Inspired by Malaysia’s very own cartoonist Mohammad Nor Khalid, famously known as Lat, Azmi, who is proud of his Indian-Muslim heritage, wanted to create a comic that would leave an impact on society.
“My mission is to come up with a comic that would make it easier for the people to understand the life and culture of the Indian-Muslims and, at the same time, provide something different for the people to enjoy,” he said.
In his six-year career as an artist, the Penang-born Azmi had produced two comics relating to his community. Starting with “Tanjung Life” and later “Little Mamak”, he made a name for himself in the comic world.
Both comics are available nationwide at major bookstores, including MPH.
More than 3,500 copies, priced at RM35 each, have been sold, and the sales have been brisk with most of the buyers being foreigners.
Support from wife and children
Azmi, who did several jobs before publishing his comics, said he owed everything to his mother, wife and children.
“I know that the life as an artist is never easy, but my family supported me anyway. After I finished school, I worked at a local coffee shop before deciding to take up a graphic design course. I will not be where I am today, if not for my family,” he said.
Azmi, who has three kids, said his second son was into drawing, adding that his wife had been supporting him despite not having much on the table.
“Life is hard, but all my hard work is paying off now and I am grateful that my wife has stood by me through thick and thin,” he said.
“Little Mamak” is the first ever comic produced in Malaysia illustrating the life of the Indian-Muslim community, affectionately referred to as “Mamak”. The comic includes the history of the community, their daily lives and the common perception of the people.
Going further
He was inspired to come up with the comic as many people were having different views and perceptions of his community, and he felt the urge to explain everything in a simpler way through his comic.
“Mention ‘Mamak’, the first thing that crosses anyone’s mind is moneychangers and restaurateurs, but they are much more than that.
“Hence, I drew the comic revolving on my life, including my childhood, to make it easier for the people to read and enjoy and, at the same time, leaving an everlasting impression on the readers,” he said.
After producing two comics, Azmi now wants to broaden his skills in arts and is currently learning to draw cartoon characters using coffee powder.
“I am still learning and so far it has been a good experience for me, and I hope one day I can hold an exhibition of my works,” he said.