Author’s commentary
This is based on a true story! I was crossing a busy street on my way to work one day, when I noticed my friend, Donald Barrie, crossing the street from the opposite side. I tried to call out his name as we approached each other, but I got stuck on the first letter of his name— a D just like how I get stuck on the D when saying my own name. And it was a long block!
You how you turn your head to continue facing the person you are talking to as they walk by you? That is what happened to me that day while I was blocking on the D. Donald passed right by me without realizing I was crossing the street. Donald had already crossed the street and he was far out of earshot by the time I managed to call out his name.
I texted Donald my hello once I got to my desk at work and explained what happened. We had a good chuckle.
I used this scenario as an opportunity to develop the interaction between Franky Banky and Ti-Ger to a more dynamic one to show how Franky Banky deals with Ti-Ger’s unpredictability and mischief. If you’re new to my comics, Ti-Ger is a metaphor for Franky Banky’s stuttering.
I also included a tribute to Felix The Cat in the first two panels in the second row where Ti-Ger peels off his stripes and places them on Franky Banky’s mouth like tape in Felix The Cat style.
Another reason I drew this comic strip was to include it in my next book which I will launch this year. So you get a sneak peek!
January 24, 2025
