I have always loved comics and comic strips and the post-internet era has created a wonderful platform for the webcomic.
I have many favourite webcomics like XKCD or The Oatmeal and the number is increasing everyday. One of these is the Itchy Feet Comic created by Malachi Ray Rempen.
Itchy Feet Comic deals with two very specific areas : language learning and travelling. One of the things I love about Itchy Feet Comic are the minute observations on the experiences that are so universal that you cannot help but say “That is so true!” For instance, here is one of my favourites, about how airlines decide their ticket prices.
I was curious about various aspects of Itchy Feet Comic and Malachi was very kind to answer some questions. Here is our conversation.
Raj : ItchyFeetComic has a very specialized field – language learning and travel. How did this come about?
Malachi : When I moved to France in 2011, I wanted to somehow record my experiences as a foreigner learning languages and traveling, but I didn’t want to write a blog or journal, so I made a comic. I do a lot of traveling so I figured I’d have lots of material…and I was right!
Raj : How many languages do you speak? Which approach or learning method do you use when you learn a new language?
Malachi : I speak German and Italian pretty well, French pretty not well, and Spanish very unwell. The only sure-fire method I’ve learned is complete immersion. It’s definitely the most expensive and time-consuming method, but it gets results.
Raj : Post-internet era has seen a steep rise in web-comics where you can connect directly with your readers. It has also gives rise to some comics that can be called quite specialized like the PHDComics. What are your thoughts on this?
Malachi : I’m not sure what PHDComics are, but I love that the internet has allowed people to enjoy my comic, which otherwise would just be photocopied and circulated among friends and family, I suppose. All hail the internet.
Raj : I think the Peanuts comic strip on “Kilroy was here” is as deep and poignant as any of the masterpieces on WWII. I always feel that comic strips do not get the critical attention that they deserve. Where do you see the place of comic strips in arts?
Malachi : I think comics are an integral part of the arts, and I’d say recently they’re getting the attention they deserve. The generation of people that were kids when the first superhero comic books came out are now much older, and have influenced several generations of new artists and audiences to appreciate graphic arts.
Raj : How do you create humor? Exaggeration is one of the elements that’s obvious. Or do you go more by instinct?
Malachi : Exaggeration is certainly one of the elements of humor, but I think another is the one-two-three method. Basically, you make a statement, you repeat the statement, then you invert the statement. My recent comic about Italian meals is a good example of this technique, though a lot of my comics follow that formula.
Raj : Could you tell us a little bit about your other projects?
Malachi : I’ve got lots of other projects! Chief on my creative mind right now is the Merry Mariner, a kids adventure book series I’m writing and illustrating. You can already read some short stories (with lots of fun drawings) on the site. I’m working on the first book now. Another project that I think Itchy Feet fans – and anyone who likes travel – can get excited about is an Itchy Feet-themed card game. I’ve been working with a game designer in Canada, and we’re nearly ready. I’ve just printed the prototype and it looks fantastic. It’s also really fun to play. Keep an eye out for our Kickstarter campaign coming soon!
Many thanks to Malachi for interesting conversation.
