My former kindergarten class in Il-San, South Korea. (Left to Right: Kim Ji-Soo, Hwang Bo-Yoon, Yun Sa-Hyun, Ee Sang-Wan, Shim Jeh-Hun, Hwang Ji-Soo).

What is Ojingogo?

It’s a Korean-flavoured comic about a girl and a squid.

What does Ojingogo mean and how do you say it?

Ojingaw (오징어) is the Korean for “squid”. The “go” at the end is just for fun.

I say, “oh-jing-aw-go” - but you can say it however you want. I’m just glad anyone’s saying it at all.

What frickin’ language are these things speaking?

Relax, it’s mostly nonsense.

But it is loosely based on hangul, the beautiful Korean written script which is a joy to learn. There’s a nice article at the Korea & Animation blog about the Korean I use in Ojingogo.

They said, “The story doesn’t rely on any language, but I think you’re rewarded a little for being able to read Korean.”

Are you Korean?

Nope, I’m Canadian but I was living in Korea when I started this comic. The comic is inspired by the the exciting cartoon cultures of Korea and Japan (well-documented on the Korea and Animation blog) and by the sense of wonder and humility you get when you’re living in a country that’s not your own.

Is there ever going to be a book?

Yes, it’s done - it will be published by Drawn & Quarterly at the end of August, 2008.