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theorah.bsky.social
Bex Burgess
@theorah.bsky.social
3.3K followers 2.1K following 580 posts
Pro comic artist/illustrator 💖 I like cuddling my gf and cat 😸 Mostly writing/drawing comics about autism, asexuality and French Revolution atm~
https://linktr.ee/Theorah
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theorah.bsky.social
The little song on this first page is a real song about the Jacobins from 1790, if I remember right~
And I got the 'arrows of hercules' thing from a letter Camille wrote....I really like to imagine he'd tell his friends about that more than once loool
A long shot reveals a bustling room in a Parisian apartment, full of mostly men (outside of the famous Madame Manon Roland, a Jacobin who went about her own political ambitions by setting up gatherings for her male collegues and writing to them afterwards). Across the busy page of people drinking wine and socialising, musical lyrics are being sung aloud: “Gentleman! Let’s make haste! To the Jacobin’s own senate! It’s here that we will meditate, all the happiness of the state! And Robespierre, we shall see, praises Marat so eloquently! Ah! Ah! Ah! Ah! From Avignon, to good Arle! The Lameths speak, Alexander and Charles! And we are all transported then! Eh! Eh! Eh! Eh! When Gorsas shows, we never joke! Even when he’s inclined to boast, his oh so rare integrity! Hi! Hi! Hi! Hi! An author may be talked of much, but if a Jacobin he is not, then he can only be a fool!” At the bottom of the page, we see that the two culprits of this Jacobin song are themselves two of the proudest Jacobins- Camille Desmoulins and Jacques Brissot. They are in each other’s arms and singing heartily: “Hu! Hu! Hu! Hu!” The two men explode into laughter. Robespierre sits quietly in the background, clapping along with the rest of the audience who were watching the double act. A close up of Robespierre shows tired eyes and a smile that although genuine, is clearly taking effort to make. Brissot looks at Camille with a confident smile- who replies by flipping his hair vainly. Brissot: “That was marvellous, Camille! Where do you pick up these songs?” Camille: “Oh, h-here and there.” Brissot smiles with slight annoyance, and Petion comes up behind the two of them as Brissot asks: “what on earth do you mean by that?” Petion puts an arm around a smug looking Camille and says: “It means Camille is a hero of the people-” Petion continues, exchanging a playful, knowing glance to Brissot: “He is invited to places that even someone as well travelled as you have not been, Brissot.” Camille responds with smugness: “It’s true. The p-people love me.” A close up of Camille as he begins to go off on a little tirade that has probably been heard a thousand times. He flips his long messy hair as he speaks: “I am commended for my bravery on July 12th, and complimented on my p-pamphlets at EVERY dinner I attend.” Camille continues: “Even when they b-burned copies of La France Libre in Toulon- Although I wanted to weep-” Camille doesn’t look like he wanted to weep, he looks proud of himself- “I felt much reassurance. For the m-most esteemed patriots said it was only a testament to the strength of my work. AND I’ve heard it be said…” Camille in the foreground, puts his hands to his face in a swooning manner as he says: “That I write with the arrows of Hercules.” Behind him, Petion and Brissot both share his speech bubble, indicating that they are repeating Camille’s words at the exact same time. Petion repeats with nonchalance, and Brissot with a pose semi-imitating Camille’s dramatic nature. They have both clearly heard this phrase hundreds of times.
June 12, 2025 at 9:53 PM
theorah.bsky.social
That annoying situation where you're an introvert and your social battery is at zero... but your BFF drags you to a party under the guise that everyone will be there to talk about your special interest (politics), but then you get there and all they want to do is small talk 😔
Robespierre grumbles at Petion: "I-I stand by that proposal". But his flustered expression gives away his embarrassment. Petion smiles at him smugly: "...perhaps your stubborness is also the reason you are on no commitees." The two continue walking down a street. Petion says: "Honesty is an admirable quality. But it will not get you any where in politics, if you lack subtlety." Robespierre's eyes remain fixed on the ground as he replies: "But it is not in my interest to 'get anywhere'." A close of Robespierre, he looks tired and frustrated as he says: "I only wish to uphold the constitution." Petion waves a hand around in his relaxed manner while saying: "But can we uphold it without maintaining some position of power? We might need to play these games, only a little bit." His friend furrows his brow in contemplation. Petion smiles warmly and puts an arm around Robespierre, who looks back uneasily: "Now, please say you will come to dinner tonight. I'm sure you will feel better for it. When I am feeling tired, some good company always lifts my spirits." Robespierre attempts to throw out another decline: "Hm. I am not really-" He is interrupted by Petion immediately: "Monsieur Desmoulins and Brissot will be there. And perhaps we can come up with ways to halt Barnave." Robespierre's eyes light up at this suggestion. He adjusts his glasses, taking a little more interest than before: "Well...if we are planning to discuss work..." The next panel has Robespierre facing forward as with the last panel- but now he is suddenly indoors, framed by the silhouettes of talking smiling people. He is tensed up and looking bewildered- entirely out of his element.
