Episode #102 – February 2025 – 9-panel comic, monthly installment of the series Socialist Grocery by Oli Knowles.
Click here to expand the written description of the comic
Panel 1: Sebastian narrates, “As someone who helps make signs for the shelves, it’s felt weird to increase the egg prices each day but never say why.” A Co-worker enters the room, “Okay guys, we have to make a sign telling people about bird flu. It’s unavoidable.” Sebastian, “JESUS.” Panel 2: Sebastian and the other artist try to make a plan. Sebastian says, “Okay this is a really serious topic. How do we even present this?” The other co-worker responds, “What about those characters R.Crumb used to draw? The Egg Brothers?” Panel 3: We see a board with two characters akin to the Egg Brothers. The board reads, “Avian Flu is here. Prices are up! Our farmers are working hard to get their flocks healthy.” Panel 4: Sebastian reflects on the board, “I hate bird flu. I love the Egg Brothers.” Panel 5: Sebastian and a co-worker are talking to a customer. Mark, the customer asks, “Do you think the pasturized eggs are safe?” Sebastian responds, “Nothing is 100% safe, Mark. If you get eggs, do NOT eat them raw. Cook them all the way. Don’t touch wild animals. Think about masking. Bird flu live in feces & some surfaces for a freakishly long time.” The co-worker adds, “Disinfect your shoes with antibacterial cleaner & then isopropyl alcohol.” Panel 6: Sebastian narrates, “Unfortunately there are so many connected crisis happening, I can’t correctly answer anyone’s questions.” A customer asks, “Hey, can I talk to you? Are tomato prices up because of…”what we all know is happening?” Panel 7: Sebastian whispers a clarifying question, “H5N1?” Panel 8: The customer responds, “The tariffs.” Panel 9: Sebastian responds, “I don’t fully know what tariffs are. I’m sure they’re far from tariff-ic? I think I have to clock out.”
Episode #102 – February 2025
Want to see Episode #101 from January and the rest of Oli’s work on Artblog?
