Sad ...

[dizzojay]

I was so sad to come home from work this evening and learn about the passing of Murray Ball, the genius behind New Zealand comic strip,  Footrot Flats.

I was introduced to Footrot Flats on my first trip to New Zealand in 1997, and came home with four books mainly for reading on the plane home.  Upon my return there eight years later, I trawled around every bookshop I found on my travels to pick up the remaining 23 books, plus a few weekend specials.

Although I don't know the first thing about sheep farming, by immersing myself in the antics of Wal Footrot and his ragtag band of buddies down at their Te Urewera sheep farm, I feel as if I'm there, trekking through the mud and clipping dags to my heart's content!

There's overbearing Aunt Dolly, drippy neighbour Cooch Windgrass, Major the Pigdog, Cecil the geriatric ram and his oversexed replacement Sid the Id, Horse the psycho cat and last but definitely not least, Dog the faithful border collie with plenty of brains but definitely no brawn!

I couldn't help having a few tears earlier this evening when I heard the news.  I'll be raising a glass or two to Mr Ball over the weekend - only the best New Zealand wine, of course.

Comments

[casey28.livejournal.com]

Sorry to hear this, hon. I'm not familiar with Footrot Flats, but it sounds like an awesome comic strip.

Poor heartbroken dog... that pic makes me feel teary.

[dizzojay.livejournal.com]

It is a wonderfully charming comic, and the strips are mostly told from Dog's point of view, so the little guy in this picture is the main character, and that makes this picture even more touching.
x

[kiramaru7.livejournal.com]

Sadly, I've never heard of "Footrot Flats,"but it sounds like something I'd like. I'm sorry to hear about its creator's passing, but I think Mr. Ball would have been happy to know he's got a fan in a far away place.

[dizzojay.livejournal.com]

It never really became mainstream beyond Australia and New Zealand, but for me that was part of it's quirky appeal; it never tried to be all things to all people. It was just about a hilarious kiwi guy and his sweet dog!

[kiramaru7.livejournal.com]

Aaah... although, it pretty good & I would have checked it out had I seen it in the US. Definitely sounds like something I would enjoy! A pity, it's not here. *sighs*

[dizzojay.livejournal.com]

Have a look here, it'll give you a feel of the story and the characters :)

http://www.footrotflats.com/about-footrot-flats

[kiramaru7.livejournal.com]

Thanks! It definitely looks like something I'd like! :D

[herminekurotowa.livejournal.com]

:(((((

I have a couple of his books in English and even one in German. I don't think the books were very successful here, though.

[dizzojay.livejournal.com]

No, you're right. It was syndicated to a couple of UK newspapers, but it never became mainstream.
x

[julchen11.livejournal.com]

*hugs you very very Close*

[dizzojay.livejournal.com]

Thank you!
I'm fine - I felt the same when Douglas Adams passed away. They are brilliant men who brought so much joy to my life, it's very sad to see them go.

[julchen11.livejournal.com]

I know exactly what you mean, my dear. *hugs you Close*

[milly-gal.livejournal.com]

Oh hun, I'm so sorry *hugs*

[dizzojay.livejournal.com]

I'm fine, thank you - like I said above, I felt exactly the same when Douglas Adams passed. They're people who brought so much joy and laughter into my life, it's very sad to see them go.

[wings128.livejournal.com]

:(
It's probably sadder that I find this out via someone who lives half a world away. xx