May 29, 2025 at 12:46 PM
theorah.bsky.social
okay so the strawberries are doing VERY well and being way more productive than they have been these last 10 years! Lesson learned, alpine strawberries are secretly indoor plants ❤️
May 3, 2025 at 8:42 AM
theorah.bsky.social
I reflect a lot on why special interests are so intense and how that's linked to autism, but it's probably a mixture of reasons 💜
(also, an extra page on why Im so obsessed with Frev lol)
An image of me looking overwhelmed in a happy but tired kind of way, as a speech from Robespierre fills a cloud that takes up most of the space. “I’m not sure why it is that autism and intense special interests go together. Is it that my naturally obsessive mind is very good at fixating on the things that I love?” An image of me holding the same cloud calmly and happily, as if it’s a blanket. “Or is it that my naturally obsessive mind finds the world extra stressful, and so I cling extra hard to the rare things that can bring me peace and comfort?” “ps. In case you were asking ‘why the french revolution?’” There is an image of the Declaration of the Rights of Man, narration points to it: “I find the creation and fight for human rights very inspiring. (I stared at this in the carnavalet for like 10 mins lol)” An image of a trash can that’s on fire. “as our own political situation gets more and more like this” (‘this’ is underlined, and pointing to the trash fire) “it’s nice to process that through analysing the origin of modern politics.” An image of me with my head buried in a book. “I love how endless the stories are, every book, article or 200 yo pamphlet offers a new story and angle!”
April 24, 2025 at 4:34 PM
theorah.bsky.social
I think maybe the thimg that separates special interests from just liking something, is the level of impact it definitely has on my life, such as sleep and friendships
An image of me lying in bed with wide excited eyes, thoughts overwhelming my mind. “Most of the time, loving something this much is really fun and brings happiness. But also, it can be inconvenient, which is maybe also what separates it to NT interests. Like, sometimes I can’t sleep because my thoughts are so full with with my obsession.” “I feel bad when I talk to people- Frev is on my mind so much that it’s genuinely hard to not bring it up in conversation- I just can’t think of anything else sometimes…” An image of me getting all excited and saying “That reminds me of this thing I read about Marat!” The person I’m talking to looks a little confused as they say “uh, I was talking about pancakes…?” “When other people voluntarily bring up my special interest, I go a little haywire cos I’m so excited.” An image of me jolting forward with urgency, my poor friend Scruff is so surprised that the book she’s holding falls from her hands, she looks overwhelmed. I shout: “The book has Robespierre in it?! Is he written as a bad guy or good guy?!” My friend replies: “I-um-I don’t remember!” “Although one upside to socialising is that you can find and connect with people who share your special interest really easily. (I made friends with a very cool person who overheard me talking Frev at a convention!)” An image of me and a stranger in cosplay looking at each other in equal delight. He shouts “Did I hear someone mention Camille Desmoulins?!” I shout back “You know about Camille?!”
April 24, 2025 at 4:34 PM
theorah.bsky.social
Here's a comic for #autismacceptancemonth with some thoughts on special interests 🔥💖
An image of me looking kinda gormless with a cloud around my head. Inside the cloud is an image of the autism infinity symbol. Narration: “Since it’s autism acceptance month, I should really make some kind of insightful comic about autism. But…” A repeat of the last image, except now the cloud around my head is filled with various things from the French Revolution: spears and pikes, the song ‘Ah Ca Ira!’, the famous red cap, the guillotine. “...most of the time, all I can think about is my special interest- the french revolution.” “I have hyper-fixated my way through many special interests over the years. They are life-long passions that never leave you, and to me they are very different to simply having a hobby or really liking something.” Above the narration is some examples of special interests from my childhood and teen years: Pokemon, Lord of the Rings, Mozart. An image of me sat on my knees, my body is on fire with ‘Frev’ (shorthand for french revolution). “Unlike my more casual interests, I feel like I can’t control how much I think about my special interest. It sort of takes over your brain like a fire, it consumes almost everything. (...much like how Robespierre described the revolution as a uncontrollable fever that took over his body and mind.)
April 24, 2025 at 4:34 PM
theorah.bsky.social
Here is a comic I made a couple of years ago for #autismacceptancemonth about Autism and Trauma.
Although the impact is long lasting, it took a very long time to untangle and understand. I've met alot of ppl since posting this who have had a similar experience, and I'm glad we're not alone in that.
