Cartoonists

So many wonderful comic strip collections have been issued this year, it’s a pretty tough decision on which books to buy. Drooling over them at the store, scanning the pages and fawning over them does no good. (Yep, I have done that.) Having them in hand at home, reading and laughing as you lounge on your couch or in your easy chair with a hot cocoa, now that’s the good life.

Oct 21, 2005 - Susanna McLeod

The Ucomics feature, Comics Sherpa, is a popular site for both hopeful and new cartoonists. For a fee, the cartoonist can have their humourous work published in a prominent position along with the professionals. There are no editors to woo, no art directors to win over, just the viewing public.

Oct 7, 2005 - Susanna McLeod

Justin Thompson’s days are crammed with inventiveness and creativity, from his day job at Charles Schulz Museum, his skilled endeavours as an actor and a Medieval jouster and now a dedicated cartoonist of the giggle-worthy MythTickle.

Oct 7, 2005 - Susanna McLeod

It’s more than a chuckle… one look at this comic strip just might produce three laughs. Triple Take cartoonists Todd Clark and Scott Nickel have the tough job of creating three punch lines in every installment of the comic strip. And so far, they have been every bit a success.

Sep 23, 2005 - Susanna McLeod

Dancing, racing to work with a kiss on the way out the door and smiling at each other through it all, Dagwood and Blondie Bumstead have reached the glorious milestone of 75 years of publication of Blondie. It’s an event few comic strips manage to reach.

Sep 9, 2005 - Susanna McLeod

Dogged determination and an amazing 61 comic strip ideas over a ten-year span at long last made the dream of Chester Gould a reality in 1931. He kept his attention focused on cartooning for the Chicago Tribune; Chester finally won over the editor with an action-filled crime comic strip featuring an incorruptible detective and an array of ugly bad guys. That good-guy detective could only be… Dick Tracy.

Jun 10, 2005 - Susanna McLeod

Hee hee, hah! Ha ha… Oh! Hello there, comics fan. I was just looking at a few of the les-promoted but hilarious comic strips on-line. Have a look at some of these great funny bone ticklers – some by new cartoonists; some are second offerings by professionals. Sarcastic, warm and fuzzy, ironic or just plain funny, there is bound to be something that will leave you chuckling and others wondering what that smile is about.

May 27, 2005 - Susanna McLeod

Known as “the queen of comics” in the Golden Age of Illustration, Nell Brinkley brought a new style of cartooning to the newspaper pages. Ready for something different than the sassy, rosy-cheeked cute kids in cartoons, readers were enthralled with Nell’s artwork. There were few women in cartooning, and few cartoonists creating comics in her style featuring poised, model-like faces, upswept, curly hair and the romantic fashions. During the 1910s to the mid-1940s, Nell earned prestige in the pages of William Randolph Hearst’s New York Evening Journal.

May 13, 2005 - Susanna McLeod

It’s no wonder that Soup to Nutz is famed for hilarious family dynamics and right-on-the-button fun. As the seventh youngster in a family of 12 kids, creator Rick Stromoski’s childhood must have been a cartoonist’s dream of laughter and scuffles. He has honed his self-taught cartooning and humourous illustration skills into a thriving career - and into the seat of the President of the National Cartoonists Society.

Apr 29, 2005 - Susanna McLeod

Nick Anderson takes serious topics, adds his touch of satire, a dash of acerbic wit and finishes them off with fine, professional pen-work. Presto! A comic statement that gives politicians a black eye or the medical system a jolt. From early cartooning as a teenager to becoming full-time editorial cartoonist, he now has reached the acme of editorial cartooning: Pulitzer Prize Winner for 2005.

Apr 15, 2005 - Susanna McLeod

Backgrounds cluttered with minute details and numerous word bubbles, the most average-looking people and a big dose of funny are what make Roz Chast a cartoonist in demand. At the tender age of 23 in 1978, she began her successful career in magazine cartooning with a treasured contract with The New Yorker magazine. Roz Chast continues to grab the funny bones of readers today.

Apr 1, 2005 - Susanna McLeod

Wow, time has flown! Four years ago I began the joyful mission of writing The Cartoonists on Suite 101. Cartoonists, illustrators, caricaturists and artists have been included in the column, along with scoops on how to become a cartoonist and where to find advice.

Mar 18, 2005 - Susanna McLeod

Freelance cartoonist and creator of the “Day to Day” comic strip, Deborah Peyton is gradually making a name for herself in the art of cartooning. She has keen sense of what tickles the funny bones with readers and fans of all walks of life. In a truly creative twist, Deborah is taking her wonderful work from images on paper into prints on fabrics and buttons.

Mar 4, 2005 - Susanna McLeod

Dan Rosandich is a professional freelance cartoonist with work in prominent books such as the Chicken Soup for the Soul series and noted magazines such as the Saturday Evening Post, First for Women, Barron's Magazine, National Enquirer and so many more. Read on as he shares his experience and advice on the art and business of cartooning.

