Jack and Wiley, A Non Sequitur Love Story
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Last month Wiley introduced us to the delightful Jack in a Sunday Non Sequitur.
Wiley talked to the Spokesman-Review about Jack (and Non Sequitur):
Jack, a 6-year-old autistic child, was recently introduced to readers as Jeffrey’s little brother. The character, who was inspired by Miller’s autistic grandson, who also is 6 and named Jack, has scored an overwhelmingly positive response.
“When I put my toe in the water with Jack, I was a little afraid of what the response would be from parents,” Miller said. “I didn’t know how parents of autistic children would respond. Anytime you’re doing a character with a disability, you’re walking a tightrope. I wanted to project a positive image, but I didn’t want it to be syrupy or preachy. I wanted it to be a real character.”
Miller has yet to receive any negative feedback, and he received a big thumbs-up from his daughter and grandson. “They love it,” Miller said. “Jack didn’t see it until it was in print, and he was just blown away. He’s a great kid, just like the one you see in the paper. He plays with trucks and trains like any other 6-year-old.”
Jack has, so far, appeared twice – March 29 and April 5.
When Jack debuted Wiley told The Daily Cartoonist:
Jack (named and patterned after our grandson) will be a recurring character. I had been mulling it over for some time now, trying to figure out a way to introduce him and how Jack would operate/perform in the strip … I was hesitant, as I didn’t want having an autistic character to be seen as either taken lightly, making fun of, nor pandering and cloying. It’s a tightrope act, and I think I finally found the right balance that works within the realm of a comic strip.
We eagerly await The Further Adventures of Jack!
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