Eliza and Her Monsters

As Eliza’s passion and creation, the Monstrous Sea webcomic represents creativity, escapism, joy, and self-worth. The webcomic is Eliza’s obsession, and she treats it with love, respect, and adoration. She makes it “because there’s something inside of [her], crushed around [her] heart, that says [she] must do it. This is what [she] was put on Earth to create, for [her] and for [her] fans” (9). The act of creating the comic is an enjoyable escape from everyday life, where she often feels misunderstood and unhappy. She fills it with powerful fantasy characters who bring her and many others comfort, entertainment, and bliss. In fact, she cares about Monstrous Sea more than anything, solidifying it as a source of purpose and joy. Only through being LadyConstellation does Eliza find value in herself; her work gives her confidence and propels her journey of self-love.

Toward the conclusion, the comic also functions as a source of conflict and guilt for Eliza because she’s lost her motivation to work on it. Eliza doesn’t feel worthy unless she’s a successful creator, like she’s doing herself, the fans, and the story a disservice: “I feel like I’m letting the story down. Like I’m not worthy of it because I couldn’t finish it” (336).