Opening panel of me with my mouth wrapped up tight in some bandage that I cant remove. Narration: "Since I was a kid, I have found it hard to express negative feelings openly to other people. I believe this is partly due to autism, but not because I have any trouble identifying or articulating my feelings." I sit at a party amongst lots of talking people, feeling sad but not saying anything. "Whenever I'm sad, I know exactly how I'm feeling." A contrasting image shows me sat on my bed alone in a dark room. "And yet, I almost always feel the need to express that sadness alone." A 7 yo me tugs at my mums sleeve, expressing upset. "This wasn't the case when I was a kid. My parents never discouraged me from talking about my feelings." A series of images showing younger me getting upset and stressed out in various situations- overwhelmed at a kids party because we were having dinner at the wrong time. Going to concerts and finding the sound too painful. Getting scared of the hair drier my mum insisted I use, even though it made me feel like I was choking and was too loud. "But, as an autistic child, I remember being distressed a lot. And I was undiagmosed. I couldn't explain what was wrong. Sensory overload wasn't a word I knew about. The only thing I knew was that I was stressed and couldn't escape the stress." A series of images of kid-me crying, my parents are trying different ways to make me feel better, but nothing's working. "But this led, over time, to increasingly distressed parents- who had tried many ways to help me feel less 'worried'. But found nothing had worked, and they just didnt know what to do." The last panel shows a parent finally snapping at me with "Why can't you just calm down?!" A long panel with kid-me in the lowest corner, looking determined. "I have a very specific memory from when I was seven. I thought to myself: 'I'm making everyone upset when I get upset. I can't react this way any more.' Two contrasting images next to each other- kid me is crying in one panel, and then feeling shaky and sick from suppression of the crying in the next. "So I started to surpress what were clearly meltdowns, and any stressful feelings I got after sensory overload, into something else." An image of me sat in the dark in my bed, shaking with adrenaline. "After long days at school, or loud parties, or days out to new places, surpressed stress would break out at night in 'panic attacks' that lasted for hours. I would quietly keep them to myself." An image of 14 yo me crying because I was freaked out at the idea of going to cinema without my family. "I still had visible meltdowns occasionally. But as I got older, they became something I was embarassed by, along with all the other things I struggled with that others didn't." 13 yo me sat on the floor thinking 'whats wrong with me?' "I still didn't know anyone who was as 'sensitive' as me, and I felt ashamed and confused." An image of me looking happy and making a rainbow with my hands. "Over time, this led to me being closed off, in the most optimistic and personable way possible." An image of me standing with confidence and happiness, but I have a contrasting shadow beside me that's full of distressed sqiggly lines. I'm thinking lots of bad thoughts: 'no one else can help you when you feel this way. These feelings are something only you experience, so you need to deal with them yourself. You can handle all negative feelings by yourself. You don't have to bother other people with how you're feeling. How do you explain how you feel to others exactly??' "Over time, keeping everything to myself became second nature, it became the normal thing to do." An image of me speaking nervously to a diagnostician. "During my autism diagnosis, I was forced to talk about myself. And forced to see that the things I find hard are genuinely harder for me than for many people." Image of me struggling to get any feelings out. "It made me think about all the times I hadn't been able to truly explain my experiences as a kid, and how I gave up on explaining. Now it's time to be heard, with this new language I have been given." An image of me looking peaceful as I try to unravel the fabric that was wrapped around my mouth. "This is a long process for me. The way in which I don't share myself is deeply intergrated into my behaviour. I need to learn to stop saying 'yes' to things that hurt my body and mind. I have to stop framing my feelings in the form of a joke. I shouldn't be saying 'sorry' after getting upset. Little by little though, it is getting easier to express my feelings. It's the brave thing to do and the right thing!"
April 11, 2025 at 4:52 PM
theorah.bsky.social
Let's continue to educate people on what we mean by 'spectrum' 😄💖 I'm thankful to all the educators, trainers and parents who use and translate this comic in their work- you're awesome!
Mia holds up the round spectrum with a smile! She says: “I hope that in the future, people will better understand the term ‘spectrum’ and continue to respect the differences and similarities we all share in how we experience the world.”
April 5, 2025 at 10:17 AM
theorah.bsky.social
Breaking autism down into simplistic 'mild' and 'severe' labels, both misunderstands how we define/diagnose autism, *and* creates problems that makes it harder for autistic people to be supported when they need it and to thrive when they can!
The hand picks up Mia again and puts her on the ‘very autistic’ end of the linear spectrum. It says: “Whoa, you’re more autistic than I thought. Since you’re very autistic, actually I don;t think you should be allowed to go out with friends, okay?” Mia says with sadness: “...and then, if you’re seen as being ‘severely autistic’, it can lead people to labelling you as not being capable of doing anything at all.” Mia smiles and points to a ROUND spectrum, with varying colours that are also all sorts of tones and shades. Around the edge of this spectrum is different areas of human experience: language, motor skills, sensory, executive function, perception. Mia: The truth is though, the autism spectrum can look something more like this. There are some AREAS where we have more struggles than a neurotypical person...and then some where we are no different at all. Mia points to her own round spectrum, with little x’s marking where she struggles. She says: “We don’t all have the exact same struggles, s each autostic person’s points on a spectrum are in different places.” Another panel shows Mia looking overwhelmed, and so some of the x’s on her spectrum have moved to different areas. She says: “This can be affected by circumstances, too. Like how I’m good at talking, but when I go somewhere noisy, I find that I can’t talk at all.” Mia stands next to a different autistic person with x’s on different points of their own circle. Mia: “You can see then how another autistic person might be very happy in noisy spaces, but not be skilled in talking in general. It’s easy to see with this spectrum, how not every autistic person has savant skills or how someone who is non-verbal can hold a perfect conversation with you, they just use AAC or sign language instead of speech. It shows how not every autistic person acts the same way, and that like everyone else, we have a variety of strengths and weaknesses.” Mia is wearing headphones whilst sensory lightning bolts try to attack her, she has a helpless expression. She says: “Sometimes, when someone is autistic and wants to tell someone else this, it’s so they can get some understanding and respect for the things they’re unable to do…” Another panel showing Mia looking happy and writing in a notebook. She says: “...But, they also tell other people they’re autistic so that they can cooperate with those around them- so that they can be the best in the things they can do!”
