Meet Boris - The Robot of Leisure

Forget everything you know about robots. Meet Boris—the resident robot of leisure assigned to the Zükünfthaus model home. One event is about to challenge everything he’s been programmed to believe.


There’s something exciting about getting a random email from a fellow Robot friend.

Katharine Miller is a Canadian writer and designer with added penchants for argyle, cocktails, bowler hats, bubble pipes and peppermint stick ice cream.

Her latest creation - Boris - is the robotic-protagonist at the centre of the Robot of Leisure graphic novel series. A collection that tells a take of one robot’s pursuit of happiness and purpose.

While this is the first novel outing for Boris, this delightful character first appeared in 2003 in random doodles, often wearing silly costumes. From there, Miller launched WHiRR as a line of robot-themed paper goods and crafts.

Now the star of this unique series of illustrated novels, he can be enjoyed by all!

An Interview With Katharine Miller

1. What was it about robots that had you drawing Boris back in 2003?

For years I wanted to develop a silent character similar to Mr. Bean to provide a different perspective on universal experiences and traits (loneliness, awkwardness, trying to understand the world, etc.).

Boris evolved out of a series of doodles. I liked the idea of a robot being able to dress up and react to the world around him. Since then, he's always been a martini-swilling retired robot of leisure.


2. Do you have any other favourite Robots?

Roll-oh (Leave it to Roll-oh)

Johnny 5 (Short Circuit)

Bender (Futurama)

Conky (Pee Wee's Playhouse)

I'm not keen on Rosie from The Jetsons, despite some similarities in appearance between her and Boris. Some people might want to describe Boris as perhaps the love child of Rosie and Bender. I haven't programmed Boris with that much sass.


3. Do you think that there are any common traits or personality features of Robots?

I think many robots—especially fictional ones—attempt to comprehend the world beyond their programming. Unfortunately, humans control that world and do the most incomprehensible things. Hilarity ensues.


4. What does the future hold for Boris?

The first two installments of Robot of Leisure are available online—as previews on the website and for purchase through Amazon and other popular ebook stores. I'm working on the third (of six), due out in late Spring 2011. Keep an eye on the website for new projects involving Boris and his friends. http://www.robotofleisure.com



Links

Robots of Leisure Website
Katharine Miller’s Website
WHirr Etsy Shop
Robot of Leisure on Tumblr