Long Covid Podcast 79 - Michael Towers - Chronic Fatigue Superhero
Apr 12, 2023
Michael Towers, creator of the Chronic Fatigue Superhero comics and chronic illness advocate, shares his journey creating a comic and book while very unwell. He talks about using humour and imagination to cope. He explores community reactions, the solidarity the superhero represents, collaborating with his wife and followers, and plans for a second book.
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Humour Lands Differently Inside The Community
- The comics work because they are an in-joke for people with chronic illness; those who haven't experienced it may find the same panels sad rather than funny.
- Michael noted that sensitivity and lived experience let him joke without mocking the condition, so the community accepted the humour warmly.
Book Made With Two Hands And Many Pauses
- Michael drew early comics while so weak he couldn't colour them, so his wife coloured and posted them for him.
- He suffered an eight-month period when he couldn't lift his hand, creating long gaps before he resumed drawing and eventually reached 52 strips.
Use Five Minute Sessions To Build Big Projects
- Do small consistent actions when energy is limited; five minutes of drawing counted for Michael and eventually produced a book over years.
- He reframed output by valuing tiny chunks rather than the original timeline, letting work accumulate despite flares and multi-month breaks.