April 5, 2025 at 10:17 AM
theorah.bsky.social
Happy #autismacceptancemonth !
Here's an old (like 10 years now lol) comic that explains the Autism Spectrum- still much needed, as I continue to see people- and most recently a book read out on bbc radio 4- think you're either 'mildly' or 'severely' autistic. Please give it a read 💖
Mia waves to the reader: “Hi! I’m Mia, and I’m autistic! It means sometimes I find talking nad language difficult, even though I’m really good at writing my own songs. But sometimes neurotypical people aren’t so good at this kinda stuff either. And it means they can make some misconceptions about me. That’s why I want to explain what ‘autism spectrum’ actually means.” Mia points to a line that is going from light to dark pink. On one end of the line is the words: ‘Not Autistic’, on the other end ‘Very Autistic’. “Sometimes when people think of the word ‘autism spectrum’ they think of something like this. A very linear looking ‘spectrum’ which suggests that people range from being ‘a little autistic’ to ‘very autistic’. Mia looks uncertain as she points to a drawing of herself where half of her is filled up with autism and the other half isn’t. “...Huh. I just don;t get it. If I’m just ‘a little autistic’, which part of me would that be? My feet? My eyes? I don’t think that’s how autism works!” A big hand is holding Mia and trying to put her somewhere along this autism line. Mia says: “The problem with thinking of the spectrum in this way is that an autistic person becomes linear, too.” The hand says to Mia: “You’re only a little autistic, Mia.” Mia says back: “uuuh, c-could you elaborate please?” The hand replies: “you’re able to explain yourself pretty well and you act mostly NORMAL. You’re not SEVERELY autistic.” The hand pushes Mia towards a bunch of intense and scary looking words that are all muddled together. The words read: ‘new situations, smart tight clothing, too much noise, lack of routine, don’t stim, be more organised, don;t fidget, loadsa conversations all at once’ Mia says: “But you see, when someone thinks you’re only a ‘little autistic’, this can happen.” The hand says: “Mia, you can handle all these situations just fine, since you’re not THAT autistic”. Mia starts to panic as she’s faced with all those scary noisy words. Some judgemental speech bubbles talk around her: “How can you be tired? Everyone does this every day, you’re just being lazy.” “Wow you’re being so overdramatic! Get over it!”
April 5, 2025 at 10:17 AM
theorah.bsky.social
My first indoor strawberries are ready 🍓
I've had this plant for over 10 years, but they've always been planted outside until I moved into a flat 6 months ago (when I got rid of my other plants 🥲)
I was worried it wouldn't enjoy being indoors, but yay! It's very happy!
April 4, 2025 at 5:39 PM
theorah.bsky.social
💖🍬🍭🍫 💖
#art #lgbtqart
Two men stare at each other with blushing expressions, both are wearing 1920s style pinstripe outfits, one is in blue, the other is in pink. The background is decorated with colourful giant candy in striped wrappers and yellow ice cream.
March 28, 2025 at 4:02 PM
theorah.bsky.social
I illustrated a kid's science comic for @wolfsonsparc.bsky.social recently 😄 The comic is all about nerves! I had SO much fun drawing it, and here's a few of my favourite pages.
Professor SPaRC's worries on the first page are unfounded- the comic is VERY silly and fun and I'm sure kids will love it!
A dog is talking to a nervous looking robot- she has a clear dome on the top half of her head. He asks: "what's wrong?" The robot replies: "Oh, Axon! Good boy! I'm glad you're here! I've been preparing the classroom for tomorrow's lesson. The children will be learning about the human nervous system." A close up of the frazzled looking robot. She says while fretting: "But I'm so nervous! It's my first time teaching children. I'm worried they'll get bored..." Axon looks at the robot with a cynical expression: "Professor...did you forget to put your brain in again?" The robot responds with a moment of realization: "...You're right!" A close up of a brain sat in a jar of liquid. The professor's voice bubble overlaps: "I left it in it's jar. I can't concentrate very well without it!" A detailed scientifically accurate drawing of a Neuron takes up most of the page. The professor's narration overlaps: "This is a NEURON. Our nerves are made up of these tiny neurons all connected together. Neurons have several parts in order to work. Some of them have unusual names, but I find adding them fun!" Axon is staring at a neuron through a microscope alongside the professor. He looks grumpy: "Hey, wait a second. One part is named 'Axon'. That's my name...?" The professor replies: "What can I say? I named you after this cutie!" continued from the last page. Axon is questioning the professor's naming choices, she ignores him with gusto. The rest of the page shows a diagram showing how nerve signals are transmitted to and from the brain- in the form of a girl getting very excited about stroking a kitty cat.
