37 Comics That Start Off Normal And End With A Twist You Didn’t See Coming

What started as a Pokémon parody eventually became something bigger. “I’ve always been inspired by the comics I read growing up,” Tyson shares. And it shows—in Glenwell, doodle-like simplicity meets a surprisingly fleshed-out world full of character-driven humor and endearing nonsense. Tyson, Karl, and Samo—the comic’s core trio—anchor the story with their chaotic energy and relatable awkwardness, much of it drawn loosely from Lloyd’s own life.

He’s currently based in Ottawa, where he once attended the Ottawa International Animation Festival’s Teen Day as a student. “It was a field trip where we watched some films and learned about the animation industry,” he recalls. While he jokes that he didn’t actually get recruited by a pro (“That’s a joke!”), the experience clearly left a mark.

Though he knows a few artists in real life, when it comes to the specific niche of gag-a-day cartoonists, Lloyd admits, “Nah. Not in person. I haven’t met anyone else who really does the American-style funny paper stuff.” His passion for that format is clear—his long-term dream is to get Glenwell syndicated someday. “That’s years from now, lol,” he says, but the commitment is already there.

As for branching into other comics? “Maybe. But right now I’m focused on this one,” he adds.

Like many cartoonists, Lloyd draws from what he knows best. “Big Nate was my favorite strip growing up. I also read Peanuts and Calvin and Hobbes. My math teacher had a bunch of Garfield books too.” That mix of classics continues to influence his style, especially the blend of dry humor and quiet absurdity that defines Glenwell.

Outside of comics, he’s still navigating the ups and downs of being a twelfth grader. “My grades are good right now—that’s the main reason I’ve been posting more,” he says. He’s also working on a clay sculpture of MF DOOM’s mask in art class (“It’s not looking good”) and enjoying lunchtime basketball with his friends now that the weather’s warming up—despite a recent snowstorm. “Bipolar weather going crazy,” he laughs.

And yes, he took his grad photo at the last minute. “Didn’t even get a haircut,” he admits. But that’s part of the charm—Glenwell might be fictional, but the world behind it is as real (and relatable) as it gets.