Penang cartoonist rolls out 151m long comic strip, creates Malaysian record

Azmi Hussin's 'SAGA Kami' offers a heartwarming multicultural story about how one lucky national car found new owners from various races through the years. The cartoonist also weaves in working class narratives and family bonds through the 151m long strip. Photo: Handout

Cartoonist Azmi Hussin’s SAGA Kami comic is now the country's longest single comic strip, according to the Malaysia Book of Records (MBR).

The Butterworth, Penang-born artist used 510 (A4 size) paper strips to create the 151m long comic strip. On Dec 12, the SAGA Kami comic strip was launched at a MBR ceremony at the Penang City Stadium, which saw veteran cartoonist Datuk Lat as the guest of honour.

This is Azmi’s third entry into the MBR. In 2017, he earned a spot in the MBR for producing the most number of caricatures in 24 hours (with 320 live subjects) and he was acknowledged for the longest coffee painting (101m long) in 2019.

The Proton Saga, Malaysia's first national car introduced in 1985, is the star of SAGA Kami. Travelling from Penang, then Ipoh and finally Melaka, this is a story about family, friendships and Malaysia’s multiculturalism.

The 'SAGA Kami' comic strip was recently launched at a Malaysia Book of Records ceremony at the Penang City Stadium. Photo: Steven Ooi

“I was inspired after watching Ola Bola. That was a truly Malaysian movie where every community got equal representation. It didn’t have a hero per se. It was the subject of football itself that was the central character so to speak.

“And I wanted to create something like that with my comic. Which is why I made the Proton Saga as the hero of SAGA Kami,” reveals Azmi in a phone interview.

The artist began work on his comic in November and dedicated eight hours daily to it. He completed the comic in 30 days. In a mad dash to the finish line, the father of three spent 24 hours completing SAGA Kami before submitting it to the MBR on Dec 11.

“That was crazy but I guess it’s normal for an artist!” he says with a laugh.

In the comic, a Malay family in Penang buys a Proton Saga. The owner's son develops an unexpected bond with the car.

The Proton Saga was then sold, after the owner died, to an Ipoh Indian couple.Finally, the car was sold off to a Chinese man in Melaka, who believed the Proton Saga brought him luck.

Years later, the original owner's son finds the Proton Saga in Melaka and reunites with his favourite car.

Azmi's plan to create the longest comic strip (in Malaysia) began in 2018.

But he couldn't fund his dream. After receiving a RM10,000 grant from Yayasan Hasanah's Art For All Seasons this year, he had the means to finally start the project.

In the comic, a Malay family in Penang buys a Proton Saga. The owner's son develops an unexpected bond with the car. Photo: Azmi Hussin

Apart from SAGA Kami, Azmi has been busy with a series commissioned mural works at cafes and schools in George Town. He also spent three months completing his new book Tanjong Life: The New Norm, which was supported by the George Town Festival. It was a comic book that was created entirely during the lockdown.

As for SAGA Kami, Azmi hopes to get the comic strip published as a book.

“I thought it would be great to have it published as a book and get it featured in libraries around the country because of the family and multicultural themes in the comic. I would like this to be a source of inspiration for Malaysians,” he concludes.