Life as an Individual: Local 13-year-old inspires others with comic

By Jacqueline LaFlamme

Thirteen-year-old Hunter Triplett of Newton lives life as an individual. As an extremely mature, yet playful, student in the seventh grade at S.A. Day Middle School, Hunter wants to encourage other kids to be original. At age 4, Hunter discovered his passion for comic-strip writing and recently developed a Web site to spread the word of how important it is to be yourself. Check it all out at www.wichacaba.com!

P&K: What does "Life as an Individual” mean to you?

Hunter: Pronounced "Wich A Caba,” the name of the site came about when making up funny words with friends at school. After saying the word wichacaba numerous times my mom and I decided we would trademark the funny phrase. We then used the thought of being an individual as the logo for the site. I've always tried to "be my own person" so saying a silly word like Wichacaba was following my logo exactly!

P&K: Did you come up with the drawings yourself?

Hunter: Using computer software like Adode, I created all the characters on the Wichacaba.com site myself.

P&K: The character Munch or Munchie, is you right? Why did you decide on that name for your character?

Hunter: Ever since I was a little kid my mom has called me Munch and Munchie, I guess because I'm always snacking and hungry! So I thought it would be the best name to use.

P&K: How old were you when you first got into comics?

Hunter: In fourth grade, I decided I wanted to write my own comics after reading so many in the past. I started using real stories and putting them into comic strips.

P&K: Why do you think you have chosen art as a way to express yourself?

Hunter: I think that I have a lot of funny stories and my message is one other kids should follow, "to be yourself", so I think putting my message in comics is a good way for everyone to hear me!

P&K:  Who is Wizard? Why is he always getting you into trouble?

Hunter: Wizard is the bad side of my conscience, he's always getting me into trouble because he tries to get me to do things I know are wrong. I usually don't listen to Wizard, I always try to do the right thing.

P&K: My favorite comic was "Kevin's Present.” Are the characters all your family members or friends? Which friend or family member enjoys being in the magazine the most?

Hunter: In the comic Kevin's Present, Kevin and Jill are friends of mine. The comic is a true story and Kevin actually wore pink stick-on earrings once! All my stories in my comics are true, as well as all the characters. The characters are mostly family and some friends. Everyone likes to be part of my comics and everyone gets a turn.

P&K:  I noticed you had a Wichacaba online store, do all your friends wear your products to school?

Hunter: Yes! I have some shirts that I give away at school and its funny because the ones who always wear my stuff are my best friends! They are all really supportive.

P&K: What's next for Wichacaba?

Hunter: I’d like to eventually open my own retail location, where kids could come into see my comics. It would be cool to get my message across in person!

Enter to win a Wichacaba t-shirt, email “Wichacaba” to parentsandkids@cnc.com

by Aug. 1, 2009.

Jacqueline LaFlamme, a graduate from Suffolk University, is currently interning at Parents and Kids magazine and Skirt! magazine.