Chapter 17: Page 15b | Trending Trauma: If It’s Not Viral, Did It Even Happen?

Today's comic dives into trending trauma, where even pain and heartbreak are judged by views, shares, and social reach. For Hailey, the real tragedy isn’t what happened — it’s that none of it is gaining traction online.

The Comic Scout

I’ve been using Toocheke to run my sites for years, so when Brian Leeto launched a brand-new comics discovery platform, I didn’t hesitate.

The Comic Scout launched last week, and it’s a fantastic way to:

  • Follow Evil Inc updates

  • Discover new comics

  • Rebuild the kind of discoverability social media used to offer

Check it out here:

https://www.thecomicscout.com/

Transcript

Panel 1:
(caption): “Shortly in the kitchen…”
(Sound effect): “Bwaa”
Hailey: “Rose, I’m devastated.”
Rose: “I know, sweetie… but I think it’s for the best…”

Panel 2:
Hailey: “FOR THE BEST?! He didn’t even mention my hashtag once!”

Panel 3:
Hailey: “No ‘like and subscribe’… no username drop… Just ‘you’re a terrific person’ and ‘you deserve better’…”

Panel 4:
Hailey: “I’m a brand ambassador for Campbell’s soups… Would it have killed him to mention the chicken noodle dripping down his face?!”

Panel 5:
Rose: “He did say something about ‘scalding hot’ and ‘searing pain’…”
Cap (coming from a video playing on Rosie’s phone): “Gonna need another skin graft…”

Panel 6:
Hailey: “Omigosh… that’s horrible… how gruesome!”

Panel 7:
Hailey: “It’s not trending… Not even a little…”


Alt Text

Comic strip set in a diner kitchen with seven panels featuring two waitresses, Hailey (young, long hair) and Rose (older, hair in a bun). In the first panel, Rose hugs Hailey as Hailey cries dramatically, saying she’s devastated while Rose reassures her it’s for the best. In the next panel, Hailey angrily gestures while Rose looks upset, complaining Captain Heroic didn’t mention her hashtag. Hailey continues ranting about the lack of promotion — no “like and subscribe” or username mention — only sincere compliments. In silhouette, Hailey reveals she’s a brand ambassador for Campbell’s Soups and wanted attention drawn to the spilled soup incident. Rose checks her phone and notes he mentioned pain instead, joking about needing a skin graft. Hailey reacts with exaggerated horror. In the final panel, both women look at the phone disappointed as Hailey says it isn’t trending, adding, “not even a little.”

 

Hey Comics — Kids! S02E39: Super Mario Maker

Hey Comics Kids podcast logoBe sure to visit our Patreon page! (patreon.com/heycomicskids ) Christmas came a little early for Max, too. In his case, the present was Super Mario Maker — which he immediately utilized to make his father’s life a living Hell. That kid absolutely delights in making nigh-impossible Mario levels and then gently enticing me to “give it a try.” You know… the same way Lucy used to convince Charlie Brown that, this time, he really was going to kick that football.

About Super Mario Maker

Super Mario Maker is a side-scrolling platform game creation system and video game developed and published by Nintendo for the Wii U game console, and released worldwide in September 2015. Players may create and play their own custom levels based on Super Mario Bros., Super Mario Bros. 3, Super Mario World and New Super Mario Bros. U, and share them online. Over time, new editing tools are unlocked, allowing players to download and play levels designed by other players. Please note: This game is available only for the WiiU game system. Super Mario MakerSuper Mario MakerSupport us on Patreon — the money will be given to the boys to encourage their creative efforts. Subscribe to us on iTunes — and please take some time to rate the show and leave a friendly comment! Remember what Max says — “This is a friendly place, people!” That’s gonna help us climb the iTunes charts!  Follow us on Evil Inc. Don’t like iTunes? No problem-o. Just follow this feed and you’ll get every update as it happens. Follow us on Blubrry — another iTunes alternative with great programming for you to enjoy. Discover it today! Follow us on Stitcher — yet another way to get the podcast. As always, thanks to the U.S. Army Blues Band for our theme music!