UnderHere
Pocket Comics
Look UnderHere and discover a secret world…
…where discarded gum, boogers, and candy have mutated into an unbelievable thriving ecosystem, governed by its own rules and surviving by any means necessary.
Created by myself and Mark Greenbaum, we are both dads working in creative industries, and naturally end up creating things with and for your kids. UnderHere was created partly in response to wanting to avoid 'screen-time’ whenever possible, and also to get kids to take a closer, more resourceful look at junk modelling and other ways to be playful with found things - especially outdoors, in nature (even in cities).
We previously created a downloadable board-game called Goats vs Llamas, which also shows creative making in play.
Issue 1 follows the gang as they escape capture from a marauding magpie, and have to seek refuge in the sewers. They fashion a boat from a leaf, in order to get away, whilst avoiding FatBergs.
Naturally, we include a ‘flipside’ comic of how to make the boat yourself!
Issue 2 sees Bubba (the bubblegum) get into a DNA-mind-swap predicament, which of course can only be resolve by going back in time. Trinity (the booger) quickly builds a Time Machine, using materials from a Take-Away, as one does.
Your kids can do the same…
Video on how the comics work, and the models
Issue 3 delves into the mind of Felicity (the lollypop) who has within her, a rageful inner-charter, Flick. We’ve all been there - felt like our head was gonna explode with rage (which actually happens in this comic), but how to put that to better use?
Oh, and you may need to make a zip wire, to watch the flick football.
These are all the ‘insides’ of the comics, which show the DIY crafts that featured in the story itself. The emphasis is on found objects, junk modelling, and remixing objects to make something new and exciting (not just buying new things). Tools and equipment are kept to a minimum, but tips are given that transfer to more accomplished skills.
As it happens, Jude’s Design Modelling videos show how professional designers use these techniques in industrial design prototyping. (link).