Feb 18, 2005 - Susanna McLeod

The work of freelance cartoonist Dan Rosandich makes us smile and giggle from the pages of popular and prominent magazines and websites. Dan generously gave his time to answer a few questions for The Cartoonists. (Actually, more than a few questions....) His details and advice about working in the cartooning field are enlightening and fascinating.

Feb 18, 2005 - Susanna McLeod

Marjorie Henderson Buell signed her cartoons with the unpretentious “Marge”, but behind the familiar name was an astute businesswoman and groundbreaker in female cartooning. The creator of Little Lulu, Marjorie took her captivating comic girl from a one-panel cartoon in 1935 into an international marketing sensation, all the while keeping the rare option of creative control for herself. February 2005 signals Little Lulu’s 70th anniversary of cartoon success.

Feb 4, 2005 - Susanna McLeod

Brothers Guy and Brad Gilchrist create the beloved Nancy comic strip in her distinct, traditional form of humour and drawing, the style of bold lines and bright colours, poking fun with puns and stereotypes. But, Guy and Brad haven’t spent their time on one strip alone. They also have a number of cartooning projects to their credit, including the creation of The Muppets comic strip and books from 1981 to 1986.

Jan 21, 2005 - Susanna McLeod

The young cartoonist must have been the envy of all young male artists. By the age of 20, Ernie Bushmiller was given the job of drawing the shapely comic strip flapper Fritzi Ritz when its originator moved onto another comic strip. Over time, the talented cartoonist revamped the strip, added new characters and watched as Fritzi Ritz shot up in popularity. But, one of the new characters stole the show from her beautiful Aunt Fritzi. With her distinctive red bow sitting on black pot-scrubber hair, round baby-face and beaming smile, Nancy became the star.

Jan 7, 2005 - Susanna McLeod

“M’m, m’m good! M’m m’m good! That’s what Campbell’s soups are. M’m m’m good!” I remember hearing the young voices of a boy and a girl singing the Campbell’s Soup song when I was a small girl in the 60s, watching their round, chubby smiling faces beaming from the television screen. The Campbell Kids have been cheerfully promoting the company’s products since 1904, when Grace Gebbie first brought the famous cartoon duo to life with her pen. Grace was a pioneer in cartooning as one of the first women to successfully make her mark in the art form.

Dec 24, 2004 - Susanna McLeod

You won’t find the distinctive art of the late Ben Wicks in the comics pages any more, you won’t find his writing in the editorial pages, but you will find the extraordinary cartoons of the creative genius in a series of literacy books and promotions, helping both young and old to learn the indispensable skills of reading.

Dec 10, 2004 - Susanna McLeod

The joyous, festive, heartwarming season has come ‘round again. It is time to announce this year’s NEA Holiday Special, beginning November 29th and running until Chrismas Day, (drum roll, please). Ta da! Presenting … "Spotting Santa", by Spot the Frog creator Mark Heath!

Nov 25, 2004 - Susanna McLeod

Bumpy, rocky and full of delays, the road to comic strip syndication was a rough ride for Jan Eliot. But through her boundless artistic talent, sharp sense of humour and dogged determination, the creator of Stone Soup reached her goal. Stone Soup launched in 25 newspapers in 1995 under the auspices of Universal Press.

Nov 12, 2004 - Susanna McLeod

He might feel “not worthy,” but Greg Evans was found “most worthy” by the National Cartoonists Society. The skilled cartoonist of Luann was awarded the distinguished and desired Cartoonist of the Year Award for 2003, at the NCS ceremonies held in Kansas City in May of 2004. Greg Evans had been honoured with nominations six times during his cartooning career and finally reached the lofty pinnacle of The Reuben.

Oct 29, 2004 - Susanna McLeod

Newsbits and congratulations about Family Guy, Lynn Johnston's For Better or For Worse, The FineToon Fellowship, Greg Evans, winner of the NCS Cartoonist of the Year Award and Cathy, by creator Cathy Guisewite.

Oct 15, 2004 - Susanna McLeod

Distinctive linework, gags that produce smiles and chuckles immediately, and an adept, professional hand at the hilarious signal the work of Mark Anderson, creator of Andertoons. Published in prominent magazines such as The Wall Street Journal, Saturday Evening Post, Good Housekeeping, Forbes, Readers Digest and many more, this freelance cartoonist is making his humourous mark in magazine cartooning.

Oct 1, 2004 - Susanna McLeod

Backwoods hillbillies, curvaceous girls and the town of Dogpatch were a few of the things that gave Al Capp a long cartooning career, filled with fame and fortune. But the one-legged cartoonist who created the poor and uneducated Yokum family was himself just the opposite: well-read, well-educated and well-known as a “cynical sophisticate.”

Sep 17, 2004 - Susanna McLeod

Tiger, the delightful, sweet comic strip created by Bud Blake, has been in publication for nearly 40 years. I’m sorry to say that I had not noticed it, not even taken a passing glance, let alone a good look. Let’s correct that regrettable oversight right now as we sneak a quick peek at the life of this dedicated cartoonist.

