The Things We Stock Up On

A short comic about the psychology of panic-buying

6-panel comic about the weird things we stock up on in times of uncertainty and scarcity. The panels illustrate a cartoon girl with a bun talking to an elephant about insecurity leading to an impulse to panic-buy strange things. Titled "The Things We Stock Up On," 2026, by Connie Sun.

This week, I had the impulse to act on my anxieties and prepare for the worst. What do I need to live? Non-perishable foods and consumer staples? Or do I follow my default impulses? I noticed how my brain reaches for odd comforts that are not entirely practical. Maybe even frivolous. They did feel essential to me in the moment.

I don’t mean to make light of anything that is happening. I’m just noticing quirks of my own psychology and asking myself what impulses I should listen to or quell.

That said, I did buy more ink to refill my pens with so that I don’t run out. Frivolous? An odd fixation? Maybe. But it did bring me a momentary sense of comfort and relief.

Sketchbook drawing of pen and ink, by Connie Sun, 2026.

I imagine we all have our own ways that we’re dealing. Wishing you everything you need and some extra comforts too.

Thanks for reading and being here.

Art Description: 6-panel comic about the weird things we stock up on in times of uncertainty and scarcity. The panels illustrate a cartoon girl with a bun talking to an elephant about insecurity leading to an impulse to panic-buy strange things. In the last panel, they find that their priorities differ. Titled "The Things We Stock Up On," 2026, by Connie Sun.

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