Modern Tales #1

In "Halb voll," Katie puts a familiar question to the test—whether Sprocket and Halo are optimists or pessimists—only to find that the simple half-full, half-empty equation hides more complexity than anyone expected. Written by a longtime collaborator and illustrated with quiet precision, the story turns a classic metaphor into a subtle exploration of perception and perspective.

In "Namen," Katie returns home with two rare boxes of Butter Crackers—now discontinued after a marketing misstep that made their name sound like a crude joke—only to stumble upon a revelation that uncovers the true names of Halo and Sprocket. The discovery unfolds quietly, layered with humor and curiosity, as the mundane act of retrieving a forgotten snack leads to something far more unexpected.

In "Ausstellungen," Halo and Sprocket slip through the quiet halls of a museum under the cover of night, drawn by the silent stories of Earth’s past. As they wander among forgotten relics, their curiosity awakens something far older—and more watchful—than the exhibits themselves.

In "Die kleinen Dinge," Katie brings her friend Gina a tiny detergent box, sparking a quiet curiosity in Sprocket about why small things seem so endearing. When Gina’s son Sam wakes up, Halo and Sprocket quietly suggest other small, unexpected gifts Sam might leave under his pillow in hopes of earning a little money.