By |

Did you know that reading makes you 53% more attractive to your significant other? And also that laughing and a sense of humor makes you 47% more appealing to potential mates?

Here’s your perfect book match!

With Hi, Earth we have the perfect book that makes you 100% More Sexy! It’s a funny book about our favorite planet including crisis, despair and hope.

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Available here:

  • 4-panel-comic by War and Peas Panel 1: In a classroom full of young mantis students, a female mantis teacher stands in front of a chart showing a pair of mating mantises. She says, “During copulation the female mantis experiences earth-shattering waves of pleasure.” Panel 2: The mantis students react with excitement. One says “WOW!” and another giggles “Hee Hee.” Panel 3: A male student mantis named Timmy raises his hand and asks, “What about male praying mantises, Mrs. Schneider?” Panel 4: The teacher, looking a bit awkward, replies, “Um... You’re not going to like this, Timmy.”
  • Panel 1: Two cartoonish trees with faces are talking while watching a man in a flannel shirt and beanie walking through the wilderness. One tree exclaims, “Oh no, Pam. There comes a lumberjack!” Panel 2: The second tree reassures the first, saying, “No, Marsha. It’s ok! Look, it’s just a hipster.” Panel 3: The first tree, now visibly relieved, sighs, “Oh, thank God.” The man stands in the clearing, looking around. Panel 4: The scene shifts to a "Grand Opening" event at a café called "Brewski Bros." Outside, multiple bearded, flannel-wearing hipsters sit at tables, drinking coffee and socializing, while the trees have been cut down.
  • Comic von War and Peas: Janet läuft durch eine Wüstenlandschaft. Text: 'Von allen Pflanzen liebte Janet den Kaktus am meisten.' Sie nähert sich einem großen Kaktus, umarmt ihn innig und lächelt dabei. Nahaufnahme zeigt, wie die Stacheln des Kaktus ihr Gesicht und ihre Arme verletzen. Abschließender Text: 'Liebe ist Schmerz.'
  • 4-panel comic by War and Peas Panel 1: A caveman-like figure with long hair and a beard stands at the entrance of a cave, gazing at the barren landscape. Panel 2: The figure sits on a rock, poking the ground absentmindedly with a stick. Panel 3: The figure watches the sunset alone, the vast landscape around him. Panel 4: He looks at the horizon, sighs, and says, “I f***ing miss techno parties.”
  • 4-Panel Comic by War and Peas. Panel 1: A melting iceberg complains, "It is so hot! This damn climate change!" Another iceberg listens in the background. Panel 2: The second iceberg, "My great-grandfather was doing something about climate change before it was en vogue." Panel 3: The first iceberg looks puzzled and asks, "Your great-grandfather?" Panel 4: Flashback to a historical scene: a mustached iceberg watches as the Titanic sails toward it under a moonlit sky. The iceberg smugly replies, "Yeees, yeees."
  • 4-Panel Comic by War and Peas. Panel 1: A UFO hovers in the night sky, beaming up a man named Jerry with a bright yellow tractor beam. Panel 2: Two people watch the abduction. One exclaims, "They're abducting Jerry!" Panel 3: As the UFO flies away, the two people remain unbothered. One says, "Thank God! I never liked him." The other replies, "Yeah, me neither." Panel 4: Onboard the alien spaceship, Jerry is seated on a throne, surrounded by decorations, gifts, and an alien celebration. An alien reassures him, "They didn't deserve you, Jerry."
 

And also available in French and German!

 

Promotional image for the book 'Hi, Earth' by Elizabeth Pich and Jonathan Kunz (War and Peas). The book cover features a cartoon Earth with large, worried eyes, sitting on a wooden chair while surrounded by flames, wearing a fedora. The title is in bold, blocky letters. To the right, a quote describes the book as 'bittersweet but lighthearted,' roasting human folly while appreciating the planet. The text at the bottom announces the release date: 'Available April 1st. Wherever books are sold!'

