---
layout: default
title: TSPA
categories: [Project pages, Tito Dutta]
description: An original comic strip on The Sunil Abraham Project, created by Tito Dutta.
permalink: /tspa/
created: 2026-09-07
authors: [Tito Dutta]
---

{% include author.html %}

**TSPA** (pronounced "Teespa", IPA: /ˈtiːspə/) is a comic strip on [The Sunil Abraham Project](https://sunilabraham.in/), created by [Tito Dutta](/tito/) on 7 September 2026. The strips may explore technology, science, society, the internet, everyday life, ideas, absurdities, and whatever else seems worth turning into a few panels.

TSPA is a rearrangement of TSAP, the short form of The Sunil Abraham Project.

## Contents

1. [Issues](#issues)
2. [Naming](#naming)
3. [Influences](#influences)
4. [Tools](#tools)

## Issues

To be listed here.

## Naming

TSPA is a rearrangement of the four letters in TSAP, the short form of The Sunil Abraham Project. It does not have a separate expansion or hidden meaning; it is simply a short, distinctive name for the comic strip, derived from the project it belongs to.

Several short names and arrangements of the same four letters were considered while looking for something simple, memorable and sufficiently distinctive. Some alternatives had existing meanings, associations or uses elsewhere, while others did not feel quite right as the name of a comic strip. TSPA was eventually chosen because it retains a connection with TSAP while giving the comic its own identity.

The choice also reflects a broader tradition of comic strips and webcomics having short, unusual or seemingly unexplained names. The name itself does not determine what the strips are about.

## Influences

TSPA draws from the broad tradition of comic strips, newspaper cartoons, editorial cartoons, science humour and observational humour. Its two primary inspirations are [*xkcd*](https://xkcd.com/) and R. K. Laxman's *The Common Man* - particularly their different approaches to using simple comic forms to engage with ideas, technology, society and everyday life.

Other works and creators that have influenced or inspired the idea of TSPA include:

- *Garfield* - A long-running comic strip centred on humour, everyday situations and an anthropomorphic cat.
- *Henry* - A largely wordless comic strip built around visual humour and everyday situations.
- [*Saturday Morning Breakfast Cereal*](https://www.smbc-comics.com/) - A webcomic often dealing with science, philosophy, mathematics, relationships and unusual ideas.
- [*The Oatmeal*](https://theoatmeal.com/) - A webcomic known for humour about everyday life, technology, language and animals.
- [*Poorly Drawn Lines*](https://poorlydrawnlines.com/) - A comic strip with simple artwork and surreal, observational humour.
- [*PhD Comics*](https://phdcomics.com/) - A comic strip about graduate student life, academia and research.
- [Tom Gauld](https://tomgauld.com/) - A cartoonist known for minimalist drawings and dry humour, often involving books, literature, science and technology.

TSPA does not copy any of their characters, artwork, visual identity, tone, jokes, storylines or other distinctive creative elements. The strips are independently and originally created.

## Tools

TSPA may be created using a combination of different drawing, design, editing, AI and automation tools. The tools used may vary from issue to issue.

- [Inkscape](https://inkscape.org/) - A free and open-source vector graphics editor, useful for constructing comic panels, characters, speech bubbles and other graphical elements.
- [Krita](https://krita.org/) - A free and open-source digital painting application, useful for drawing, sketching and hand-drawn artwork.
- [GIMP](https://www.gimp.org/) - A free and open-source image editor, useful for image editing, retouching and preparing artwork.
- [Figma](https://www.figma.com/) - A browser-based design and prototyping tool that can be useful for arranging panels and designing reusable comic components.
- [Canva](https://www.canva.com/) - A browser-based visual design tool that may be useful for quick layouts and supporting graphics.
- [ibisPaint](https://ibispaint.com/) - A digital drawing application that can be used for sketching and drawing on Android devices.
- [Infinite Painter](https://www.infinitestudio.art/) - A digital painting application for Android and other platforms, useful for drawing and painting.
- Generative AI and other AI tools - May be used for brainstorming, experimentation, reference generation or other parts of the creative process where appropriate.
- Scripts and automation - May be used to assist with repetitive tasks, image processing, file preparation or publishing workflows.

The tools are means of creation rather than part of the identity of TSPA. The final work remains independently and originally created.