Sep 3, 2004 - Susanna McLeod

Some cartoonists fashion humour from abstract ideas, from improbable or impossible flights of fancy that they spin into chuckles from invisible strings. Other cartoonists weave success from the threads of the daily routine, the family quirks, from the rough skein of real life. Roy Schneider has found his place in his comic strip creation, The Humble Stumble.

Aug 20, 2004 - Susanna McLeod

Have you been thinking of trying your hand at cartooning, your fingers just itching to doodle, but you’re not quite sure where to start? Perhaps one of the links listed here is the thing to inspire you to get drawing.

Aug 6, 2004 - Susanna McLeod

Nobody finds the fun in cows, dogs, religion and weird, quirky people better than Leigh Rubin. His witty streak of humour shines through in his comic panel, Rubes, where the animals take on human-like attitudes and the people behave, well, um… oddly. Sometimes leaning toward the gross, occasionally repulsive, but always a hoot, Rubes has grown to be standard fare in newspapers around the globe, 365 days of the year.

Jul 23, 2004 - Susanna McLeod

Drawing skills and a funny bone are the essence of being a cartoonist, but it takes so much more to reach the pinnacle of success: publication. Brian Lord, creator of Kick Irrational has taken the task in hand, building a solid foundation through planning, marketing and networking to accomplish the goals he has for his comic strip. Brian kindly gave an interview for The Cartoonists to share his story of determination and optimism. Come on along and hear how he took his comic from an idea to having a quarter of a million readers.

Jul 9, 2004 - Susanna McLeod

Dogs. Big or shy, round or skinny, small or sassy. Cartoonists like to create comic strips about dogs. There are perhaps enough good and bad dog comics submitted to syndicates to fill a large kennel. With more barking at the door, one comic strip has made its way to the front of the pack.

Jun 25, 2004 - Susanna McLeod

He’s not a scientist. He’s not a botanist. He’s not a doctor. But by using his interest in science and other topics, Bob Weber Jr. is a cartoonist who has found his place in the funny pages and kid’s hearts. The creator of Slylock Fox & Comics for Kids, Bob shares bits of knowledge on almost every topic with his millions of eager comics fans.

Jun 11, 2004 - Susanna McLeod

We should have guessed it – the signs were right there in the comic strip Citizen Dog. No longer do our pets sit subservient at our feet, waiting for a scrap of food or a tickle behind the ears. Instead, those endearing creatures are making us laugh as they take the car keys and drive away. We chuckle as Fergus Dog and his friends lock the doors when they see his master, Mel, coming and we smile when the dogs refuse to let him in.

May 28, 2004 - Susanna McLeod

The creativity and imagination of Australian artist Sandra Temple are astounding. In her artistic career, she has worked in fashion design, jewellery design, illustration, murals, fine art, cartooning and more. Her several comic strips have tickled the funny bones of animal lovers, children and families.

May 14, 2004 - Susanna McLeod

I have always loved cartoons. When I was a little kid, those small pictures that magically appeared every day in the back section of the Kingston Whig-Standard kept me entertained for long periods of time. Though the humourous message sometimes went over my head, I was captivated by the drawings. And the coloured funny pages on Saturday, well, that just put me in paradise.

Apr 30, 2004 - Susanna McLeod

Recently, I picked up a big city newspaper to check out their weekend colour comics. The section held many of the same strips and panels as my small-city newspaper, but one that I rarely see caught my attention. The star character had big eyes with long lashes, a tray of dinner plates in one hand and a sassy restaurant customer looking for trouble on the other. Deciding to check further into this intriguing strip, I surfed to the King Features site to find “Tina’s Groove,” created by Rina Piccolo.

Apr 16, 2004 - Susanna McLeod

It takes only a short time to draw out a single comic, to come up with a funny line or two to get a laugh. It takes more effort to create a cartoon daily, week in and week out. It takes much more diligence to market that cartoon, get it published locally or on the web and to wait for success. New cartoonist George F. Anzaldi Jr. stands in the wings, patiently waiting for his potential to be discovered by newspapers and the syndicates.

Apr 2, 2004 - Susanna McLeod

Kids and parents are familiar with the Berenstain Bears, Mama in her dotted dress and cap and Papa in his plaid shirt, overalls and straw hat. Brother and Sister Bear provide the inspiration for stories that are packed with action and easy to read. While the Bear family is instantly recognizable, Stan and Jan Berenstain have kept back, busy with the making of wonderful art and magic in cartoons, greeting cards, stories and book series over the last sixty years. Let's sneak a peek through the window of their lives.