Please note: The next shipping phase starts August 18th

 

By |

Elizabeth Pich and Jonathan Kunz sitting beside a wooden ladder displaying a children's book titled "HI, EARTH." The book cover features a cartoon Earth with googly eyes wearing a cowboy hat, surrounded by flames. The setting includes numerous houseplants in the background, creating a cozy, plant-filled environment that appears to be a café or bookstore.

The book is here and it’s all that you can wish for – as an author and a reader. The pages are made of beautiful, thick paper and the colors are what industry professionals and bookstore owners would call vibrant. It is a huge step forward to anything we’ve done before!

Rare Tropical Birds

Yes, there are comics that you have seen before on our socials and the newsletter, but there are also brand new ones that are strictly exclusively in this book – like rare tropical birds that refuse to migrate to the digital ecosystem.

Funny comic by War and Peas named "Fuck that flower" 1. Panel: A flower says: They always say "What a beautiful flower. Lovely flower." 2. Panel: She continues: But do you know what they never say? 3. Panel: She shouts: I want to fuck that flower so hard that [redacted text] 4. Panel: A bee approaches saying "I could offer respectful love-making." The flower shouts "FUCK OFF!"

4-Panel Comic by "War and Peas" Panel 1: A person with an axe stands before a tree with a green treetop that has a simple face. The tree is speaking from a speech bubble saying "You can chop me down, but that won't fill the giant void inside you." The scene is set in a countryside with hills and mountains in the background. Panel 2: The person is now chopping down the tree with their axe, making a "CHOP" sound. The tree has fallen and the person is standing on the tree trunk. In the background, there's a truck or logging vehicle with smoke coming from it. Panel 3: The scene shifts to a lumber mill called "PAUL'S LUMBER" with industrial buildings, smokestacks, and piles of logs. The person who chopped the tree is receiving money bags from a businessman in a coat and hat. Panel 4: The final panel shows the same person now wealthy, lying on a lounge chair by a swimming pool at a luxury mansion. They're holding a cocktail and wearing sunglasses, looking discontented. A speech bubble reads "That damn tree was right..."

Worldwide Distribution

As our publisher Andrews McMeel has a worldwide distribution network, you can get the book really anywhere. Whether you’re contemplating existential dread beside a Norwegian fjord, sitting in a Brooklyn establishment where bearded men manipulate hops with the solemnity of neurosurgeons, or slowly going insane on your private island – our book will find you. It waits, lurking in the shadows, accessible to anyone close to a bookstore or with sufficient bandwidth to complete an online transaction.

Get it via Amazon, Barnes & Noble or BAM. Or order it through your local bookstore!

4-Panel Comic by War and Peas. Panel 1: A woman kneels in front of her dog, holding a leash. The caption reads, "Whenever we go outside..." Panel 2: The woman gently holds and hugs her dog. The caption continues, "...my master needs a leash to make sure she doesn’t get lost." Panel 3: The dog confidently leads the way outside, while the woman follows, holding the leash. The caption reads, "Don’t worry, anxious one." Panel 4: A close-up of the dog looking happy as they walk. The caption concludes, "I’ll take care of you."

