It’s been 13 years since Hemi made an appearance in a comic strip. Unfortunately for him, he’s not in the best shape for a comeback… Give him six weeks or so and he’ll be fine 😉 (click the image to enlarge)
Kereama’s note:
Phew – I didn’t think a new set of strips was ever going to happen, even though I have a bunch of ideas in draft form scattered all over my desk. Sometimes, the right ‘spark’ comes at the right time and the inspiration for this came from me dreaming up designs for “Get Well Soon” cards, as the past few weeks have seen a number of my whanau (family) members, here and overseas in hospital. It makes me happy that Hemi’s always been able to put a smile on their faces, so it was inevitable I suppose, that the first images which sprang to mind were of Hemi in bandages and plaster casts for whatever comical reason. This strip then just wrote itself. It felt right to be the first in the new generation of Hemi toons, Luana (his old school friend) has the first line, just like she did back in 2000 when they were ten years old.
Hemi’s wife made an easy coffee companion for her. They teach together at the same school and I’ve already drafted a number of stories that involve them having a korero (chat) over cups of coffee. I’ve been asked by a few people now what her name is, but I didn’t want to rush it. I tend not to over-think them, most of the characters name themselves eventually, (with a little help from me I guess). For Hemi’s wife (a pretty important one to get just right) Huia was the perfect fit.
Dear Huia,
Don’t let Hemi get off that couch too soon. My son injured his knee at rugby and it took nearly 6 months to come right.
I hope the boys help out around the house and learn from their father. ‘Don’t text and walk’
Get well soon Hemi
Aunty Mir