The First Publication of Mick and Hoppa

My Uncle Des had his sign writing and art business located in Footscray at that time and he knew the editor of the Footscray Times. I was introduced to him and got my cartoon published. Naively, my second cartoon strip included puns on the local businesses. One called Forges I named Forgery on the shop sign. It probably did not go over well so that first cartoon was the last in that newspaper.

Self Portraits

It looks like I got grumpier and 'darker' as opposed to just crazy looking!
                                     
                                                                           1999

                                                                              2014

Mick and Hoppa in Nevada gun range

I actually visited this place and fired the sub-machine guns and Colt revolver. It was fun! I didn't buy anything though - wouldn't have fitted in my backpack!

Mick and Hoppa at Jamestown Virginia

Mick and Hopper get in hot water from a Hot Foot.

Mick and Hoppa Versus Mosquito

Mick and Hoppa Homesick

There was an episode of The Simpsons where Bart made prank calls to Australia collect and created a huge unpaid bill which caused a diplomatic incident between America and Australia. The Simpsons visited Australia to put things right and made things worse. Everything was ocker Hicksville. In the end the choppa came to rescue them and the Australians were throwing beer cans at it -reminiscent of Saigon.  Australians actually wrote to the papers complaining about the stereotypes and I thought given the stereotypes of Americans being loud and parochial 'You can give it but not take it'. Personally, I have no qualms about stereotyping ANYONE, including my countrymen, although in conversation I tend to qualify comments.