March 20, 2025 at 6:43 PM
theorah.bsky.social
Unfortunately in politics, saying *exactly* what you mean maybe isn't always a good thing- esp when you're a nerd for details with ZERO self awareness
(the last 3 panels of this update actually happened, even the 'we want no psalm singing!' part ahaha)
#frenchrevolution #robespierre #history
The jolly petion puts a reassuring hand on Robespierre’s back: “No need to worry yourself, my friend. We will find a way to ensure those with bad intentions are not handed power.” Robespierre’s eyes are averted to the ground, but he looks contented: “Indeed.” A close up of Robespierre as he rubs his temples from the pressures of the day. “I will go home and write up-” His eyes open wide as Petion interrupts him, as if with the most intimidating of proposals: “You are attending Madame Roland’s dinner tonight, yes?” Robespierre turns to his friend reluctantly, who reacts with surprise. Robespierre: “Oh- well...Actually-” Petion: “You are declining AGAIN? You would surely not turn down the Rolands three times in a row?” Robespierre looks away with exhaustion, the dark rings are still evident around his eyes. “...I am sorry. It’s just...I am very tired at the moment.” Petion retorts back, ignoring his friend’s feelings: “YOU’RE tired? How do you think I Feel?! I am working on 5 different committees!” A close up of Robespierre, looking at the floor with a matter of fact sort of expression. “You shouldn’t complain. It is a privilege to work in such positions.” A close up of his hand still tapping against his leg. “I haven’t been asked to work on any committees.” Petion laughs joyfully: “OH, such a surprise! I could NEVER guess why that might be!” Robespierre looks at him with confusion: “You think there is a reason I am not invited into such positions?” A close up of Petion smiling warmly: “It’s like you said a moment ago- you say EXACTLY what you mean...and so, no one takes you seriously.” A long shot as the two friends walk through a street, the Tulliery gardens can be seen in the distance behind them. Petion continues to smile calmly. But Robespierre looks at him with an aghast expression: “WHAT? How can that be so? The truth should be taken seriously.” Petion responds: “You do not refrain yourself when speaking.” Robespierre indignantly defends himself, raising a finger in the air: “I BEG YOU. Give me one example- just one! Where my speaking without refrain has led to deputies giving me LESS respect.” Petion smirks back confidently: “Just ONE? Alright. Back in ‘89- you asked that the phrase for registering decrees be changed to:” The next panel cuts to the time Petion is referring to. Robespierre is stood up in the National Assembly, in his black deputy uniform, one hand adjusting his spectacles and the other behind his back. He has a perfectly serious expression on his face as he asks in earnest for a simple decree phrase to be changed to: “Louis, by the grace of God and by the will of the nation, King of the French, to all citizens of the French Empire: People, here is the law which your representatives have made, and to which I have affixed the Royal seal.” There is a moment of silence, as Robespierre sincerely waits for a response. All of the disinterested deputies around him have widened their eyes in bemusement. In the next panel, they have all fallen about in laughter. Robespierre looks around at everyone in genuine confusion. One deputy cries out: “We want no psalm-singing here, Robespierre!” Another haughtily pats Robespierre’s back, as if he’s made a brilliant joke: “It takes us long enough to debate these laws, we can’t take an hour to decree them!”
March 14, 2025 at 9:19 PM
theorah.bsky.social
I like to think there were many a moment where Robespierre was uh....freaking out...whilst the jolly and carefree Pétion just listened and nodded a long lol
I will also take this moment to say that tricorn hats are The Worst and I want to draw everyone indoors as much as possible.
