3 replies to this topic

[Revereche]

Quick backstory: I was homeschooled in the middle of nowhere by hermitish parents for the majority of my childhood, save for a couple years in my preteens, when we lived in some apartments and I really got to socialize.

In 2003, right as I hit puberty, we moved back out to the country. It was also this year that I discovered Zebra Girl.

What followed was a long trial of depression and feelings of extreme isolation. Reading Zebra Girl was cathartic - as she was trapped and felt her humanity slipping away, so did I. Jack and Crystal paralleled my parents, assuring me that I had them.

In 2008, I was finally old enough to move out on my own, around the time Sandra broke out and gave in to her demonic urges. As I gained my own freedom, I couldn't help but cheer her on in gaining hers. Of course, also like Sandra, the experience was tainted by lingering depression, and fears of being monstrously different from others.

Of course, those soon gave way to more human fears, like bills and getting a job, right as Sandra regained her humanity only to despise it. Mr. Chalk even works as a perfect metaphor for my recurring suicidal urges at the time, culminating in an actual attempt.

After they've hit their head, things seem to be cooling down and cheering up a bit for both of us. While Sandra gets her pep talks from Viv, I'm finally in a place in life where I can really say I'm happy.

Nine years, now. It's been a fun ride, Zebra Girl . . . though I'm a little terrified of what'll happen next.

[Joe England]

So am I. I suppose that's life. A little terror keeps us on our toes. Fear can be detrimental, certainly, but it's also something of a necessary evil. A fact which Sandra will continue to demonstrate.
Thanks for opening up, Revereche. It's as good a milestone for Zebra Girl's twelfth birthday as I could have asked for. I hope your life continues in a generally upward spiral!

Actually, I was home-schooled too, for a while. Funny how things work out.

[Revereche]

I hope so, too. But, it's easier to take the bad now that I have some security things will ever improve =)

I keep running into fellow homeschoolers! Given how little I hear about them, it's always surprising.

[Omega]

Ah, this really makes me feel old. Then again, I am growing older.

I think I found Zebra Girl 2002, which would make it ten years ago. I would also have a story how growing up with this comic and how it played a small role in my life, but that's really none of anyone's business but mine

It has been a wild ride, not counting the hiatuses, but now my life is become more complicated and requires more and more of my time. That means that I can spare less of my devotion to these forums as I used to

Nevertheless, Zebra Girl still remains as one of the finest comics in the whole internet and I will keep drooling over the upcoming updates and the next volume of the printed book.

Blessing and all things good to be with you, Mr England.