Mar 19, 2004 - Susanna McLeod

If you are travelling this year, perhaps you will happen across one of the many cartoon exhibits going on around the United States and beyond. Here are just a few of the many events taking place in 2004:

Mar 5, 2004 - Susanna McLeod

Inch by inch and rung by rung, new comic strips are making their way up the ladder of syndication and leaping into publication. The older strips dominate the funny pages with beloved standards such as Beetle Bailey, Blondie, Peanuts and Dennis the Menace. It is pretty hard to elbow in between them with their huge fan bases of support. Newspaper editors are leery of making changes and dread upsetting their readers, but cartoonists with fresh ideas aren’t given up. Here’s a quick look at several newer entries to tickle your smile button:

Feb 20, 2004 - Susanna McLeod

“Love is…” is much more than a quick smile, more than a moment of humour. It has become a symbol of affection and adoration worldwide. “Love is…” is making a come-back to the comics pages much to the delight of dedicated fans and new readers.

Feb 11, 2004 - Susanna McLeod

Working from home is a dream of workers in all manner of careers. After dragging their weary bones out of bed and into the car or bus for the mind-numbing trip to the dreary office, they long for a change, for independence and control. Being a home-worker has its good points, allowing personal time-management and a feeling of freedom. But it also has its weird moments, such as making use of the local copy shop much too often.

Feb 6, 2004 - Susanna McLeod

The Bumsteads have been entertaining readers of the funny pages for over 73 years - and have kept their endearing delightful qualities throughout. Though they have evolved, they are still the same familiar and beloved characters as when the Blondie comic strip began. Blondie’s hairdo and figure are as attractive as ever and Dagwood’s amusing view of life always brings a chuckle. They haven’t aged much at all since their kids Alexander and Cookie were born, grew into adventurous children and passed through those troublesome but comical teen years. The younger characters are now almost grown themselves.

Jan 9, 2004 - Susanna McLeod

Touching holiday stories are a seasonal mainstay, but a sincere holiday story fashioned in an “operatic, rhyming poem” comic strip series? Now that’s something see. This year, the Newspaper Enterprise Association (NEA) has kept up the tradition begun in 1937 by offering Jef Mallett the opportunity to create the annual comics Christmas special. He met the challenge with “A Mall and the Right Visitor,” which began on December 1 and ends on Christmas Day. (Please see link below.)

Dec 23, 2003 - Susanna McLeod

Ahh, Christmastime is here. It is the treasured season to be jolly and generous. The spirit of Christmas pulls hearts and wallets open in support of all manner of causes. Cartoonists have made a tradition of being giving and bighearted not only at Christmas, but also all year round. Let’s have a look at just a few of the kindhearted things our favourite artists do to help many deserving causes.

Dec 12, 2003 - Susanna McLeod

For some reason, I have a soft spot for cartoons. The thick lines or squiggles, the funny gag or serious message, they all catch my attention. There are so many good cartoons that it is difficult for me to choose a particular favourite cartoonist. One artist that does come to mind is the late Shel Silverstein, the dynamic and humourous poet, playwright, musician, composer and of course, cartoonist.

Nov 28, 2003 - Susanna McLeod

Who would guess that an uncomplicated comic strip about a dog and a cat might help to improve the lives of real dogs and cats? The stars of the Mutts comic strip, Earl and Mooch don’t walk on their hind feet or talk to their humans. They play outside, chase other animals and are taunted endlessly by nut-tossing squirrels. Their strong base for humour is that they act just like we expect dogs and cats to behave. It is obvious through his work in Mutts that cartoonist Patrick McDonnell is an animal lover, using his acclaimed strip to promote animal rights and safety.

Nov 14, 2003 - Susanna McLeod

Anita Kunz has reached a pinnacle attained by few illustrators and cartoonists. Her powerful, thought-provoking illustration work has been chosen to grace the exhibit walls of the Swann Gallery of the Library of Congress, Washington, DC for a solo exhibit. She is the first Canadian artist to receive the honour of a solo exhibition.

Oct 31, 2003 - Susanna McLeod

Bulbous nosed, large ringed spots and a hairy back – a very furry, fuzzy, hairy back. Doesn’t sound particularly appealing, does it? Pot bellied and ugly, yet interesting, kind and sweet, this unlikely creature is Rufus, one of the star characters in Out of the Gene Pool. The innovative comic strip was created by Matt Janz, the first FineToon Fellowship winner.

Oct 17, 2003 - Susanna McLeod

So, you’ve been sketching and drawing like crazy, making googly eyes, bouffant hair and animals that talk. You’ve gotten the pen work down fine. Your characters are looking more in tune with your ideas every day, and your gags are funnier than the ones in last week’s newspaper. The only problem is: how to get those hilarious cartoons to be seen and enjoyed by your soon-to-be-adoring public.

Oct 3, 2003 - Susanna McLeod

With her drooping, grayish exterior and sour spirit to match, one particular cartoon character has made a big impression. She seems to peer through dark glasses directly at readers, scrutinizing and examining. Then the scrawny old woman utters a humdinger of a crabby comment from, of all places, the inside of a greeting card. That’s Maxine, speaking out for the older generation and making a lot of smiles in the process.

Sep 19, 2003 - Susanna McLeod

Innocence and charisma are still in style. The simple, chuckle-making humour through the eyes of a five-and-a-half-year-old child has captivated comics readers for over half a century. Dennis the Menace was created by Hank Ketcham in 1950, using a child’s naive view of the world to discover fun buried in the commonplace stuff of life.

