Today’s Strip… (Remember, “Velia, Dear” updates with a new strip every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday…)
The Toronto Star article about me, my hometown Toronto, and “Velia, Dear” mentions the dualism I have often felt between being born Canadian to immigrant Italian parents. Growing up Canadian/Italian often meant switching gears between living the southern Italian tradition at home, and being exposed to Canadian culture everywhere else. I can tell you this caused no small degree of conflict — much of it hilarious depending on how you look at it. In some way, I believe that this dualism has influenced my sense of humor, and the ways that I’ve chosen to express it through some of my comics.
As the story of “Velia, Dear” unfolds, you’ll see all kinds of references to my Italian/Canadian background. The characters are typically the types of people you’d meet if you lived in the sort of ethnic neighborhood that I grew up in, and their problems are often sparked by the clash of contrasting cultures. Some readers will relate to the comic strip “Velia, Dear” in a personal way –perhaps having had a similar kind of upbringing — while others will be introduced to a world that is unfamiliar and weird in — I hope — a funny and entertaining way.
Today’s strip is typical of the distrust the older members of my family often had to the food of other cultures. According to them, Italian food was the best in the world, and Chinese food consisted of worms and snakes. And if you think that’s pork in the wonton soup, beware. Beware of Dog.
Often, there was a fight when we, the younger generation, disagreed, and ordered chow mein by the gallon.
To balance things out a little I’ll say this. In a restaurant in Italy once, I saw horse on the menu. You think that’s veal in the cannelloni? Beware of secretariat.
I am glad I was not actually sipping coffee when I was reading this otherwise there would have been a giant spit-take and a stain on my studio wall. Very funny one, Rina!
I love Velia more and more every other day -not because of a possible dog meat tolerance, but because she’s LEFT HANDED!!! -HOO-RAY!!!
I read about this strip in the star, and I’m absolutely loving it!
Hi Rina. I have an Italian American mom, too. This comic sounded very familiar and very funny.
really enjoyed your comics
found them due to the article in the toronto star today
my favorite :the drugs(nerves/ headaches/ stress) you need to cope with seniors!
Found your comic via Toronto star as well. I’m fully enjoying it !
I’ve found this from Toronto Star as well. Until I’ve moved to the UK I’ve always had Toronto Star subscription and loved reading your comic Tina’s Groove, so I’m really glad I’ve found this one. Also definitely helps with homesickness when Toronto (or things about/in Toronto) is mentioned/referred to. Thanks, keep up the good work!
I love Velia more and more every other day -not because of a possible dog meat tolerance, but because she’s LEFT HANDED!!! -HOO-RAY!!!