Weird to Exist

A collection of vibrantly colored yet darkly humorous comics for commiserating over the absurdity of existence

“Simultaneously hilarious and insightful, Alison Zai’s comics will definitely make you laugh and perhaps send you into an existential crisis—all with irresistible, colorful artwork.”—Sarah Andersen, New York Times bestselling author of Sarah’s Scribbles

We’ve all felt the pain that comes from realizing a beautiful moment will soon become a distant memory. We’re all guilty of avoiding deadlines by researching obscure facts about dirt or binging scary conspiracy videos. Inspired by these universal experiences and existential musings, Alison Zai walks the line between laughing so hard that you burst into tears and crying so hard that you break into laughter. 
 
Weird to Exist is divided into three intrinsic human acts—to exist, to love, to create­—and ultimately touches on how weird it is to do all of that. Also included is Zai’s popular long-form comic Bee Real, which follows one little irritable bee’s enlightening mission to extinguish the sun. With sharp levity and emotional complexity, this colorful collection finds the fun in life’s hard truths.“Alison Zai’s work is full of delicious ironies, juicy colors, and incisive observations about the weirdness of aliveness.”—Worry Lines, author of This Book Is For You

“It’s weird that we ever existed without this book. It’s full of debunking, enchanting, and heartwarming stories that sum up the unbearably great feeling of being a creature of this planet.”—Jonathan Kunz and Elizabeth Pich, creators of War and PeasAlison Zai is a comics artist who has garnered success by sharing her art on Instagram and Tumblr. INTRO

One day, I randomly came into existence and started having experiences. The majority of these experiences have been quiet, nameless moments that end up meaning a lot to me for reasons that I'm not equipped to properly analyze here. Condensing these overwhelming moments and feelings down to their essence by making comics is my attempt to understand the magic, sadness, tenderness, and general absurdity of it all.

And maybe, you've felt these things too.