Kyle's expressions are amazing throughout, but that look of cautious hope in the last panel really got me. It's always so humbling when someone broken starts to let you into their little bubble.

Points well taken, Lost. The range of facial expresions in this single comic really runs the spectrum of subleties. You can almost see Kyle's mind churning around for something uplifting to say as Shane just seems to drift deeper from melancholy into a sardonic despondency.

But, then ... for a moment ... totally unexpected, it's not Kyle but Shane who offers the warmth of a hand on the shoulder, a gesture of appreciation rather out of character. Even though Shane's parting comments warn Kyle against anything resembling optomism, the mood of the conversation seems to suggest brighter possibilities might yet emerge between the two beyond dark nights, dark thoughts, and cold beers.

Incidentally, the colorations are very delicate and clean, given the darkness of the background . Nice work, Mittens.

omg thank you, your comment made my heart melt.. you've captured everything so well!

yes, this is exactly what I wanted to portray in this episode
Kyle have never tried to comfort someone that broken as Shane is, so his confusion and hopes are quite sincere there

Too well i feel Shane there, when you talk to a depressed person... yeah it's very hard to find the needed words able to raise up their mood almost fallen inside of an eternal black hole. The hopes are freaking low, but with the right support and some true friend ready to help in any possible way, to escape from that black hole is definitely possible! 🧡
I love how hard Kyle tries to cheer him up and fix up Shane's doubts.. i can sense one day them will become great friends! 😉👍

An outstanding 2 heart cutscene with Shane, dear Mittens! 😊

thanks a lot :3
of'course they're not friends yet but that was sure a start

You're welcome :D
Oh yes an already important start of their possible future friendship~