Thanks for reading :)
Elizabeth and Jonathan

By |

A humorous illustrated story titled "Sincerely Yours," exploring the struggle of choosing the perfect email sign-off. The visuals follow a quirky, cartoonish style with warm and earthy colors. Panel 1: A lone figure sits at a desk under a bare tree with an orange backdrop. The figure, holding a tiny umbrella, types on a computer. The caption reflects on composing an email: "The wording is proper, the subject line is okay. It's ready to send, I spent ages composing. The only thing missing is the email's closing." Panel 2: The scene shifts underground, showing various chambers representing the writer's overthinking. One chamber shows a person contemplating at a desk, while others hold filing cabinets and discarded paper. The caption continues: "There must be a line that perfectly sums it up, one that shows how I feel but not too much." Panel 3: The focus is on the writer in another underground chamber, struggling with options. They compare "Sincerely yours" and "Yours sincerely," seeking a balance of warmth and professionalism. The caption humorously notes: "I want to show I'm not too fickle and most definitely not skittish." Panel 4: Deeper underground, the chambers explore different sign-off ideas. One considers "Warm regards" but questions its sincerity. Another ponders "Forever yours" or "With love," which feels too extreme. The caption jokes about overanalyzing: "Everything I think of leads in the wrong direction." Panel 5: More chambers delve into casual and quirky sign-offs, such as "All the best" (too bold) and "XOXO" (too playful). The writer considers practical phrases like "Thanks" but second-guesses their appropriateness. Panel 6: The final panel shows the writer's internal chaos reaching its peak. They hesitate over options like "Take care" or "Stay safe," worried they might sound too personal or ominous. The story ends with the realization: "Oh wait, did I just press Send?"

This story originates from the book “Once Upon a Workday” by War and Peas. Optimized here for the web – because it’s the web, and everything must be optimized.

And there’s much more in the book. Not only the amazing feeling of a real book and real pages that you can actually turn. There are more stories like this and if you decide to buy a copy from our online shop you’ll get it signed including a little original doodle!

warandpeas.shop

warandpeas.shop

By |

"The Artist's Lament" "Hours and hours of work lay behind you. Your weary bones ache and your head does, too. There’s crumpling and cramping in your legs, in your hand. You risk falling over that old canvas stand." Visual: The artist stands near the canvas with scattered paint supplies around. Text: "It’s time to take a step back and look at your jewel. But you gasp out in horror, oh, you’ve been such a fool! The trees look like trolls and the dogs look like sheep. ‘Everything’s come out wrong!’ you slump down and weep." Visual: The artist gazes at their canvas in dismay, head in hand, with discarded art materials on the ground. Text: "Now it’s all over! It’s over, indeed! When they said study law, you should have paid heed. You’ve toiled away, all those years were in vain! You might as well lay down and wait for the train." Visual: The artist stands, defeated, by an easel with an empty canvas, with a paintbrush and palette discarded at their feet. Text: "You schlep yourself to bed, try to think of something nice. But you see that ugly artwork every time you close your eyes. Tomorrow you’ll apply for that data-entry job. Suffering in silence, like all those other sobs." Visual: The artist lies face down in bed, wrapped in a blanket. The room is littered with scattered tools and slippers by the bed. Text: "Sleep won’t find you now, you’re full of self-pity. In vain you try to meditate, read comics, pet your kitty. So you get yourself up and—now you’re feeling brash— Those stupid inks and brushes are going straight into the trash." Visual: The artist walks with their cat, holding a canister in one hand, as they contemplate throwing away their art supplies. Text: "But wait, what’s that there? A mysterious pling. A small silent chirp, a crisp ringing ring. That corner right there, slightly catching my eye doesn’t make me want to douse my whole place in lye." Visual: The artist, now intrigued, stands at their easel holding a watering can, with the canvas in the background.
Text: "That brushstroke up here, that’s quite all right, too. You don’t outright love it, but it’s not a pile of stinking poo. You’re sure you can mend it and make it great art! You feel a fervent warmth warming up your heart." Visual: The artist, encouraged, examines the canvas with a sense of cautious optimism. Text (in a thought bubble): "You’re right back on track, an unstoppable art machine. Everybody will want to meet you— The Pope and The Queen!" Visual: The artist imagines themselves standing victorious on stage, being celebrated by a crowd. Text: "This painting will sell for millions, your parents will be proud. You can already hear the cheering and chanting of the crowd." Visual: The artist imagines their masterpiece being admired and praised by the masses. Text: "Now now there, young master. Don’t get ahead of yourself! You snicker, once again taking your brushes off the shelf. Put your favorite record on, pour the coffee and the paint. Let your thoughts flow with abandon, free of every constraint." Visual: The artist, now motivated, begins working again on the painting with fresh enthusiasm. Text: "This project will take ages and your mind will feel vile. But each grueling second will be worth your while. If art is a scripture and you are its priest, Then ideas are the flour and the grind is its yeast." Visual: The artist, fully absorbed in their work, continues painting with dedication. Text: "One hour later, the sun’s coming out. Your eyes are all crunchy, you’re sure you’ve got gout. Time to inspect your epic brushstroke ballet! You take a look at your canvas and simply think: Meh." Visual: The artist stands in front of the canvas, staring blankly at their work as the cat looks on. Text: "You sink down the wall, time to hoist the white flag. Maybe art is the boxer and you’re the punching bag? Now you’re being dramatic, you must hit the brakes. You’re done for the day and it’s time for pancakes." Visual: The artist, slumped against the wall in exhaustion, finally gives up, lying down in defeat.


