MEET THE CHARACTERS
Widdippidders are wild and endangered creatures from a remote arctic planet. They are not meant to be pets, but when Oonray saw a frightened baby Widdippidder in the hands of ruthless fur traders, he had to do whatever it took to save her. Many years later, Widda and Oonray have a powerful bond, but things often become contentious because Widda resents her life of captivity. Oonray can’t bring himself to set her free in the wild because he knows her best chance of survival is to remain with him.
FIFTY FUN FACTS ABOUT WIDDIPPIDDERS.
1) They are not usually raised as pets because of their wild instincts.
2) They can smell fear.
3) They can climb walls and other vertical smooth surfaces.
4) They nurse their young.
5) They form fiercely loyal family groups.
6) They love the snow.
7) They love to hunt.
8) Females tend to be solitary hunters while males hunt in groups.
9) They burrow underground.
10) They can be very irritable.
11) They display some telepathic abilities.
12) They are very gentle with the ones they love.
13) They distrust children.
14) They are extremely dangerous when cornered.
15) They hate loud noises.
16) They make a wide array of vocal sounds.
17) Their strike is one of the fastest movements of any animal in the universe.
18) They rely on cunning and stealth to hunt prey.
19) They are extremely patient.
20) They are smarter than humans in many ways.
21) They can digest practically anything.
22) They can hibernate for years if necessary.
23) Their saliva is a powerful antiseptic.
24) They can feel sonic vibrations in the ground with their feet.
25) They hold grudges.
26) They are hunted for their fur.
27) Their young have spots.
28) They only breed occasionally.
29) They have a very low mortality rate.
30) Male and Female Widdippidders have a very acrimonious relationship.
31) Their fur is very insulative which allows them to survive extreme temperatures.
32) Their only natural predators are massive bird-like creatures.
MORE FACTS ON THE WAY…
Randus is Sirius’ uncle. He used to be a motorcycle stunt man who laughed in the face of death. When he realized he would have to look after Sirius, he knew he had to change his ways. He never thought he would be responsible for anyone besides himself, so he finds parenting to be a continual struggle. He loves Sirius, but he has no idea how to communicate that feeling. All he can do is hide his past and desperately try to keep Sirius from doing the wild and crazy things he used to do.
Oonray is a Draconion from the Zeeoid Galaxy. As their name suggests, Draconians hail from a very ancient society with extremely strict laws. The Draconian justice system is notoriously severe requiring swift and often violent punishments for even minor offenses. Refusing the rule of Draconian law results in exile. Oonray and his Mother were banished from their home planet forever for refusing to abide by the barbaric Draconian system.
Oonray is a young man in Draconian years, but in human years he is several hundred years old. He is a free spirit and spends his time traveling among the galaxies, making new friends, and doing whatever it takes to survive. He has had many adventures and close calls. His stories are so fantastic that Sirius and Randus have a hard time believing him, but they are true for the most part, although he can be prone to exaggeration.
Unlike most male Draconians, Oonray is a gentle soul. He’s kind, whimsical, artistic, and loves all living things. But, deep down, he is still a Draconian and when pushed too far, things get fiery!
Sirius is a teenager with all the hubris and unapologetic recklessness of youth. He likes to argue. He’ll never admit that he’s wrong. He thinks he’s smarter than everyone around him. His relationship with his uncle is kind of a mess, but there’s a deep love underneath which comes out in heartfelt moments.
Sirius is brilliant in some ways, but he is easily distracted in school and loves goofing off. He rebels against authority of any kind even when it would be better for him to accept guidance. Most of his teachers can’t stand him. His principal is exasperated by his disregard of discipline. Because he refuses to listen, he has to learn some hard lessons along the way that could easily have been avoided.
COMIC STRIP GALLERY
IMAGE GALLERY
Locust Hill has been an ongoing project of mine for over a decade. I started writing about these characters in a traditional science-fiction novel format. I created a picture book and wrote and illustrated a 230+ page graphic novel. I have many journals filled with sketches and ideas. The most recent adaptation for these characters is a comic strip. I’ve stuck with these guys for a long time, and I think they are ready to hit the big time!
Thanks for looking!