Transcription and Dialog
In a large 7-panel comic from the Socialist Grocery Series by Oli Knowles, Sebastian dives into the strange world of Beanie Baby collectors.
In the top-left panel, Maggie and Sebastian are laying in bed with solemn expressions on their faces. Sebastian narrates, “Last weekend I was having a weird day and decided to watch Beanie Baby collectors on YouTube.”
In the top-middle panel, the YouTube video reveals a somber-looking presenter with a thick mustache, glasses, and a flannel. The presenter is gently holding a small bear while addressing the audience, saying, “So next on the list is a favorite of many, good ol’ Liberty.”
The top-right panel zooms in on the presenter’s face and the cohort of Beanie Babies sitting on the brick mantle behind them. They clarify the bear is named, “Li-BEAR-ty, not Liberty.”
The center-left panel reveals a close-up view of Sebastian and Maggie’s puzzled faces as they continue watching the video.
In the center-middle panel, the presenter continues, “And this is the most valuable Beanie Baby in my collection. Clearly, this is the princess Diana bear.” The video zooms in on their hands delicately cupping the stuffed animal.
The center-right panel gets even closer, and the Diana Bear’s blank expression fills the space. It’s a very average, nondescript-looking stuffed bear.
In the bottom panel, Sebastian and Maggie are smoking outside and unpacking the bizarre video they just saw. Squinting, Sebastian tells Maggie, “I don’t know what was clear about that being the Diana Bear.” Also squinting, Maggie wonders, “Maybe its proportions are different? Maybe the ratio of where the nose and eyes are placed are the same as Diana.”
