Last night, I read chapter 903 of One Piece for the first time, and it got me feeling a little sappy and sentimental. So I wrote this thread.

Topics include: The state of Planet Panic and my career, and some light One Piece spoilers for the Big Mom arc(1/11)

After Planet Panic dropped to amazing reception in 2018, I’ve had some highs and some devastating lows. I’ve spent a lot of time questioning my self-worth as a creative, an artist, and human being in general. The awful state of the world the past few months hasn’t helped. (2/11)

Last year, after a particularly brutal 24 hour period where I had to make a crucial decision, I discovered what a panic attack was. It challenged me in ways I didn’t think were possible. But I got through it, I got stronger. (3/11)

The process of getting a show greenlit is excruciating. You have to pour your whole heart into something that is then looked over and scrutinized. It requires constant compromise and sacrifice and pivoting and adapting. The threat of failure looms heavy over your head. (4/11)

Sometime this year, the fate of Planet Panic as a show will be decided, and subsequently the future of my career. I can't say much beyond that. I have no control over this decision, I just have to trust the amazing people who have been helping me along the way. (5/11)

Last August, I committed to finally reading through One Piece. Last night, I read the chapter where Luffy, after a particularly brutal encounter, becomes recognized as a Pirate Emperor. There was something so incredibly cathartic about it. (6/11)

I was a very early fan of One Piece, but I haven’t been an active reader for many years. I fell off around Skypeia. However, I’ve always felt a kinship with Monkey D. Luffy. I even cosplayed as him in a big group in 2014! (7/11)

Reading chapter 903 really set something off. I’m getting choked up even writing this. If that fictional goofball can become a pirate emperor, then maybe I can accomplish my dreams too. And as heartbreaking as it it will be, I can’t let the threat of failure stop me. (8/11)

There’s something magical about fiction. You know it’s not real, but seeing endless possibility is enough to keep us going. I wish I had read One Piece sooner, but I also think I’m reading it exactly when I needed to. I’m just sorry I’m late to the party!! (9/11)

I don’t really post much because I value my privacy and kinda hate social media, but I’m thankful for the audience I have. I’m constantly floored by the kind things people tell me about my work, and that keeps me going. (10/11)

Thanks for reading all of that!!! I wouldn’t be anywhere without my friends, my family, and my fans. You are my Nakama… And maybe someday I can be the Pirate King. (11/11)