Sep 5, 2003 - Susanna McLeod

Fashioned from the perspectives of a little girl and her busy single mom, Heart of the City contains all the wisdom, frustrations and laughter to be found in raising a precocious child. From Heart’s determination to find her mother a boyfriend to the Italian nanny’s great cooking, we would be certain the comic strip has a woman’s sensitivities, a real female cartoonist’s view of the world. Right? Nope. Heart of the City is created by a man.

Aug 22, 2003 - Susanna McLeod

Between Friends could not be more aptly named. With only a small number of words and a few good drawings, Sandra Bell-Lundy provides the pleasant sensation to the reader of sitting right at the dining table with “the girls.” It is as if we were almost able to carry on the discussion “between friends,” with the lead characters of Susan, Maeve and Kim.

Aug 8, 2003 - Susanna McLeod

Drawing his inspirations in a local coffee shop or at home with his bird on his shoulder is the usual for cartoonist Mike Twohy. He is the successful creative force behind countless cartoons appearing in The New Yorker magazine and daily through his That’s Life comic panel in newspapers.

Jul 25, 2003 - Susanna McLeod

Flo & Friends takes the vision of seniors as stodgy old people sitting around in rocking chairs and changes the picture. Created by John Gibel and Jenny Campbell, Flo & Friends shows us that seniors are spunky, wise and downright funny.

Jul 11, 2003 - Susanna McLeod

Matt Groening has made cartooning look easy and lucrative. It seemed to his readers like a simple jump from doodler to famous cartoonist. But the cartoonist paid his dues before he became renowned worldwide, wealthy beyond his dreams and now the Cartoonist of the Year.

Jun 27, 2003 - Susanna McLeod

Mentioned regularly in The Cartoonists articles, I often refer to the National Cartoonists Society website for noting a cartoonist’s awards or membership. Let’s sneak a quick peek at the NCS and its long history of supporting cartoonists.

Jun 13, 2003 - Susanna McLeod

The comic strip Monty was not developed in a flash of inspiration or as a singular effort at designing a cartoon. Bill Meddick advanced his cartooning career by drawing a strip aimed at promoting Robotman toy merchandise. The comic evolved in a twisted fashion, with all of the original robot and alien characters erased and the human nerd Monty now as the lead. Puzzling, isn’t it?

May 30, 2003 - Susanna McLeod

For cartoonist Chip Sansom, The Born Loser has been more like the “born winner” to him. Chip apprenticed with his father, Art Sansom, originator of the comic strip, and slipped full-time into the creative seat after the senior Sansom died in 1991. The Born Loser cartoon is enjoyed around the world, proving that “everyman” humour is universally understood.

May 16, 2003 - Susanna McLeod

Creator of Non Sequitur, Wiley Miller is the gifted cartoonist who has earned four prestigious Reuben Awards for his satirical look at the world around us. After speaking with a famous cartoonist when he was a teenager, Miller made cartooning his career choice and he hasn’t looked back. He is an innovator in comics creation and has made his mark on the cartooning field by creating a process of colouring comics, generating strips that are vivid and rich.

May 2, 2003 - Susanna McLeod

Cat lovers have taken a fancy to cartoonist Nicole Hollander’s comic strip, Sylvia. The comic strip lead is an outspoken and blunt feminist character and the friend of two very popular cartoon cats. Sylvia has appeared in the comics pages, sharing laughter and commiserating over the issues of the day, since 1979.

Apr 18, 2003 - Susanna McLeod

There is something exciting to cheer about in the comics, or should we say, to cheer about again. Eight years after the ending of the beloved Bloom County and the subsequent Outland’s run, the high-spirited comic strips are making a repeat performance. Ucomics.com began distributing Berkeley Breathed’s famous comic duo of Opus and Bill on their website on March 17th, 2003 with hefty doses of penguin sarcasm and hairball comments to be savoured every week.

Apr 4, 2003 - Susanna McLeod

“Good Art by Ruthie, still only 10 cents,” are the scrawled words on a tiny poster drawn by a child character in a comic strip, but they have made a big impression on fans of Rick Detorie’s creation, One Big Happy. Based on his book “How to Survive an Italian Family,” One Big Happy is feel-good cartoon that is gaining a sizeable happy following.

Mar 21, 2003 - Susanna McLeod

One of Canada’s premier cartoonists, Adrian Raeside pierces the bubble of politicians and plodding government with his sharp wit. The editorial cartoonist and creator of The Other Coast continues to make a name for himself world-wide with his contagiously funny stuff.

Mar 7, 2003 - Susanna McLeod

An arrogant rat, friends with a sweet, naïve pig, seems incongruent; yet they make the perfect pair for a jolt of laughter. Pearls Before Swine is a chuckle of a comic created by Stephan Pastis, syndicated only since 1999 by United Media.

