Whitney Wasson / @soberrabbit / comics & comedy
Sober Rabbit
Sober Rabbit is a comic about the substance-free hijinks of Rabbit, a moody rabbit and recovering alcoholic in Chicago, and their attempt to get their shit together. Rabbit is joined by their best friend Brenda, a tall, anxious pigeon struggling with disordered eating, as well as other animals like Shelby, a perpetually lovelorn squirrel and ex-heroin addict.
While this comic is very cute, it is definitely for adults; although I do not write content warnings for my comics, readers may expect to read stories involving drug use, suicide, self-harm, violence of all kinds and regrettable, cringey drunk texts.
Sober Rabbit was published on Instagram from 2019-2022 and will now live here! You're welcome to still follow me Instagram and Facebook for updates about store merch, links to interviews and news, and special events. I intend to update a few times a month!
I'm so pleased that it's grown to have a lovely community of devoted readers all over the world, 50+ Patreon patrons and an active fanbase of folks in recovery (and not) who have become my friends. If you've read my comics or bought them, thank you! Scroll down to learn more about latest news, the characters and more!
- Whitney
Latest Comic
I'm migrating the comic from Instagram to here. Soon you will be able to read the comic chronologically!
In the meantime, enjoy some new comics! Read old ones here.
Events
Sober Rabbit Art Sale Pop-Up
Sunday, April 23 | 5-8 p.m.
Bendición Dry Bar
2540 W. Division St, Chicago, IL
No cover, drop in when you like! Please note: Masks are required for entry at this event.
Want some original artwork for your walls but you aren't sure where to start? At this Sober Rabbit art sale, you'll be able to browse one-of-a-kind, handmade artwork that is ready to hang. Online shopping can be a headache - visit in person and handle the art yourself. Buying it directly from the artists means you'll also get a jolt of serotonin for supporting an indie artist, y'know?
While you're there, check out Bendición Dry Bar's beautiful, booze-free bottle shop and try a spirit-less drink. You can also browse artwork by other local vendors and check out Succulent City's glorious plant selection, too! Drop in any time between 5-8 p.m.
Facebook users, RSVP here for reminders about when the event is coming up!
News
No Proof Podcast Interview
I had a great time talking with Columbus-basednon-alcoholic beverage profesh (and former comedian) Joshua Gandee talking about Sober Rabbit and the American obsession with drinking booze. Listen to this episode to learn more about the comic and how sometimes talking about recovery means talking about monotony and being (ugh) stable!!
Chicago Reader Interview
Oh snap! I'm featured in the Reader! Check out this nice profile of me and Sober Rabbit by Jonah Nink:
"In December, three years and a pandemic later, Wasson released a comic book in print, Scars and Strips Forever, which highlights panels from Sober Rabbit’s Instagram posts and more. They said it was a rare opportunity to take a holistic look inward at how the series had progressed.
Rabbit’s adventures cover subjects ranging from death and grief to disability and LGBTQ+ relationships. Sober Rabbit strips are concerned mostly with daily struggles and small victories. Wasson says that giving an honest look at the recovery process was paramount."
Best of Chicago Nomination!
In a wild stroke of luck, I'm also nominated for Best of Chicago in the Reader in three categories.
Best Comics Writer - Whitney Wasson
Best Comics Illustrator - Whitney Wasson
Best Zine - "How To Be Sober" by Whitney Wasson
Visit the ballot page and click on Arts & Culture, then choose your favorites for each category. Best Comics Writer and Best Comics Illustrator are close together, then scroll down a bit for Best Zine.
Comedy Gazelle Art Feature
Love getting to be in Comedy Gazelle, the best indie mag about Chicago comedy. Jerry does a great job rounding up good interviews, funny essays, local artists and I love seeing Tom Ryan's incredible cover art in each issue! Check out the latest issue for some comics and art from meee.
University of Toronto Interview
University of Toronto student Meherzeen Daruwala used me as the subject of an assignment for school! Download the PDF here if you'd like to read the interview.
Webcomics
The Farewell Party
If you haven't read the comic before, you can start with this flashback story, The Farewell Party. This is an expansion of a comic I drew on Instagram. It's 15 pages and you can click through to read it. While you can zoom in on a phone, it's probably best to read it on a desktop.
Accessibility note: right now, it is not screen reader friendly. I'm working on this! Bear with me as I learn new programs. :)
About the story: It's 2005 and Sober Rabbit is actually just Bunny, a self-conscious and impressionable high school senior who is anxious about starting community college. Rabbit's two best friends, Turtle and Possum, have wrangled a going away party, thrown by some older kids. What will happen at their last hurrah?
Thematically, this is a lot like what I will be writing in my first long-form Sober Rabbit book, which I have been working on for a few years now.
Wait, where's the rest?!
I am in the midst of moving the comic from Instagram over here. Very soon, you'll be able to read the comic chronologically here! Whee!
In the meantime, you can catch up by going to Instagram and scrolling alllll the way down. (I know, I know - that's why it's moving here!)
Print Comics, Minis & Zines
How To Be Sober Zine
This silly, positive 10 page mini-comic is about the in's and out's of navigating sobriety when you're new. They're small! 5 x 5"-ish (guessing here) multi-color card stock booklet, held together with cute brads. Each one is hand cut and bound by me, so no two comics are alike. Get it on Big Cartel.
It's also nominated for Best Zine in the Best of Chicago 2022 poll! Vote for me if you like.
Scars and Strips Forever
It’s the first Sober Rabbit comic! This standard size, 24 page comic book includes highlights from the @soberrabbit Instagram from 2019-2022, plus a new 6 page intro about Rabbit's first foray into 12 step meetings.
It’s a great introduction to the comic and a colorful, cute book to leave on your coffee table so people will think you’re interesting.
Professionally printed in Schaumburg by Mixam, this comic will last a long time!!
Want me to sign it and doodle something cute? Let me know in the order notes. Get it on Big Cartel!
My first mini-comic AND the first Sober Rabbit spin-off!
Shelby issue #1 sets up the story of the shy squirrel, who tries to help out an acquaintance in need.
It's 20 pages, with a soft, recycled construction paper cover.
This item is sold out in my online store but you may be able to grab one at Bendicion Dry Bar or Howling Pages!
Merch
I have two online stores - Threadless, which is print-to-order apparel and accessories (printed and shipped by the Threadless team in Chicago) and Big Cartel, which is a virtual storefront for original art, acrylic pins and comics (packed and shipped by me!) Visit each store for links to categories of items. For any questions about shipping, gift wrapping, or wholesale orders, please email me before placing your order. If you like my merch and want me to design yours, check out more samples here.
Patreon
Have you heard of Patreon? It's a subscription platform where you can sign up to support your favorite artists on a monthly basis. My subscription tiers range from $3-20 a month. By subscribing, you'll help me focus on my own art, instead of freelancing for other people. Rewards include weekly comics, coloring pages, and -- at the highest tier -- artwork in the mail! NEW: Pay for a year subscription and get a big discount! Check out the Patreon page to learn more.
Hire Me!
I'm a freelance cartoonist, illustrator, and graphic designer, among other things! I've drawn everything from logos to show posters to tattoos. I'm open for commissions. Email me or use the contact form below!