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Today, we're excited to spotlight the creative world of Juniper Abernathy. Through comics and illustrations, the artist behind the 'Cyelatm' series blends humor, emotion, and sharp observation to capture moments that feel both relatable and quietly profound. With a simple yet expressive style, their work explores everyday experiences, personal reflections, and the small quirks of life that often go unnoticed.

Scroll down to enjoy a curated selection of Juniper Abernathy’s best strips, and see why so many readers connect with their unique voice and perspective.

More info: Instagram | cyelatm.tumblr.com | cyelatm-archive.tumblr.com | patreon.com

Bored Panda reached out to the artist behind the series to learn more about how their comics came to life and what inspires them. Reflecting on their beginnings, the cartoonist shared that they started making comics in middle school, around the age of 13. “I had been reading comics like Garfield, Calvin and Hobbes, and The Simpsons from a very young age,” they explained, adding that discovering webcomics such as Penny Arcade, Dinosaur Comics, and Achewood was a turning point. “That’s when I realized I could make my own comics and potentially share them online one day.”

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    At the time, comics became an important way to communicate. “I used to draw comics on the back of my schoolwork during class, and my classmates found them really funny,” the artist said. Since verbal humor didn’t always come easily, drawing became a more natural form of expression. When their work started receiving positive feedback on online forums - places known for being especially critical - it helped build confidence. “That’s when I began to think I might actually have a talent for it.”

    #4

    Black and white comic panels with a character preparing soup, chopping vegetables, and feeding rats in a relatable comic style.

    cyelatm Report

    LakotaWolf (she/her)
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 week ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Rats make awesome pets! They're super smart, can be affectionate, and are cute! Oh wait, those aren't domestic pet rats that the búm-headed person allowed inside....

    Phineas Porch
    Community Member
    1 week ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Lakota why do I see you on every bored panda article help

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    Lotekguy
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 week ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That's nicer than where I thought it was headed. I was afraid he'd let the rats in to become ingredients.

    #5

    Comic strip by Cyelatm featuring characters discussing Lord of the Rings, highlighting relatable cultural and intellectual gaps.

    cyelatm Report

    joann fielding
    Community Member
    1 week ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Movies?! You didn't read the books first?! PPHFFFTTT!!! Lol

    Lotekguy
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 week ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "Go play with all the pricey merch you bought, and leave me alone!"

    When it comes to ideas, the artist explained that the most successful ones often come from real life. “Most of the ideas that have resonated the most with people come from real-life interactions, especially conversations with my partner Liz or with friends,” they shared. “There’s something about the energy of real human interaction that sparks ideas I can’t seem to generate on my own.” Still, imagination plays its role. At times, the characters feel like they exist somewhere else entirely: “It feels like the characters exist on a separate plane inside my head, where I can observe them living their lives and draw inspiration from that.”

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    #6

    Black and white comic by Cyelatm featuring humorous T-shirts with relatable messages about daily struggles.

    cyelatm Report

    LakotaWolf (she/her)
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 week ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Who doesn't, though? XD EDIT: if you don't, you should!! XD

    The cartoonist also acknowledged that not all inspiration comes from light moments. “There were periods when my comics were a way of expressing deep mental anguish,” they admitted. Looking back can sometimes feel uncomfortable, but honesty has always been important. “I like to think I’ve always kept things honest and personal, even when it wasn’t pretty.”

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    #9

    Black and white comic by Cyelatm showing characters discussing being bullied as a child, reflecting relatable emotions.

    cyelatm Report

    sbj
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 week ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Sadly, this happens to so many of us

    Monty for Bananaperson
    Community Member
    1 week ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I am currently being bullied and I like to make art. However, the two are unrelated.

    RandoPandoFano (She/Her)
    Community Member
    4 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I learned the many purposes of a staircase wall.

    Meg Inwood
    Community Member
    1 week ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "What made you want to do art?" "Everything hurt. Hell, now that I've finally arrived at a place in my life where *not* everything hurts, I have no idea how to be someone I recognize."

    Toasts
    Community Member
    1 week ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Then we have i was a****d as a child

    The minimalist style the comics are known for wasn’t entirely planned from the start. “It wasn’t a fully conscious choice at first,” the cartoonist explained. “The minimalist style developed naturally as a practical and emotional necessity.” Simpler drawings made it easier to focus on timing, expression, and ideas, and over time that simplicity became intentional. “I realized that this simplicity actually helped the humor and emotions come through more clearly.”

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    As for favorite characters, the artist doesn’t have just one. “I don’t really have a single favorite character,” they said. What matters more is exploring emotions and situations that feel genuine. “Some comics lean more toward absurd humor, while others are more personal or introspective, and I enjoy moving between those tones depending on what feels right at the time.”

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    #30

    Black and white comic panels showing a character complimenting cool pants that humorously fit awkwardly, relatable comic by Cyelatm.

    cyelatm Report

    LakotaWolf (she/her)
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 week ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    ...as opposed to finding them in a dumpster? XD

    #31

    Black and white comic panels by Cyelatm showing characters reflecting on fun times and packing up with a toxic gas canister.

    cyelatm Report

    LakotaWolf (she/her)
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 week ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Uh, no, sorry, a comic about committing suícide as a group activity with other people with a canister of "poisonous gas" does not feel "relatable" at all, and this is coming from someone who has attempted suícide before.

    Lothar Soran
    Community Member
    1 week ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I thought this one was the guy going over to meet his friends that he lost. Considering that the speech bubbles seem to come from nowhere. Also, it's a comic, its not meant to be taken literally. Some folks are sensitive seemingly and projecting pretty hard. It's dark humour. It's not literally advocating s*****e....

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    See Also on Bored Panda