Once Upon a Workday

This is one of the stories from our new book “Once Upon a Workday”. It’s available wherever books are sold but you can also get a signed copy from our online shop!

Cover Reveal of "Once Upon a Workday – Encouraging Tales of Resilience"

About the Book

With this book, we have fulfilled a dream of our own, to publish a book that is written entirely in rhyme and deals with one of the most important topics in our society:
The relationship between work and leisure. But it also deals with topics such as creative burnout and insecurities about one’s own abilities.

We had a lot of fun writing and drawing this book and are delighted that so many of you enjoyed reading it and writing us letters with your experiences.

It makes an excellent gift for yourself, but also for a friend who is going through a difficult phase. Thank you for reading.

Get a Signed Copy Here

By |

Our books “War and Peas – Funny Comics for Dirty Lovers” and “Once Upon a Workday” are available wherever books are sold: In your local book store and anywhere online!

War and Peas - Funny Comics for Dirty Lovers - Elizabeth Pich and Jonathan Kunz

Cover Reveal of "Once Upon a Workday – Encouraging Tales of Resilience"

We also offer our debut book in our online store and you can get a personal inscription no matter if it’s for yourself or as a gift for someone else. We also include an original drawing in every book that we sell ourselves and sign it of course.

Each drawing is a unique original!

Photo of a signed first page of the book 'Funny Comics for Dirty Lovers' by War and Peas. The page features an original drawing of a snake wearing a witch hat along with the title 'War and Peas' and signatures by the artists. The background shows whimsical patterns with various doodles including ghosts, cats, and bones, creating a playful aesthetic. Photo of a signed first page of the book 'Funny Comics for Dirty Lovers' by War and Peas. The page features an original drawing of a cheerful robot saying 'Stay Silly!' along with the title 'War and Peas' and signatures by the artists. The background shows whimsical patterns with various doodles including ghosts, cats, and bones, creating a playful aesthetic. Photo of a signed first page of the book 'Funny Comics for Dirty Lovers' by War and Peas. The page features an original drawing of different nature characters along with the title 'War and Peas' and signatures by the artists. The background shows whimsical patterns with various doodles including ghosts, cats, and bones, creating a playful aesthetic.

We also feature the solo works of Elizabeth FUNGIRL in our shop. Each book is signed by the author and features an original drawing.

By |

This story is dedicated to all those who long for sleep but are sent on a wild goose chase every night by their brains. We feel you, our sleep is weird, too.

 

Just like “A Job is a Job”, this story can be found in our new book “Once Upon a Workday”. Find more on on how to order here.

Ciao for now,
Elizabeth and Jonathan

By |

We are so happy to announce that the short story A Job is a Job is coming out today, namely in our brand new book Once Upon a Workday!

