Bored Panda spoke with Mark Parisi to hear his thoughts on comics and his creative process. When asked what makes comics special compared to other types of storytelling, Mark said, "Comics are very accessible and welcoming," adding, "And you can make anything happen." This freedom is what makes comics so powerful for him.
When talking about how comics reflect life and society, Mark explained that "comics can get a point across with more immediacy than just text." He believes that images speak a universal language, making them accessible to everyone. Humor, he says, plays a key role in addressing serious issues, acting as "a stress relief valve" that helps people engage with tough topics more easily. As he put it, "The medicine goes down easier."
Mark has a personal connection to some of his cartoons. "I did cartoons about my daughter when she was born. When she grew up and went to a birthing class, the instructor showed the class the cartoons I had done about her! Full circle." Now, he's drawing cartoons about his grandson, which makes the experience even more meaningful.
As a fun thought experiment, we asked Mark what kind of comic strip he would create to place in a time capsule for future generations. When thinking about the message he'd want to leave behind, he said the cartoon would be an apology for "what we've done to the planet." With his signature humor, he added, "And how good Thin Mint Girl Scout cookies are."
