Glorkian Warrior is a small but growing franchise from the mind of James Kochalka. A whimsical perspective on Kochalka’s life gives him a massive breakthrough. First in a video game people can find anywhere to a series of all-ages graphic novels. Then those graphic novels get a followup series in Glork Patrol. Which is very impressive when you consider how Kochalka keeps himself busy.
Who’s The Glorkian Warrior
The title character of this intellectual property is a self-aware simpleton doing freelance work. Apparently the Glork Corps does just about everything from planetary defense to delivering pizzas. Helping the Warrior-
Not that one!
Our simple minded protagonist is helped by slightly smarter and motivational Super Backpack. Hey he beats Legend of Zelda’s Navi and Fi out by actually having a personality. Not to mention they’re not a know-it-all and makes as many mistakes as they succeed. Besides who can stay mad at something that can shoot lasers?
Just playing the Glorkian Warrior game, people see the appeal. The Super Backpack serves as the way to attack enemies and obstacles the way of Space Invaders and Galaga. Meanwhile the warrior-
Oh come on! Jim Hellwig has been dead for years!
The backpack’s boss meanwhile runs around occasionally being the Mario in the game. The dialogue exchanged between them feels naturally improvisational. Along with how they interact with other characters. Check it out:
But this is just one part of the overall franchise. Kochalka liked the concept so much he wanted to expand beyond the game.
Ready To Go To Camp?
While the game is a pretty good introduction, the graphic novels that Kochalka publishes through First Second are extremely entertaining. Probably because it does a better job at capturing Kochalka’s overall style.
Kochalka’s other stories like Johnny Boo and Dragon Puncher are basically whimsical retellings of his daily life. I mean the latter series have his cats and kids as characters in battle suits. I guess the Glorkian(!) is how Kochalka imagines an odd jobs worker. Because really, what kind of idiot calls an emergency line for a pizza delivery?
Not that anyone cares, because the journey is so bizarre, taking it seriously is a waste of time. I mean the duo have to use half of a peanut butter & clam pizza in place of the pepperoni order. Because he doesn’t know what pepperoni is! And that’s just the surface, the adventure takes one memorable turn after another as the pie gets toppings. Oh and the dynamic duo make friends along the way. The payoff is just as great with who the delivery is for. Turns out the Glorkian made the call so that his past self could go on the adventure.
Redefining All-Age
The insanity doesn’t end there because the universe is full of ways to entertain people. Like say a petty rivalry-
Knock it off meme ghost of Warrior!
It’s just a time when anything can happen and people can laugh with it. Sometimes you don’t need to be high concept just look at life’s absurdities with whimsy. Because when you get older and take on more responsibilities, whimsy goes a long way. Just ask the warrior and his cup of coffee. But he doesn’t have to do it alone as his friends and growing family make everyday an adventure.
Glorkian Warrior: Glork Patrol
Which brings us to the ensemble sequel in IDW’s Top Shelf, Glork Patrol. This series focuses more on a family dynamic between the Warrior, Super Backpack, and Baby Gonk. I think the last character is the warrior’s kid but I’m not sure. Not that it doesn’t make this trio any less dynamic. Gonk and his dada might have the same maturity but Gonk has some insights that help out the Warrior. Even if it does include getting a pet that gets fussy.
If you think certain kinds of dogs are trouble, you’ve never seen a Quackaboodle. This creature can wreck a house just to get a bath. But it does get easier after the first try. Plus it proves that the Warrior can handle smaller adventures without the backpack. Because they don’t seem to mind walking around in a suit made of candy wrappers and gum. Everybody’s moving in tandem to their own stupidity like it’s a big dance.
That’s probably because Kochalka actually made songs for the universe of Glork. Okay, he does this for all of his IPs but still.
Embrace The Whimsy With The Glorkian Warrior
The Glorkian Warrior franchise is going to be something that sticks to people’s minds. James Kochalka might make his vision of the world seem juvenile, but a change in perspective can make a huge difference. That way the mundane becomes an adventure you can share with your friends and family. And the next time someone tells you that whimsy is for kids, maybe show them this video:
That’s it Ultimate Warrior! I’m showing the public your anti-destrucity!
In any case here’s the link to the real video I was referring to: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BGZpDCz_FBw. Thanks for coming and I hope this makes your day a little easier. As always, remember to look between the panels.