The graphic novel «Puffing up» tells a story about anxiety and creates a parallel between the natural defense mechanism of fish and the psychological coping mechanism of humans.
The puffer fish Fuan («anxiety» in Japanese), works in an architectural office. During a difficult financial time, her main project is cancelled. After she panics and puffs up at work, she gets fired. Then she loses a bit control of her life and starts partying to escape her anxiety. But she’s forced to confront her coping mechanism, which she sees as both a problem but also a defense strategy.
