WORDS BY ALLEY PASCOE
Meet Thor F. Jensen, the great Dane telling Top End stories in a comic book series for the ages.
Q: How in the world did a Dane end up Down Under in Darwin?
A: It’s a story as old as time: guy meets girl (in Papua New Guinea while sailing around the island on a traditional canoe) and follows her home to Australia. We came to Darwin three years ago via Alice Springs, Copenhagen and Melbourne, and have been living here happily ever after since.
Q: Apart from the name Thor, what else do you have in common with Chris Hemsworth?
A: We are both bloody handsome blokes, but I clearly take the lead (at least that’s what my mum says).
Q: You’re an author/illustrator/adventurer/videographer/TV host/motivational speaker. What can’t you do?
A: I’m yet to catch the million-dollar Barra, not through lack of trying. It’s a sore point.
Q: Where did you find inspiration for your last book ‘The Comic Guide to the Northern Territory’?
A: From all the outrageous characters and living legends that you can only meet in the NT. What better way to celebrate the wildlife, near-death experiences and the hangovers.
Q: Where did you learn how to draw?
A: In school while my classmates were doing their math assignments.
Q: You’re currently working on the follow up, ‘The Comic Guide to Fishing.’ What’s your favourite memory of fishing in the Top End?
A: My first fishing trip with local fisho Coota. I handed him a cold one and he said “I don’t care what other people say about you – you are all right” that was very moving. Soon I realised he would say that every time you handed him a beer.
Q: Who do you test your comic jokes out on?
A: My ten-week-old daughter Malili is a captive audience, although I can never tell if she’s laughing or passing wind.
Q: What are you most looking forward to about the upcoming Wild North Comic Con’24 on the 29th of June?
A: My appearance, obviously. And meeting all the talented creatives in the comic scene.
Q: What other comic book ideas do you have rattling around in your brain?
A: I was thinking a comic guide to parenting – but I can’t do that to my daughter.
Q: Where can we follow along with all your adventures?
A: I’m @actionthor on Instagram and Facebook. See you there!
https://www.instagram.com/actionthor
