Evelyn Ramiel (xey/xeir) is a content editor for EHN. After completing an MA at York University about human-microbe relations on Japanese warships, xey are writing a dissertation on the ecological and animal history of Japanese character merchandise, also at York University. On xeir off days, xey create and publish personal zines that range from collage picture books to surrealist visual essays about digital dolphins. Through both the dissertation and personal projects, Evelyn argues that media studies and history need to get weirder and more compassionate if scholars want to reach our readers and students in traumatic times.