Feb 21, 2003 - Susanna McLeod

Al Hirschfeld was the master caricaturist of our time. It was a distinct honour for theatrical and movie personalities to be characterized by the pen of Hirschfeld. Sadly, the caricaturist passed away at age 99 in January of 2003. His was a joyful life filled with arts and theatre, and he continued to draw until his death.

Feb 7, 2003 - Susanna McLeod

Imagine a wall with awards from floor to ceiling. Mother Goose and Grimm cartoonist Mike Peters, also a syndicated editorial cartoonist, is one of the most popular cartoonists with his entertaining work published around the world. He has earned respect and awards continually since 1973. He leaves his readers with laughter and thought-provoking ideas through his inventive comics.

Jan 24, 2003 - Susanna McLeod

Contrary to its name, there is not much dancing going on in FoxTrot, but there are lots of chuckles making this cartoon created by Bill Amend popular with millions of readers. Plus he gets a chance to put his math and physics training to good use!

Jan 10, 2003 - Susanna McLeod

What do the Orlando Sentinel, Runner’s World Magazine and Tribune Media Services have in common? And how about if we add “Bound and Gagged” and “The Middletons” or “Run, Dog, Run”? You’ve guessed it: They each share the art and imagination of the talented and prolific cartoonist, Dana Summers.

Dec 27, 2002 - Susanna McLeod

"Happiness is a warm puppy" could be the slogan for "Raising Duncan," a warm and fuzzy comic strip by Chris Browne. He is the talented expert cartoonist who also draws the hilarious and popular Viking comic, "Hagar the Horrible."

Dec 13, 2002 - Susanna McLeod

Definition: Pibgorn 1. A folk instrument of the hornpipe family. A Welsh single reed chanter with the mouthpiece and bell made of cow’s horn. Popular in the Middle Ages. 2. The name of a woodlands fairy looking to spice up her life. Also a comic strip by the multi-talented Brooke McEldowney, creator of 9 Chickweed Lane.

Nov 29, 2002 - Susanna McLeod

You would think doing two comic strips for the last several decades would burn a fellow out, but Mel Lazarus, creator of Miss Peach and Momma, seems to have no difficulty coming up with ideas for his popular strips. He is also the author of several books and husband of the past mayor of San Carlos, California.

Nov 15, 2002 - Susanna McLeod

Only the second woman to receive the Pulitzer Prize for Editorial Cartooning, Ann Telnaes took up her pencil to vent her outrage at horrible events around the world, from the blood stained Tiananmen Square to the gender harassment of Anita Hill. With fine caricatures and clean art, Telnaes is able to get her insightful, often blunt, point across with a minimum of words.

Nov 1, 2002 - Susanna McLeod

Man eating sharks just don’t seem to be funny, but Sherman’s Lagoon takes a bite out of that theory. The undersea world of sharks, turtles, fish and creatures is great fun, right down to the bottom dweller that eats everything. Including guns!

Oct 17, 2002 - Susanna McLeod

Under the scientific lab coat of a physicist, a comedian must have been struggling to emerge. Once the humourist Bud Grace was loose, the hilarious comics of Ernie/The Piranha Club have been provoking laughs from fans from North America to Northern Europe.

Oct 4, 2002 - Susanna McLeod

Ray Billingsley’s art talent was discovered at the tender age of 12, and he continues to shine as one of a small but growing number of successful non-white cartoonists. His creation, Curtis, features an African-American urban family that everyone can relate to, no matter what the background.

Sep 20, 2002 - Susanna McLeod

Kevin Fagan has made a career creating Drabble, a humourous cartoon with well-developed characters, good drawings and a strong fan base. Oddly, he has no awards to show for his successful cartoon, in syndication since 1979.

Sep 6, 2002 - Susanna McLeod

Cartooning is a great way of life, but there can be snags – like ending up in court. Tom Armstrong, creator of Marvin, was sued for libel in 1998 because of a short series of cartoons that portrayed his frustration with a car dealer.

Aug 23, 2002 - Susanna McLeod

Guns, cancer, teen pregnancy and alcoholism are tough topics to discuss in any forum, let alone in cartoons. Tom Batiuk (sounds like “Battick”) takes on the hard issues in his comic strip creation, Funky Winkerbean. Batiuk shares information and support, with teenagers in particular, that find themselves in troubling positions. Somehow, the cartoonist is able to find humour in the serious events.

Aug 9, 2002 - Susanna McLeod

Staring with evil eyes and sporting a single fang, Bucky wreaks havoc in the Wilco household. He's a cat, after all. Get Fuzzy, created by Darby Conley, is a fresh, hilarious comic strip under the United Media Syndicate.

Jul 26, 2002 - Susanna McLeod

Disgruntled office workers have a hilarious outlet for their frustration. Dilbert suffers through their miseries, as if he is right beside them in the next cubicle. From Catbert, the evil HR officer to the nameless Boss, Scott Adams hits the nail on the head when it comes to corporate humour.

