Normal Not Found follows Ren, a thirty-something wannabe writer stuck in a soul-crushing retail job, struggling with bipolar disorder and a creeping sense of failure. Between manic bursts of creativity and crippling self-doubt, Ren can’t seem to finish a sentence, let alone a novel. As he rides the highs and lows of life, he can’t help but wonder if the universe is trolling him.
This webcomic explores life with bipolar disorder and includes references to depression, suicidal ideation, anxiety, and trauma. While we approach these topics with a mix of humor and honesty, we understand that they may be sensitive or triggering for some readers. Please take care of yourself.
If you ever find yourself needing more than a comic to get through the night, support is available.
The Characters
Ren
He is a thirty-something wannabe writer who handles life’s chaos by making fun of it as his mood swings like a wrecking ball. But he copes by roasting his breakdowns as life’s twisted dark comedy.
Milo
An imaginary friend, though calling him a friend is a stretch—he’s more of a grim, ever-present shadow Ren can’t shake. Cynical and detached, Milo lingers like a silent reminder that “We’re in this together—except you’re on your own, and I’m just here to watch.”
Max
An imaginary counterpart to Milo, Max is a whirlwind of chaos and reckless optimism, convinced every wild idea is worth chasing. He drags Ren into spontaneous adventures, sure that any disaster can turn into an epic story.
Salem
Ren’s best friend and coworker at Star-Mart, a place they reluctantly drag themselves to daily. She dresses in black, always looks annoyed, and gives off the vibe of someone who’s entirely over life’s nonsense but still shows up.
Dr. Piggott
Ren’s therapist is a no-nonsense conservative who believes self-discipline is the cure for everything—even mental health. His rants about society’s decline are strangely comforting, and he’s just warm enough to make Ren feel like there’s hope.
Doug
Ren’s arch-nemesis and coworker, a bitter, creepy guy who thinks he’s Salem’s savior. He spends his days taking cheap shots at Ren with passive-aggressive remarks and failed sabotage attempts, but mostly, he’s just a reminder that misery loves company.
Brenda
Ren’s supervisor is a walking Pinterest board who turns every little problem into a crisis and believes good vibes can fix anything. Her go-to advice? “Have you tried journaling?” or “Just breathe, it’ll all work out.”
The Artist
Devin is an army brat who landed in Southern California’s high desert in the mid-90s where he’s been sweating ever since. He’s a smartass who loves dick and fart jokes and horror movies and would totally have sex with a pizza if he wasn’t in a committed relationship.
When he’s not making comics, he’s probably overthinking everything, yelling at his computer, or debating whether existential dread counts as a hobby.