Petion looks over at Robespierre with curiosity, as they walk through a street near the Assembly hall. He enquires: “Robespierre? You are displeased with our efforts?” His friend mumbles back, looking more engrossed in revelling in his anxiety than in paying attention to Petion, his finger is tapping against his leg: “Not displeased. Just...disappointed in Barnave.” A close up of Robespierre,hunched over in thought: “That he would argue against EVERY man’s right to vote…” Robespierre’s inner frustration explodes out of him as he raises his head and stretches out his hands in front of him: “Barnave! He’s a JACOBIN!” Petion smiles in a relaxed manner behind Robespierre, who is only getting increasingly worked up. He attempts to speak, but keeps getting interrupted by Robespierre’s ramblings: “He is one of our club’s most prominent members. It is a club dedicated to the constitution. A constitution that explicitly says-” Petion finally gets a word in, he is still smiling cheerfully, but with a raised eyebrow: “NOW, NOW, Robespierre. Do you really think everyone in the Jacobin Club is there for reasons of Virtue?” Robespierre calms down a little, fixing his eyes back to their position on the floor, a grimace on his face: “Hm. No.” Petion continues to smile warmly: “We are not all like yourself, my friemd-” A close up of Petion as he leans back his head and laughs heartily: “We do not all say EXACTLY what we are thinking!” The deputy looks out over the Parisian street, at the ordinary people going about their lives around him. “We both know Barnave is one such person. And we can be sure that many from the old elite hide their true intentions behind the popularity of the jacobins. They have not changed with the Revolution. They will try harness the power of the people for their own gains.” Robespierre looks up at Petion with concern: “Indeed. Why else would Barnave and his friends keep moving his opinions further to the right? But still...I find it difficult to tell who means what they say and who does not...And...I had always hoped to only find FRIENDS amongst the Jacobins.”
March 14, 2025 at 12:17 PM
theorah.bsky.social
My versions of French Revolutionaries vs their portraits 💜

Don't take the 'facts' on this video seriously, only about 20% of them are actually true- including the thing about Camille being a total brat lol
March 13, 2025 at 6:55 PM
theorah.bsky.social
The first panel on this update is *exactly* how people still react to Robespierre to this very day lol
Also, introducing the first in a long line of BFF's that ended...badly....💀It's Jérôme Pétion! He's easy going and optimistic, and good at keeping his friend grounded ahaha
#frenchrevolution
Robespierre thumps back down into his seat with a defiant and stubborn expression, in the center of the panel. On either side of him, deputies from to the left and right argue intensely with each other. A close up of Robespierre as he stares with a hard expression at the ground, dark shadows still surrounding his eyes. He suddenly looks up, his fiery eyes staring ahead. In the next panel, we follow Robespierre’s eyeline- he staring with anger at Barnave, who is still stood at the lectern, whilst deputies argue around him. Barnave catches Robespierre’s stare, and flinches. Robespierre continues to stare with anger at Barnave, although he looks anxious as well. But, his temper is cooled down, as a steady hand rests on his shoulder, a speech bubble emanating from the owner: “Robespierre.” A close up of Petion, who stares with a calm, contented and satisfied smile at Robespierre. He says: “That was well spoken, my friend.” A close up of Robespierre, as he gives a weary and worn down smile back: “...Thank you, Petion.” A long shot of the National Assembly building from the outside. Robespierre and Petion walk out together, amongst a mixture of deputies and common folk. Petion energetically waves a hand in the air. Robespierre in comparison, stares at the ground, deep in thought. Petion says: “Such progress we have made today in the Assembly, Robespierre! I believe we started the day with only a few allies. But I think perhaps now we will have many deputies on our side when we begin voting.” His friend barely responds, with a simple: “...hm.”
March 13, 2025 at 2:48 PM
theorah.bsky.social
May 1791- Robespierre clashes with other deputies, over the issue on voting rights for Black people.
ngl I love his 'perish the colonies' speech so much!
I was shouting 'yes, exactly!!' at the book when I first read it lol
His sentiment is as meaningful now as it was then.
A narration panel extends off the page, showing a black man in a wig- Vincent Oge- who has raised his fist in typical revolutionary defiance. The narration reads: “In May 1791, discussions on the place of slavery within France’s new constitution are raised- not for the first time. Tensions have been sparked again, when Vincent Oge is violently killed for his rebellion against the colonialist’s refusals to accept HIS RIGHT TO VOTE. The next panel introduces a new day in the National Assembly, and covers most of the background of the top half of the page- the scene shows a room crowded with deputies. Overlapping this scene is a close up of Barnave, a well kept looking deputy in a nice red coat and fine wig. Narration: “Robespierre finds himself once again at odds with other deputies- this time, a fellow JACOBIN: ANTOINE BARNAVE, a leader on the colonial committee.” Barnave speaks out to the Assembly: “The colonies must be able to make their own decsions on these laws concerning the rights of people of colour. This constitution that mainland France has adopted, is threatening the prosperity that our PROPERTY has allowed the nation to enjoy.” The next two panels show the different reactions from the Right and Left leaning deputies. To the Right, a posh looking aristocrat claps in agreement, saying: “Here, here. Giving rights to slaves is too much to ask when we have so much wealth in the colonies.” To the Left, the out spoken Abolitionist Abbe Gregoire folds his arms in irritation, commenting: “Hypocrites. These colonials have happily quoted the constitution before, when it suits white people.” There is a long shot of Barnave as he concludes his argument for keeping slavery in tact: “...Now is not the time to discuss these PHILOSOPHICAL matters of whether people