This is an older drawing made in 2023, so there are some differences in the character designs. Blizzard’s in a prototype outfit due to still being in the transition state from an old persona to a character in a set with Major. Ectobear’s marking are also less developed and inconsistent with other drawings from this year, as I was still struggling with trying to place them in a way that would make sense when translated to real life.

When I first started Secondary 3, I was thrust into a new environment that I was unfamiliar with. Combining this with the toxic attitudes of my new classmate and my anxiety, it made me the perfect target for bullying and ostricization. If memory serves me right, within the first three weeks I already had my first violent meltdown due to a particularly nasty boy, a boy who people in class continued to fraternise and defend despite his lack of remorse towards this incident. Even today, I still fall victim to unwarranted comments and ribbing, although I do handle myself better now.

Because of this, making connections was extremely frustrating and distressing. I had virtually no friends in class aside from a few distant acquaintances and a CCA-mate who I was too skittish to approach. Recess was almost always spent sitting outside of the classroom, reading ‘The Chrysalids’ to get a head-start from the rest of the Literature class, doing due homework or daydreaming about my characters.

One day, I thought of a scenario where Major used his magic to make Blizzard float upwards. A whimsical, childish scene typical of cartoon animals. It evolved into a scenario of Major trying to entertain Ectobear while they were sitting outside the classroom. Liking this idea, I quickly drew it out. It’s strange, offhand, even somewhat lazy given that the background is a gradient (a staple of my earlier drawings) rather that a full setting, yet it’s still endearing. And looking back on it now, I’m happy I could make light of my pathetic social situation.

If I couldn’t make friends in school, at least Ectobear could have their Punks as company in the lonely hallways.