Today is Raghead the Fiendly Terrorist’s
first birthday!
(Pause for trumpet roll)
A year ago, on the 21st of July
2012, when I sat down to draw this strip as a gag, I never imagined I’d still
be drawing it a year later. Nor did I expect the enthusiastic response it got
when I posted it on the following day, the 22nd, on Multiply and Blogspot.
As time went by, I began to find it an outlet – not just for my frustration
with the way things are in the world, but also creatively; last autumn, when I
was almost crippled by spinal nerve compression and tendinitis, I couldn’t
write but I could still draw.
And over time, the strip ceased to become just
something to do as a spare-time thing, and became serious work. At first,
Raghead appeared alone, and spoke through the fourth wall. But other characters
began joining the strip steadily, with few of them falling by the wayside (the
one exception is Killary Klingon, whose exit I do not regret).
As the months passed, the characters filled
out, almost of their own volition, and – especially in the case of Raghead and
everyone’s favourite, Towelhead – developed personalities in their own right.
This also had effects on how I began to
draw the strip, adding background and multi-strip storylines, such as Raghead’s
epic confrontation with Jihadhead. As time went on, Raghead’s personality
softened steadily, and this had a drastic effect on how I drew him.
Compare what Raghead looked like when he
first appeared:
To what he looks like now:
In some ways, I’m no longer in full control
of the strip. Used to be that I planned two days’ worth of strips in advance,
but these days so many unexpected things keep happening that I’ve had to scrap
that. In fact I’m spoiled for choice about what to draw, and constrained for
time when to draw it.
At this time, I have absolutely no idea
where the strip will head in future. But I will tell you this. Terrorism won’t
vanish, and as long as it exists, there will be a place for the Ragheads of
this world.
Thank you, from Raghead and all the crew,
for your support and enthusiasm.
Ironic though it may sound,
Peace.
Copyright B Purkayastha 2013
Thanks, Raghead. We keep ya going by reading your strip.
ReplyDeleteAnd of course where would you be without our support of the Zionist state, the Syrian freedom fighters, the wrong side in Egypt (although I'm still a bit mixed up on that one), and the Nobel Peace Prize winner. And so many other unnamed sources. You're welcome.
What a nice birthday cake! and, of course, a drone from the Piece President showed up to give you best wishes as well.
ReplyDeleteThat's Jack the Reaper. Couldn't very well leave him out, could I?
Deleteعيد ميلاد الأخ سعيد! :)
ReplyDeleteA very happy belated birthday Raghead.
ReplyDeleteBrilliant creation Bill. The drone king, aka the Piece Prizident should send his best, wishes for Raghead to continue and keep his successful career going full speed, to somewhere.........