out more fantastic content !

[@MM14JR]

Lol, Gemma Collins HYPE! (Also thank you for answering all questions and being so open)

[@jakemeyer6521]

Thank you for sharing the behind the scenes. I really want to see a panel from start to end and how you work in clip studio.

[@TatorioVendy]

Thank you for emotions you share ❤️

[@user-nv9vn8fm1d]

Random question, but how many copies of your own books do you have in storage? Do you sell them at like shows and stuff? **Also, I really enjoy these two videos! Thanks for making them. Love your work and approach to comics! (And that issue in Creepshow was gnarly!)

[@AuraDescent555]

PATHOLOGIC MENTIONED INCREDIBLY BASED

[@AuraDescent555]

As a side note, as someone who has been going through pretty severe creative burnout since getting out of art school, this video is helping me feel like drawing again, and feel like I can draw selfishly again. So thank you for that

[@Mikaelashotmess]

I love how the only reason I started liking zoe's stuff is because of injustice gods among us and lesbianism (I might elaborate) Also sorry for pirating the book 5 times (and billie scott) but I bought the book in the end, still, sorry

[@NecoLumi]

I adore your work!

[@pedrovelososaavedra7791]

Thank you for the book, and thank you for the video

[@heylookitscarter3651]

as an artist who has delt with a lot of depression I thought your book was amazing and inspiring

[@musclehamster2]

Post the playlist !

[@crystalsandersart7620]

I remember sitting on the floor and thinking really hard about life after reading this book, and then I felt bad for feeling so affected by it, but now I'm back to just letting myself connect with it. I think it was a really cathartic experience for me and watching you talk about how it was for you as well was really nice :) Thanks for making it (the book and the video) 🫡

[@Absyflabsy]

You probably wont see this, I'm doing a critical review for my uni work and I had two questions. I found the moment your comic was finishe and the image of you on the floor very moving and personal, how did that idea come about? What artistic decisions do you make in order to convey your emotions? I read your comic recently which inspired my essay topic about emotional storytelling and it would be incredible to hear how you blended you art and the story together.. Much Love

[@riyansita9568]

GREATEST COMIC ARTIST OF ALL TIMEMEM

[@iswhatheis]

Hi! I bought your book a month ago and was both entertained and made envious at the same time that someone a few years younger than me could produce such a fine comic! I've always had trouble tapping into that 'drive' when making either art or music and I found that some of the only methods I know that really work for me is spite towards the world. My question is, and apologies if it's a little personal, but -if any at all- how much spite do you operate on, and does it ever feel like it detracts you from your intent or does it take you BEYOND your intent? Also, does it possess you and compel you to churn out work? Damn that was like 5 questions sorry haha. Greetings from the Lost Coast!

[@johnkillink]

great video!!!!!

[@macgonzo]

Please share your playlist!

[@Otaku_Reaper]

Completely unrelated to everything mentioned, but what are you thoughts are soul eater the manga or the anime?

[@johnkillink]

im waiting for this to be plublished in spanish because i dont to misunderstand things.. haha. cant wait to read it!!!

[@sardine-314]

oh yeah!!! interrogation time!! :D

[@Cheesepuff8]

1:03 why would u apologise for such high quality?

[@mperer1687]

Frog ring

[@wylser]

2 years later and you look like a completely different person

[@CharmedPop]

First

[@jacobbowitz]

39:00

[@dz4265]

God you are pretty