Happy Shark celebration Day!

 

I updated an old comic for Valentine's Day, sorry - Shark celebration Day, this year. 

The Shark Podcast: Shark Awareness Day

 

I almost missed "Shark Awareness Day". I'm very aware that I've not been participating in all the many many #SharkWeek posts because a) it's not airing here, b) I've been quite caught up with work and c) I didn't find any of the episode titles that catchy. But I didn't want to miss the shark action so finally got around to do some comics.

I'm really happy there's a Shark Awareness Day - because a friend who isn't a shark-freak (yet!) reminded me of it this morning so obviously it is reaching people and making them aware. 

A Shark Lover's Life

Don't get me wrong - I love it when people tag me in or send me shark videos and pictures. I do feel like I've reached some sort of life goal when that happens. For those of you who don't know Phil Watson, check out Shaaark!
I only realised after I drew the Fox that Pink Fong's Baby Shark version has a fox as their mascot. I first heard the Baby Shark song at a camp about 15 years ago. It was just as cool then as it is now. I still get asked why sharks every now and then. I'm working on the perfect response.

The Shark's Poem (Now in technicolor)

A slightly modified version of my Shark poem. It somewhat captures what a shark is and what we have done to the species. We need our oceans, our oceans need sharks, ergo we need sharks. We don't need shark fin soup as much as we need oceans. Hopefully we will see an increase in intelligence in this matter in this generation.
Sharks are usually the main attraction in aquariums. Watching them makes life better even if just for the moment. They're on almost all kids' apparel brands these days (mostly on boys' but girls love sharks as much if not more). Don't let sharks die out.

Mutual learning

I was asked to do a cartoon on what we can learn from the ocean. This one was a bit deeper and more serious than intended so I did a different one for that project (hopefully you'll see it someday soon). But I did like the message of this one so I thought I'd complete it anyway. Quite apt with teachers' day around the corner, isn't it?
I think so much about our planet can be learnt from the ocean. It should be protected and respected but we take it for granted. Ocean life can fill us with awe and wonder every time we encounter it and yet we are systematically destroying it. What an opinion they must have about us!

ps - I do love the idea of these mini-discussion groups around the reef.

No touchy

This was an idea for India's first dive expo - Most divers are extremely respectful towards marine life and that is why one of the first things they insist is for all snorkelers and divers to not touch fish, coral or anything in the water. It's not a petting zoo, people.

Some kind of something: Earth Day 2017

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle - which is why I have reused/recycled an old strip and made it a reduced version of what a good Earth Day cartoon should be.
In all seriousness, I do believe that one of Man's primary purposes was to care for this world. It is a good world. It's a beloved world. And we were entrusted with it. We had one job.
I went to an Earth day event today called the Reciprocity Fest - it was a bit enlightening. I'm not as green as I could be. My convenience comes first. That's not a good example for the next generation. I think every beverage joint in the world should offer discounts to anyone who takes in their own reusable mug/cup. Or at least not refuse them service.

Bitter about Litter!

I was asked to make some art for a beach festival (please read the post script for my take on this) to spread the message of "No littering". I made these ten.  The footprints, the "ocean-minded", "ocean sense" and "make trash extinct" lines are inspired by other posters I saw online.

The rest may seem a bit harsh, but honestly littering is just a combination of laziness, selfishness, bad manners and being aesthetically challenged. It's not that hard to find a bin. It's not too hard to take it with you. Don't litter public spaces - trash isn't pretty and it harms life around you especially marine life.

#1 - Part of your world? No, thanks.

#2 - Forget them not.

#3 - Love your neighbour

#4 - No mixed signals please!

#5 - Take it back.

#6 - Yay, us!

PS- This "festival" I went to was at a local beach and was very pretty, nicely decorated. It was mainly beach sports + music + dance + puppy pad - a bit hodgepodgey. While the environment was fabulous, I read a post about how these festivals could harm the beaches if proper care isn't taken. If such was the case, I should have known better so I apologise to my marine conservationist friends for not doing enough research or for not having a deeper conversations about these concerns (although I didn't really hear back from the conservationists). But if people love the beach so much, litter and marine life should be as much of a concern as enjoying it.

Why Sharks?

This is probably the question I get asked the most at any exhibit or event. I should probably stick to events like Shark-Con or Shark Fest but then who would I be able to convince that sharks are awesome?
It's the fact that they don't get it that makes me want them to know.

Say "Shark"!

My sister had a baby recently - my first nephew! As you can see, baby talk isn't my strong suit. My mission is to make "Shark" baby Zachary's first word. While I'm at it, I should teach him "baby shark do-do-do-do". 

Hugging Day?

I was supposed to post this yesterday. That's how much I care about "hugging day". I can't believe they actually have a "hugging day".

When sharks fly.

Don't read too much into this. It was inspired by a poster advertising spark plugs.
Although, it would be nice to have someone to share some sharks with.

Happy World Oceans Day 2015!

I hadn't read the theme for this year's World Oceans Day (Healthy Oceans, Healthy Planet) when I started drawing this. It ended up to be quite fitting. I wanted to draw the alternative scenario of a despondent ocean but for now, I'll leave us with happy thoughts. It's a colourful, mysterious, beautiful world down there and we seem to take it for granted and assume we have the right to control or trespass or violate it as we wish. Respect the Oceans and allow all the creatures to play their roles in nature. Not just today but everyday.
Happy Oceans, Healthy Oceans, Healthy Planet, Happy Planet.

ps - The Manatee is playing a guitarfish, okay?

Look Deeper #1: Fin & Chips

This is something I worked on for another upcoming project from Fin Fighters UK about many businesses selling shark under other names. Many times, one may not know exactly what fish it is that they may be eating.
I recently heard that they sell dogfish under the name rock salmon. I'm looking forward to this campaign kicking off soon.

White Shark? Great.

Just in case you couldn't tell, I'm being sarcastic.

Happy Valentine's Day 2015! Love, The Shark

Some people might even say that love hurts more. That's why there's a song titled "Love hurts" but none titled "Sharks hurt".
This is one way of making Valentine's Day a lot less annoying.

ps - In case you didn't notice, the chocolates are shark-shaped.

A Shark AND a Pencil! Now that's scary, right?

I was really saddened by the Charlie Hedbo shooting. I can't believe that cartoonists were shot to death because of something they drew. People seem to get offended all the time these days. Since when did it become okay to end human lives over that? I mean, isn't everyone else expected to turn the other cheek if they are offended?

Nice article here.

New Year Resolution: Try to be nice!

This is a remake of the New Year sketch from a couple of years ago. I'm guessing that a fool-proof way to be nice to everyone is to stay clear of them - this is probably why there are all these people running away to "find themselves".
However, the trick really is to be nice despite all the annoying people out there (like the ones who run away to "find themselves"). Oh well, I said I'd try.

My Incredible Super Phone

As phones become more than just phones day by the day, we probably shouldn't be surprised if our phones eventually have superpowers. For the time being, I'd be happy if my phone could do some of the above. Hopefully someday, our phones will be our avengers or dark knights but for now perhaps they will be the best phones they can be - and make top quality, reliable phone calls without interference, fade outs, disconnects or low volume. This is how we stay connected and safe.
This comic blog was drawn specially for the Indiblogger ASUS contest.

Superman vs Super Annoying Shark

The Shark loves to annoy Superman. The great thing about comics is that squirrels can appear out of no where and disappear when you tell them to go away.
Superman was super hard to draw! I salute those who spend a lifetime drawing him for the comics.
Superman is one of my favourite superheroes (and he's super cute too) - I suppose this is how I show my appreciation.