"A Job is a Job" short story from War and Peas. "Another day breaks, you pour out of bed. Not a minute away and in creeps the dread. The gloom of the world waiting outside your door. With its deadlines, its meetings, its burdens its chores. You feel uninspired as you sit in your cube. A few minutes of joy watching cat clips on Youtube. When your colleagues ask a friendly How Do You Do? You simply say Fine but you'd like to say Blue. You say to yourself: That's the way it must be. There are duties and schedules and your kid's dentist fees. A job is a job and a job must be done. There's no time to sit around and simply have fun! So you slumpity slump your way through each day. As you gripe and you type as you labor away. No this will not do, this simply won't do. Who's running the show here? It's you, my dear, YOU! It's time to start asking what do you want to do. Plan some time for yourself, two, three hours a day. Leave your smartphone at home, just go out and play! Why did we stop playing? How silly, how wrong! To think growing up means being earnest all the day long. Remember you liked to go out and dance? And you once played guitar in that weird indie band. Or painting – whatever did happen to that. Strange how all those passions fell flat. Now a job is a job and a job must be done. But a you is a you and you must also have fun. So take a week off, one or two, six or eight! This is your mental health and that simply can't wait. Taking care of yourself is the first job of all. If you don't work at that, soon you'll have no job at all. So eat a grand meal, sing a song, learn Malay. Not just once in a while, do these things every day. Yes a job is a job and a job must be done. But taking care of yourself is job number one.

Once Upon a Workday is a collection of funny and heartfelt stories about the ups and downs of adulthood, being overworked and under-appreciated, while mustering up the resilience to keep going on your path. The six short stories will console and inspire the burnt-out professional in all of us. The beautiful hardcover is being released by Andrews McMeel – the publishing house that brought you Peanuts as well as Calvin & Hobbes.

We are incredibly proud of this book and we’re sure you’ll love it, too. It’s available wherever books are sold as well as these online platforms!

Cover Reveal of "Once Upon a Workday – Encouraging Tales of Resilience"

By |

Posing book in a street of bookstores

You hear it everywhere: The plea to pre-order a book. But why? Here are three reasons why pre-ordering a book means true support to authors and bookshops:

1. Signal to the Publisher

Strong pre-order sales send a signal to the publisher that the book might be success. The publishing house can now increase the marketing budget and adjust the print run to meet the demands.

2. Shelf it up!

As soon as bookstores see a high level of interest in a book, they take steps to position the book better. They will order more books to meet the demand and they may put the book in the window to attract even more readers.

3. Bestseller Lists

Most bestseller lists only take into account sales in the first week after the release. Pre-ordered books are also counted in this first week. And you guessed it: bestseller lists are self-fulfilling prophecies. As soon as a book makes it there, more readers buy the book and it can generate a hype.

Once Upon a Workday

Our new book “Once Upon a Workday” will be out on April 2nd and we are super excited (and nervous!) about everything. We’ve poured a lot of ourselves into these stories and are so happy to send it out into the world to you. Help us make this book a success.

the new book "Once upon a workday" from the creators of "War and Peas" will be out on April 2nd!

If you want to read more about the book and find order links, please follow this link.

But we highly recommend ordering through your local bookstore. We believe that books live and breathe in these places. Local jobs are protected and you always have a place to go when you want to dream.

The easiest way to find your local bookstore is through Google Maps but there are also specialized sites to help you.

Find your local bookstore:

Thanks for your time and long live books!

 

By |

Cover Reveal of "Once Upon a Workday – Encouraging Tales of Resilience"

Cover Reveal

It’s a big day for us! We finally get to show you the cover of our upcoming book Once Upon a Workday which will be released on April 2nd at the publishing powerhouse Andrews McMeel!

The book is different from everything we’ve done so far. It’s about the exhausting, the hopeful, the struggle and the beautiful of everday life. It’s about work-life balance, creative blocks and the overwhelming feeling of having a restless heart. While we know our way around a sleepless night pondering the uncertainty of the universe, we also know the frustration of formulating the right farewell in an email. No matter how big or small, you will find our musings on the creative’s life questions in this book.

Once Upon a Workday features the short story “A Job is a Job” that many of you loved and kept asking us about. You can preorder the book wherever books are sold and via this link list!