Jul 12, 2002 - Susanna McLeod

The funny situations, the hilarious things kids say, and the heart-rending times of families have provided a constant supply of material for cartoonist Bil Keane, creator of The Family Circus. And, even with more than 42 years in print, he still can find the humour in family life.

Jun 28, 2002 - Susanna McLeod

Political cartoonists can be chameleons. You just never know who has been on the editorial page. Would you have guessed Dr. Seuss? Theodor Seuss Geisel was a political cartoonist during WWII. His take on the world situation was not always a kind one.

Jun 14, 2002 - Susanna McLeod

Etta Hulme is one of a small number of women in the area of political cartooning. This artistic, yet blunt woman has made her mark on the editorial page of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram since 1972.

May 31, 2002 - Susanna McLeod

George Gately was born into an artistic family. His father promoted cartooning to his youngsters by collecting cartoons into scrapbooks for them to learn the craft. George had a long and satisfying career in cartooning, starting with freelance magazine panels and ending with the celebrated, saucy, Heathcliff.

May 17, 2002 - Susanna McLeod

Welcome to Part Two of Lynn Johnston's wonderfully creative career as cartoonist of For Better or For Worse. The very popular cartoon tackles the tough issues along with supplying laughter through her characters, the Patterson family.

May 3, 2002 - Susanna McLeod

Lynn Johnston is the creator of one of the top comic strips of our time. The For Better or For Worse cartoon is not only filled with laughter and joy; the cartoonist takes on the serious matters of death and gender identity, making readers feel like one of the family. The complex story of the Patterson family and For Better or For Worse is followed by millions of fans.

Apr 19, 2002 - Susanna McLeod

Do you have any cartoons attached to your refrigerator at home or to your message board at work? These intriguing drawings strike at our hearts, make us think, cry or laugh. That is what art is supposed to do.

Apr 15, 2002 - Susanna McLeod

Marmaduke has entertained his fans with his hilarious antics for almost five decades. Brad Anderson is the creator of the smiling, trouble-making Great Dane, loved by millions of fans around the world. In past years, Marmaduke volunteered to be "spokesdog" and "chairdog," helping to raise awareness and money for two important charities.

Apr 5, 2002 - Susanna McLeod

Not too many people can boast growing up in a busy fire station. John Deering, syndicated editorial cartoonist and creator of Strange Brew gained his hilarious perspective from a childhood filled with sirens, police business and politics. Now that's an insider's view on comedy.

Mar 22, 2002 - Susanna McLeod

Aislin, also known as Terry Mosher, is one of Canada's finest political cartoonists. He is well known for his piercing portrayal of governments, politicians, celebrities and anyone who makes it into the news. His irreverent work has appeared world-wide.

Mar 8, 2002 - Susanna McLeod

The Treetops Tattler-Tribune is the background for the comic strip, Shoe, where the cynical, irrepressible editor rules the newspaper world from his bird's eye view. The hilarious comic creation of the late Jeff MacNelly continues daily in over a thousand newspapers by the talented Cassatt/Brookins team. Jeff MacNelly was a much-acclaimed for his work: Three Pulitzer Prizes for his political cartoons and two Reubens for Shoe, just for starters!

Feb 22, 2002 - Susanna McLeod

Rhymes With Orange. Hmm. I can't think of anything. Can you? Rhymes With Orange is the innovative creation of Hilary B. Price, putting the spotlight of hilarity on the daily grind. Hilary is the youngest woman to achieve syndication and she is eager to encourage other women to give cartooning a try.

Feb 8, 2002 - Susanna McLeod

Buckles is endearing, adorable and filled with personality. He is babied and loved. And he is a dog. David Gilbert has created a wonderfully original comic strip in Buckles that fans can relate to immediately. Readers experience the dog's point of view, and it's not always what is expected.

Jan 25, 2002 - Susanna McLeod

Cartoonist Brian Crane has developed a truly funny comic strip about the antics of a retired couple and their family. Pickles is one of only a few cartoons based on older people and is very popular with fans of all ages.

Jan 11, 2002 - Susanna McLeod

Tony Cochran has created a hilarious and heartwarming comic strip entitled "Agnes." Agnes is a tough and smart little girl with big dreams but little way to accomplish them. Cochran's work as both a fine artist and auto body repairman give him insights into the life of an average struggling person. There's a little bit of Agnes in everyone.

Dec 28, 2001 - Susanna McLeod

Mike Baldwin, creator of Cornered, has given himself a mission: Adding cartoons to other sections of the newspaper, not just the comics and editorial page. He has had some success, with the refreshingly funny Cornered appearing on the front page of several big-city newspapers. Cornered is one of the first cartoons to be coloured by the cartoonist, rather than by a colouring agency.

Dec 13, 2001 - Susanna McLeod

Well, for heaven's sake! A comic strip drawn by ordained United Methodist minister Mike Morgan finds the fun in an imaginary church and its congregation and of course it's called - For Heaven's Sake. The weekly cartoon is a good chuckle and deserves more fans and appreciation.

