Manoa Comics Group
Creators and Publisher of Kipaku Kai
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Kipaku Kai is the brainchild of Gabriel Peckham from 1982, when he was just 12 years old. He shared his idea with Rusty Baily, a comic book artist, who started drawing characters to fit the concept in 2014. Teaming with friend Ransom Edison, avid diver and comic book reader, they started developing the comic. Another friend, Dominic Kick, soon joined on as the web manager. You can find Kipaku Kai at Gecko Books & Comics, Other Realms, Dragon's Lair, Westside Comics, Collector's Maniac's, Kalele Book Store and Divine Expressions (Molokai), Breez Hawaii, Maui Comics & Collectibles (Maui), Enjoy Comics (Hilo) and kipakukai.com.
Gabriel - Creator & Writer |
Rusty Baily – Artist |
Gabe had a wild imagination as a child. He thought it would be funny if there were a comic about a man being banished to the ocean as mutant sea monster. Now married and with a child of his own, he spends his days recreating the thoughts and images of his youth hoping that it is in some way therapeutic. In his spare time, he enjoys training the next generation of mad scientists.
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Rusty is a big kid, originally from Charlotte NC, he now enjoys taking his dog to the beaches and mountains of Hawaii. He loves to draw and also enjoys comics, swinging from vines, movies, snorkeling, eating Peanut Butter Captn Crunch and Yoo-Hoo, surfing and of course the Simpsons.
Open for commissions. |
Ransom Edison – Writer/Colorist |
Dominic Kick – Web |
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With a past shrouded in clichés and self-serving references, Ransom wandered the Pacific Rim for decades before washing up on the sands of Oahu. He spends his hours deciphering English, hunting octopi, and crumpling paper. His son aspires to become The Master of Time and Space, but his daughter has larger plans.
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Dominic loves comics almost as much as he loves computers. Now, he combines both worlds by broadcasting Kipaku Kai on the World Wide Web, providing access to the masses! This strongly resonates with his belief in freedom of speech; a right he says doesn’t apply to his beagle. “Mowgli, ssshhh!”
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Kipaku Kai © 2012-2016 Manoa Comics Group All Rights Reserved
Kipaku Kai Characters
Kipaku (to banish, exile, kick out) Kai (sea) is Jonah Kelly, an ambitious land developer with a chip on his shoulder. Growing up in Chicago, he knew little about Hawaii, the land of his birth, until a forced vacation banished Jonah from his corporate life. Reluctantly going with his wife to her family’s home on Oahu, he immersed himself in his father-in-law’s business. Then one morning, he woke up submerged in the ocean, transformed into a sea monster! Is he now banished to the sea?
Leilani Kelly – Jonah’s wife, a beautiful, strong-willed Native Hawaiian woman whose parents own a major construction firm on Oahu.
Glen (aka Humu) – A cynical, sharp-tongued Hawaiian triggerfish who pesters Kipaku about his human background and current predicament. His droll, sardonic comments aim to advise Kipaku but usually only irk him.
Auntie – A playful Monk Seal admired by other sea creatures for her wisdom and nurturing demeanor.
Niho (teeth) - A large and intimidating Tiger Shark who frequently crosses paths with Kipaku and takes pleasure in making him squirm.
The Doctopus – An expert on aquatic physiology and appearing out-of-nowhere when one least expects it.
Ray the Ray (aka Rambling Ray) – An ocean “observer” with a unique perspective and colorful imagination.
The Three Sisters – Moray Eels credited with prophetic powers that live in a sunken Corsair fighter plane.
Lokono – A mysterious powerful mano (shark).
Jackson Aikanaka – A local rascal with business ties to Jonah’s in-laws.
Phil – A patient philosophical honu (sea turtle).
Sketch – An overly political rabble-rousing Goat Fish with a gift for oratory.
Leilani Kelly – Jonah’s wife, a beautiful, strong-willed Native Hawaiian woman whose parents own a major construction firm on Oahu.
Glen (aka Humu) – A cynical, sharp-tongued Hawaiian triggerfish who pesters Kipaku about his human background and current predicament. His droll, sardonic comments aim to advise Kipaku but usually only irk him.
Auntie – A playful Monk Seal admired by other sea creatures for her wisdom and nurturing demeanor.
Niho (teeth) - A large and intimidating Tiger Shark who frequently crosses paths with Kipaku and takes pleasure in making him squirm.
The Doctopus – An expert on aquatic physiology and appearing out-of-nowhere when one least expects it.
Ray the Ray (aka Rambling Ray) – An ocean “observer” with a unique perspective and colorful imagination.
The Three Sisters – Moray Eels credited with prophetic powers that live in a sunken Corsair fighter plane.
Lokono – A mysterious powerful mano (shark).
Jackson Aikanaka – A local rascal with business ties to Jonah’s in-laws.
Phil – A patient philosophical honu (sea turtle).
Sketch – An overly political rabble-rousing Goat Fish with a gift for oratory.