ZBrother Zebanicus

ARRIVED FROM THE FIRST CENTURY · CURRENTLY IN MEMPHIS

Brother
Zebanicus

Best Friend to Jesus

I knew him before the crowds, the disciples, and the drama. Back before the beard. Somebody should probably set the record straight.

Meet Brother Zeb ↗Follow on Facebook
Brother Zebanicus performing live on a Memphis comedy stage
LIVE IN MEMPHISFrom the first century
to the Memphis stage.
EST. 1ST CENTURY MEMPHIS, TN

“Good evening. My name is Brother Zebanicus.
Please remain seated.”

— THE USUAL INTRODUCTION

THERE IS MORE TO THE STORY

A rather unusual universe.

See the latest →
01FROM THE STAGE

Live comedy

Stories from before the beard. And a few things history forgot.

02ILLUSTRATED ADVENTURES

The cartoons

A first-century friend wanders through the modern world.

03LITTLE AFFIRMATIONS

Quiet wisdom

Riverbank thoughts, broken sandals, and seeds worth planting.

04OUT AMONG THE PEOPLE

Around Memphis

Beale Street conversations, curious strangers, and tiny Jesuses.

ILLUSTRATED ADVENTURES

Every picture has
a story behind it.

Brother Zeb’s cartoons mix first-century eyes with modern Memphis. Open each chapter for the joke—then read the personal spark that put it on the page.

Brother Zebanicus encounters NASCAR and takes the term horsepower literallyOPEN FULL SIZE
STORY 01

Where Are All the Horses?

Brother Zeb discovers NASCAR—and wonders where someone could possibly keep eight hundred horses.

INSPIRATION

This was my first Brother Zeb cartoon. The idea began when I wondered how someone from the first century would understand the term “horsepower.”

PERSONAL NOTE

It received a wonderful response from NASCAR groups. I also wanted to pay tribute to Kyle Busch after his passing—the hauler behind Brother Zeb in the final panel is Kyle’s.

Follow the illustrated adventures →
Brother Zebanicus compares the internet to a fishing net trapping people on their phonesOPEN FULL SIZE
STORY 02

The Net

Brother Zeb hears “internet” and recognizes an older truth: even a modern net can still trap people.

INSPIRATION

This cartoon was inspired by how easily we become caught up in our own little worlds while looking at our devices.

PERSONAL NOTE

This is my favorite cartoon so far. It came out almost exactly as I envisioned it.

Follow the illustrated adventures →
Brother Zebanicus mistakes an approaching freight train for an earth-shaking metal monsterOPEN FULL SIZE
STORY 03

Thunder

A distant rumble leads Brother Zeb to meet a loud, fast, fire-breathing chariot.

INSPIRATION

I grew up with the sound of a train in the distance. I could only imagine how confusing—and frightening—it would be to someone from the first century.

PERSONAL NOTE

I considered making Zebanicus look vulnerable and afraid, but I wanted the moment to stay a little silly. I love the panel where he looks back and finally sees the train.

Follow the illustrated adventures →
Brother Zebanicus attends his first baseball game and prepares to swing at a foul ballOPEN FULL SIZE
STORY 04

First Game

Brother Zeb visits the ballpark, admires the warriors of Battle Ball—and takes his first foul ball very seriously.

INSPIRATION

I always enjoyed going to Busch Stadium and watching the Cardinals. I imagined Zebanicus getting a little too excited when the ball came his way. He was ready!

PERSONAL NOTE

I had to sneak myself into the scene. The statue reference will make sense in the future!

Follow the illustrated adventures →

BEFORE THERE WAS A STORY

He was my friend.
That part is true.

I knew Jesus before the crowds, before the disciples, before anybody thought to write anything down. We were neighbors. We were friends. We probably borrowed each other’s tools.

These days I tell the parts history missed: the ordinary human moments, the work, the laughter, and the possibility that the strongest man in the room was also the kindest.

— Brother Zeb

SOMETHING FOR THE ROAD

“A closed fist catches nothing.
Open your hand.
Let things come. Let things leave.”
More from the riverbank →

LOOK WHO TURNED UP

Find me in Memphis.

Catch Brother Zebanicus around Memphis as he learns the ways of the modern world—and shares what life was really like in the first century.

TUESDAYS

Hi Tone

Comedy open mic · 8 PM

282–284 N. Cleveland St.
Memphis, TN 38104
Get directions ↗
MOST WEDNESDAYS

Havenhaus

Comedy open mic · 8 PM

2487 Broad Ave.
Memphis, TN 38112
Get directions ↗
THURSDAYS

People’s on Beale

Free curated comedy · 8 PM

323 Beale St.
Memphis, TN 38103
Get directions ↗

Additional appearances and unexpected wanderings will be announced on Facebook and Instagram.

Check Facebook ↗Instagram →

Open-mic lineups can change. Check social media before making a special trip.

A LITTLE HOLY MISCHIEF

Have a stage?
I have a few stories.

Comedy clubs, church gatherings, community events, and unexpected places. Reach out through Facebook for bookings, appearances, and questions about the glowing box.

Booking & contact ↗Find me on Instagram →TikTok →