Nov 30, 2001 - Susanna McLeod

Dave Coverly takes a normal scene, pokes a stick at it, and finds the fun underneath in his cartoon panel, Speed Bump. His slightly skewered and twisted view is growing in popularity and has won several awards.

Nov 16, 2001 - Susanna McLeod

Bob Thaves received syndication for his panel cartoon, Frank and Ernest, on his first submission to the Newspaper Enterprise Association. It was a natural progression for the cartoonist who had been drawing cartoons since childhood. But, somewhere between his first magazine sale and syndication in 1972, he also had a full-time corporate career.

Nov 2, 2001 - Susanna McLeod

Tom K. Ryan loves drawing and loves the Old West. How better to join his two favourite things than by drawing a comic strip? His creation, Tumbleweeds, spoofs Cowboys and Indians, pioneer days and crooked politicians. Tumbleweeds' town of Grimy Gulch has everything. Even an Undertaker.

Oct 19, 2001 - Susanna McLeod

Pat Brady is considered one of the finest artists in the cartoon business. His daily comic strip, Rose is Rose, is a showcase of his creative drawing skills and imagination. The cosmos, fantasy and reality mix together to create an ingenious strip that leaves readers coming back for more.

Oct 5, 2001 - Susanna McLeod

It seems impossible. It mustn't be true. How can Ziggy be 30 years old this year? It doesn't seem so long ago that those dot eyes and that crinkled smile captured the hearts and funny bones of millions of readers. Happy birthday, Ziggy!

Sep 21, 2001 - Susanna McLeod

Take one young artist. Add a dash of determination. Continue with a dollop of talent, a crafty imagination and a splash of skill with the pen. Poof! Randy Glasbergen, creator of The Better Half appears. His style and humour bring laughter to his millions of fans.

Sep 7, 2001 - Susanna McLeod

You better watch out if you are taking a stroll through the secret Enchanted Forest. Broom-HIlda could be waiting behind a tree to snag you! The bewitched creation of Russell Myers has been capturing and entertaining comics fans with the antics of Broom-Hilda and friends for over 31 years.

Aug 24, 2001 - Susanna McLeod

Grog, Wiley, The Fat Broad, The Cute Chick, Peter and many more make up the cast of the prehistoric cartoon, B.C. Johnny Hart s the creative genius behind the pencil of caveman advancement. This community even has a golf ball washer - a turtle that licks the ball clean!

Aug 10, 2001 - Susanna McLeod

Part Two of Rube Goldberg. Cartooning encompassed Rube Goldberg's life from age eleven until his death at 87 years old. His long list of achievements includes a Pulitzer Prize for Editorial Cartooning, his own Reuben, and a US postage stamp in his honour.

Jul 27, 2001 - Susanna McLeod

Rube Goldberg spent his whole life creating cartoons and art. He is most famous for The Inventions, but also created sixty other cartoon series over his lifetime. At the age of eighty, he decided to change careers and became a sculptor. He displayed creativity, professionalism and ingenuity; a fine example for all cartoonists to follow. This is Part One on the life of Rube Goldberg.

Jul 13, 2001 - Susanna McLeod

Greg Curfman and his cartoon Meg! have been in the funny pages for only a few years. The comic strip based on a spunky little girl has a humour similar to Calvin and Hobbes and is a lot of fun.

Jun 29, 2001 - Susanna McLeod

Garry Trudeau has no fear of poking fun at politicians, big business or anything else that makes news. He is one of the most influential cartoonists in print today.

Jun 15, 2001 - Susanna McLeod

Baby Blues is the delightful cartoon strip created by Rick Kirkman and Jerry Scott. The comic examines the surprises and predicaments of parenthood through the eyes of new parents. Characters Zoe and Hammie keep parents Wanda and Darryl MacPherson on their toes. Who knows what little kids are thinking?

Jun 1, 2001 - Susanna McLeod

Not only was Dik Browne the creator of Hagar the Horrible, he was chosen as co-creator of Hi and Lois with Mort Walker. Illustration and art encompassed his whole life and he received many awards for his accomplishments.

May 18, 2001 - Susanna McLeod

Jim Unger's distinctive characters can easily be spotted. Those droopy bodies in dressy clothes, faces that have seen better days and a dash of laughter strike a nerve with Herman fans of every age.

May 4, 2001 - Susanna McLeod

Cathy burst onto the cartoon pages in 1976 as the first single career woman in the strips. She has touched the hearts of women and men with her dilemmas and struggles with life.

Apr 20, 2001 - Susanna McLeod

Jim Davis has been drawing Garfield, the sassy orange tabby, since 1978. His famous cartoon strip has grown from its start in 41 newspapers to appearing in over 2600 and continues to expand around the world.

Apr 6, 2001 - Susanna McLeod

There is no other kid like Calvin. He's saucy, obnoxious and devilish. He's also sweet, thoughtful and intelligent. And he's the most adorable little kid character in cartoons. Bill Watterson has created Calvin and Hobbes, a comic strip that is hard to match.

Mar 9, 2001 - Susanna McLeod