New Comic Alert: Globetrotter
by GoComics TeamToday we excitedly welcome a new feature, Globetrotter, to GoComics! Created by Ainsley Ashby, this daily comic strip features Chloe, a wanderlusty woman who shrugs off her 9-to-5 publishing gig (and by extension her overbearing boss) to travel the world and write about it. A good idea? Depends on who you ask. (Read: don’t ask her mom.) Despite the naysayers, Chloe’s steadfastly determined to achieve her ultimate dream: to be one of the few women of color to travel to every country in the world.
An avid traveler herself, Ashby pulls from her real-life trips and real-life relationships to tell Chloe’s story. The result is a hilarious and touching story of learning about yourself while simultaneously learning about new people, cultures, food, and more. Meet Ainsley Ashby and Globetrotter!
How much of Chloe’s story is your story?
Chloe's travel experiences are based on my own, so all of the countries and cities that Chloe travels to are the same places I've visited. The funny (and sometimes uncomfortable) situations that Chloe finds herself in are based on my own experiences. Even with all these similarities, Chloe is her own person with her own personality and quirks that make her adventures so fun to follow along.
Does Chloe’s blog mirror any in-real-life travel blogs you love? If so, which ones?
I don't follow any travel blogs! Chloe's adventures and blogging style are all her own.
What have you learned about travel through sharing Chloe’s adventures?
Travel is a deeply rewarding experience. It's been so amazing to be able to visit different places and experience their culture, languages, and food. I have a lot of fun reliving those experiences through Chloe's eyes.
Who are the readers you hope most connect with Globetrotter?
I would love for readers to be inspired by Chloe's adventures. Chloe dives into her travels headfirst and visits these places with such a sense of curiosity and wonder. I hope that Globetrotter inspires readers of all ages to travel to new places and experience different cultures. And of course, I hope my readers have a good laugh as they get to know Chloe and the people in her life.
What’s your most memorable solo traveling story?
Upon arriving in Germany, I got on a motorcycle with a guy I had just met and we hopped on the Autobahn...which has NO speed limit. It might sound scary but it was actually super fun.
Where is Chloe’s next dream destination? How about yours?
You'll have to follow Chloe on Globetrotter to find out where she is off to next! My partner and I have been dreaming about going to China and India, and are planning to cross one of those countries off of our bucket list this year.
Where’s home-base right now for you? Any big plans to relocate?
Toronto will always be home! But I can't stay put for too long without travelling, so I guess you could say I'm constantly relocating.
Tell us about your mentorship with Lynn Johnston. How did the two of you get connected? Do any specific tips or lessons from her influence your work today?
How we connected is a long story—but a very lucky one for me! Lynn took a look at some of my strips in their earlier stages and was able to provide feedback around pacing, which has really benefited Globetrotter. Not a lot of cartoonists get advice from a legend like Lynn Johnston, so I consider myself very lucky!
Be sure to add Globetrotter to your follows list, and read it every day.