Just Comics' Commitment To Reduce Suffering
It seems wherever they can, brands are increasingly capitalizing on a universal movement towards more ecologically sustainable methods of operations. Whether it be ethically sourced fabrics in fashion, vegan alternatives within the food industry, or cruelty-free concoctions within beauty, these changes are all signifiers of changes within consumer demands and culture. Well-intentioned or not, corporations pushing for sustainability help serve as a reminder to us all of the collective damage we've caused to our own home.
Amidst all the corporate deceit and uncertainty, there are some individuals who remain undeterred and true to their own values. They use their platforms to speak their hearts and hope others follow suit. Comic book artist Joan Chan, also known as Just Comics, makes it her duty and obligation to help mitigate the suffering animals and harm to our Earth. How? You may ask. Of course through comics!
Art is often seen as a perceived direct reflection of society. From literature, to dance, music, and especially comics, art progresses, influenced by the zeitgeist of an era. Just Comics is a matter-of-fact commentary on humanity's abusive relationships with nature. She explores the apathetic out-of-site, out-of-mind mentality and other issues harming wildlife.
Please read more to learn about Just Comics and her work.
Where are you based?
I grew up in Hong Kong, but became a nomad this year. I am currently staying in between the Philippines and Thailand.
How did you start drawing comics? What influenced your style?
I've been drawing as long as I can remember. Conventional school was too boring. This was my way to cope with the world when I was young. Japanese animation influenced me a lot.
You create comics advocating and encouraging the world to reduce suffering for animals and help the environment. What sparked this passion in you?
I think it’s a very rational response to the enormous suffering subjected to animals. They are all sentient beings. Compassion should not be denied from animals designated for "production".
Sometimes I found it a bit weird to use “passion” for activist work. There was a Medium article about "I hate doing animal rights activism” that I feel resonates with me. It’s not passion. It's an obligation toward injustice. It’s stressful to have to keep witnessing all the horror.
I found my obligation after I understood the scale of human exploitation toward animals. The world that we are living in is still grinding billions of male baby chicks alive, caging millions of mother pigs in a space so narrow that she can’t even turn around in for her whole life… it's all business as usual.
Are you vegan? How common is veganism in Hong Kong?
Yes, I stopped eating animals 15 years ago, vegan for eight years. In Hong Kong, veganism is not so common, but more people are choosing to consume less meat for environmental reasons, especially the younger generation.
Is it difficult to find vegan food in Hong Kong?
Most restaurants in Hong Kong don’t have vegan options on their menu. However, it’s getting more popular. It has never been easier to adopt a plant-based diet. We see vegan food popping out everywhere and it's getting more convenient, cheap and tasty.
You've stated that "China alone produces half of the world’s fish and a quarter of the world’s farm animals." What are some specific changes you would like to see implemented regarding the treatment of animals in China? How would you convince citizens to rethink dietary norms and cultural traditions associated with meat consumption?
The number is big because China has 1.4 billion people. With economic growth, people can afford to have more meat, and also can export more animal products. The average meat consumption per capita is relatively low in China, compared to more developed countries.
The Traditional Chinese diet is mostly a whole-food, plant-based diet. Meat is just a luxury. For example, my mother who's in her fifties now, could only have chicken during the Chinese New Year in her childhood.
Even in developed countries, it’s difficult to ask people to adopt a more plant-based diet. Oxford Martin School has an article on the BBC, that stated “While we may think that meat is becoming less popular, US consumption in 2018 was close to its highest in decades. It's a similar picture of meat consumption in the EU.”
I think we need to make plant-based eating easy, yummy and cheap, so it will be easier for people to make the transition. We need more people with awareness to support and advocate for this transition. It's important to spread the message and keep doing activism. It's not just a diet but a social justice issue. Factory farming is doing too much harm to the animals, the environment and our health.
You recently partnered with Water For Free. Can you tell us a little bit about this app and organization? Why is what they are doing so important?
They are a non-profit organization aiming to reduce plastic bottle use by having people bring their own bottles, and have developed an app to locate all the water fountains in HK. Their work is so important since Hong Kong produces seven million plastic bottles of waste every year.
In addition to Water For Free, you have worked with PETA Asia, HK Shark Foundation, and HK Veg society. Can you tell us a bit about your work with these organizations?
I was working for them as a campaigner, coordinator, doing work from research organizing events, managing social media and campaigns, and contacting media.
What steps would you like to see people make towards helping our earth and treating animals better?
Try to eat as few animals as possible. Recently, new research from Our World Data suggests if we want to reduce our carbon footprint, focus on what we eat, not whether our food is local. Transport accounts for only 6% of food emissions.
At the same time, support all the campaigns that help. For example supporting a campaign that asks corporations to improve animal welfare (eg cage-free eggs), so animals can have a less miserable life.
What is your motto in life?
“reduce suffering”
To learn more about Joan Chan and Just Comics, please follow her via the below platforms: https://www.thelifeyoucansave.org/
Instagram: justcomics_official
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