of colour deserve rights.” A long shot of a bunch of deputies sat on the benches, listening intently to Barnaves argument. They murmer thoughtfully to each other when he is finished. Barnave says: “Surely you will not abandon the colonies, who have given you so much wealth in our time of regeneration? Do not choose your revolutionary principals over the stability we offer.” The deputies moment of reflection is interrupted by a shouting speech bubble to their left: “Do not overthrow the foundations of freedom with your own hands!” Robespierre stands up, various other deputies to the left sitting behind him with similarly resolute expressions. He has dark bags under his eyes for this entire scene, indicting his exhaustion. Still, Robespierre shouts out: “Perish the colonies! Even if it must cost you your happiness, your glory, your freedom. I repeat, PERISH THE COLONIES!” A close up of Barnave as he roles his eyes and folds his arms, muttering to himself with agitation: “ugh. Robespierre.” Robespierre’s words fly over his head: “If the colonists want through threats, to force us to decree what best suits their interests-” The speech bubble connects over to the next panel, where Robespierre is stood up defiantly. In the foreground, some uncertain and displeased deputies whisper to each other in reaction to his radical opinion. Robespierre gets more worked up as he continues: “I declare, in the name of all those in our nation, who want to be FREE-” He raises his voice, stepping forward with a raised fist, speed lines flashing behind him to show his intensity: “-That we will not sacrifice the constitution to the deputies of the colonies.” A series of close ups run along the top of the page: Robespierre’s shaking hand, which has crumpled in it the paper he had written his speech on. His angered and resolute face, his eyes still dark with exhaustion. His raised fist. His speech bubbles scatter across the panels: “I conclude that any other prospect, whatever it may be, is preferable!” Robespierre concludes his argument, a hand adjusting his glasses. He stands in the middle of a blank panel, in full focus: “And so I ask that the Assembly declare that free men of colour have the right to enjoy the rights of active citizens; I also ask the preliminary question for the committee’s article.” The deputies break out into an uproar of retaliation to Robespierre’s bold statement. Shouting things like: “You would rather the colonies PERISH?!” “You go too far, Robespierre!” “You will bring about the collapse of France for your constitution!”
March 6, 2025 at 8:29 PM
theorah.bsky.social
Robespierre makes it his mission to defend the rights of man!
The exasperated reactions in the last panel of this update really happened, I read the primary source- Robespierre was bringing up a *tiny detail* he wanted to make sure *was worded correctly* and other deputies were audibly groaning lmao
Robespierre looks out of his sunny window, the day is young and optimistic. The words of his letter overlap the page: “...The new constitution appears to me at least, to contain some basic defects which prevent good citizens from rejoicing. ...I think I will be here for a few months yet.” A blank panel blue panel is next, centring the comic’s narration as it takes over Robespierre’s own words: “Those months turn into years, as Robespierre makes it his MISSION to defend human rights.” The next panel jumps into the first of those years- Robespierre leans forward at the lectern with much passion. He says: “let us hope that it can never be policy, whatever people say, to condemn to degradation and oppression a multitude of men who live among us!” A purple box with information is pointed at him: “1789: Robespierre speaks in favour of giving voting rights to Jews and actors.” On the other side of Robespierre, three fellow deputies- Lafayette, Barnave and Petion, smile and clap with agreement at his statement. A narration box sits at the bottom of this page: “At first, the many progressives in the Assembly share his enthusiasm.” A narration box continues: “But, as the revolution continues, many deputies find they’ve had their fill of progress…” Another purple information box points to a passionate and bristling Robespierre: “1790: Robespierre speaks out against hunting being limited to land owners.” He says aloud, towards the same three deputies from the previous page, “Hunting must be free to all citizens without distinction!” The one deputy at the front, Petion, looks as full of the same vigour as on the last page. He claps and shouts “Bravo!” However, Barnave and Lafayette look unsure in comparison. Another narration box continues on to the next scene: “...Whilst Robespierre remains stubbornly to the left...with few allies by his side.” The next scene looks similar to the last two panels. But this time, Barnave and Lafayette have turned from uncertain to outright fatigued and irritated. Only Petion continues to support his friend Robespierre, who is shouting out from the lectern with a pile of speech papers and one hand adjusting his glasses. A purple information box points at him: “1791: Robespierre asks that an article about petition rights be WORDED IN A SPECIFIC WAY to ENSURE the rights of non-active citizens are protected.” Robespierre says: “The right of petition must above all be assured in all its integrity to the poorest and weakest class of citizens!” Petion calls out: “Vraiment!” Barnave mutters with annoyance: “Didn’t we quarrel over this yesterday?” and Lafayette pinches the ridge of his nose, saying: “This is absurd...”
March 6, 2025 at 5:16 PM
theorah.bsky.social
Using one of your comic panels, show us where you are mentally.
Robespierre, one of the very first ardently left leaning politicians of European history, says with a stern expression: "In politics, nothing is useful that is not just and honest;"
March 4, 2025 at 4:51 PM
theorah.bsky.social
Forgive me for infodumping my special interest, but these exact items were SO popular during French Revolution. I went to a museum in Paris last year and saw some Guillotine earrings on display- the little heads are a nice touch. No points for guessing who's heads those would be in a '25 version lol
guillotine ear rings from I think 1792-93. There is a liberty cap on top of the guillitine, and the head of King Louis hanging off the bottom.
