An Interview with Ned Wenlock: The Making of Tsunami

Ned Wenlock, an illustrator, animator, and comic artist from the Kāpiti Coast, has recently released his debut graphic novel, Tsunami, through Earth’s End Publishing. The novel tells a strange and insightful story about a weird kid trying to fit in and figure out who he is. In a conversation with fellow comic artist Toby Morris, Ned discusses the book, self-righteous kids, skull T-shirts, and the power of good sound effects in comics.

Ned shares that creating Tsunami was a massive undertaking that took him several years to complete. He started in 2019 and finished at the end of last year, with a lot of time spent on editing and developing the story as he went along. He mentions that the characters in the book took unexpected twists, deviating from traditional plot structures and moral lessons.

The conversation between Ned and Toby delves into the themes and characters of the book, including the protagonist Peter, who reflects Ned’s own experiences as a self-righteous kid. They also discuss the character Gus, who initially appears as a typical school bully but reveals more depth as the story progresses.

Ned’s visual style, characterized by simple drawings and stylized characters, adds a unique touch to the book. He explains how he played with comic language, incorporating sound effects and visual cues to enhance the storytelling experience. Despite the limitations of his style, Ned finds ways to convey change and emotion in his characters.

Overall, the release of Tsunami represents a significant achievement for Ned and adds to the growing landscape of New Zealand graphic novels. The book is available for purchase through Earth’s End Publishing and select bookstores, offering readers a glimpse into Ned’s idiosyncratic storytelling and visual style.