March 1, 2025 at 10:00 PM
theorah.bsky.social
Chapter 3~ Deputy Robespierre is ready to start his life as a politician...
He's honest, full of integrity, and adamantly, *stubbornly* left leaning. But also, he struggles with the subtleties and demands of socialising/friendships. How will he navigate politics, when everyone thinks he's kinda odd?
A close up of a hand holding a nib pen. Narration reads: November 1789 Robespierre sits quietly at a sunny windowside table, an orange next to him. He isn’t wearing his iconic wig in the privacy of his home, showing a rare glimpse of the man behind the image of a politician. A Narration box overlaps: The 31 year old deputy, Maximilien Robespierre, has been helping in building a new France for the last five months. He writes home to a friend:” A close up of the sunny windowsill, revealing an optimistic view of Paris outside. Narration overlaps, the box this time has a rugged textured outline, suggesting the words are Robespierre’s rather than the comic’s: “Feudal Aristocracy has been all but annihilated; The greatest abuses seem to have disappeared at the wish of the representatives of the nation.” A close up of Robespierre, staring down at his letter reflectively: “Will we be free? I think we may still ask this question.”
March 1, 2025 at 5:03 PM
theorah.bsky.social
Mile's observation of Robespierre is fascinating- it predicts his rise to power a long time before it happened, whilst highlighting how little anyone at the time thought such a thing could happen. You see, for a long time, even left leaning Nobles thought the revolution was for them, and them only.
Robespierre steps down from the lectern, falling back into obscurity as he disappears into the crowd, who look on with smiles and applause at a considerably more confident Jacobin taking his turn to make a speech. Narration overlaps: “He is growing every hour into consequence, and strange to relate, the whole National Assembly hold him cheap, consider him insignificant,” The Englishman speaks to Lafayette, Lameth, and Barnave- all Deputies in the National Assembly, and aristocrats. They look at this man with cynical expressions. Narration: “When I mentioned to some of them my suspicions that he would be the man of sway in a short time…” The three men fall about with laughter, the Englishman looking at them with surprise and confusion. Narration: “...I was laughed at.” A close up of the Englishman’s hand as he writes his letter. It is surrounded by a ominous cloudy background. The man is revealed over half of the page, writing by candlelight in the darkness. Narration overlaps, the style of speech bubble suggests the narration is no longer from the Englishman himself, but going back to that of the overall comic as it explains the history: “This observation of Robespierre was written in 1791, by William Miles. He was at the time, working as a SECRET AGENT for the British Prime Minister.” A long shot showing the horizon line of 18th century Paris. The sun sets over darkened houses, creating a sky that is mixed in colours of night blue, and blood red. Narration: “...For as Paris was becoming swept up in the optimism of the revolution, a threat was quietly unfolding before its people. In only a year’s time, France would be threatened with invasion from neighbouring countries, and plunged into war.”
February 28, 2025 at 2:39 PM
theorah.bsky.social
The words here are taken from a real life letter by William Miles. He describes the 'plain', nerdy, *thoroughly determined* Robespierre so well.
A little note for historical context: 'Republican' here has very different meaning to modern day, meaning here 'someone hellbent on democracy/equality'
The Englishman looks out towards Lafayette, who is speaking with grand gestures at the lectern. In the crowd behind him, a small man barely stands out, as he patiently waits to take his turn in making a speech. Narration overlaps: “There is one man who speaks almost every night...Maximilien Robespierre.” A close up of Robespierre. He stands meekly behind Lafayette, who finishes his grand speech. As Lafayette leaves the lectern, he bumps into Robespierre, muttering a disinterested apology. Robespierre awkwardly and frantically picks up his speech notes that have been scattered on the floor. Narration: “He is plain...unaffected in his manners...no foppery in his dress...and with none of the volatility of a frenchman.” A close up of Robespierre’s feet as he takes the steps to the lectern. It seems as if once he steps up to make a speech, all the awkwardness and shyness that is normally in his nature disappears. Narration: “I do not enter into the question of government, but I say that Robespierre is BONAFIDE a republican.” Robespierre looks down at his papers and adjusts his glasses. Narration overaps: “I say that nothing which the King could bestow on him, were his majesty to bestow anything…” When the young man looks back up, his expression is suddenly one of resolute determination and passion. Narration: “...COULD WARP THIS MAN FROM HIS PURPOSE”. Robespierre begins to speak, the familiar images we have seen throughout the comic of his Utopian dreams of Equality flow out over the audience. The Englishman looks on with fascination. Narration: “I watch him closely every night. I read his countenance with eyes steadily fixed on him. He really is a character to be contemplated;”
February 27, 2025 at 2:42 PM
theorah.bsky.social
where is the quality control?? How much are they underpaying to make such rushed work on a printed book??
February 16, 2025 at 1:12 PM