Today we got the news that Bill DeOre, the long time cartoonist
for the Dallas Morning News, is the latest cartoonist to lose
his job. Freelance editorial cartoonist, Milt Priggee, has written
the piece below about the slow death of our profession. Milt
has also created a Flash animation that will have a home on our
front page. Milt's animation, titled "Coffins," scrolls
through a long list of cartoonist positions that have been lost
in recent years. Click
to see Milt's"Coffins."Visit
Milt's cartoons on our site.E-mail
Milt. Visit Milt's
site.
The job of an editorial cartoonist
is to reveal the awkward truth when everybody else would prefer
a tactful silence.
Local editorial cartooning is
DEAD and newspaper publishers killed it.
What we are seeing recently is
the decomposing of the art as evidenced by cartoonists just up
and quitting their staff newspaper positions in the worst employment
environment ever. Newspapers force their cartoonists off the
editorial page and then let their positions go dark while they
claim they are looking for a suitable replacement. Sadly the
powers that be don't even bother with their old lie that they
can't afford to hire a staff editorial cartoonist anymore. Editorial
cartooning is DEAD because editors/publishers are now saying
local editorial cartoons, the most popular feature of their editorial
page, are NOT a priority.
Strangely, this is happening
during a time when newspapers supposedly need local, visual,
opinionated hooks to grab a reader's attention -edgy enough to
get that reader to pass the editorial page around to non-newspaper
readers - exclusively local enough so readers can't get it from
any other source. - exciting enough to create a 'did you see
today's editorial page' buzz around the workplace water cooler.
Even stranger is that newspaper
publishers have a monopoly on the art. Yet instead of utilizing
their monopoly to improve their bottom line, they are abdicating
their monopoly of editorial cartooning to other mediums to make
their product more irrelevant to their readers and advertisers.
If you don't believe local editorial
cartooning is dead, simply ask yourself when was the last time
you saw two local cartoons from your newspaper's cartoonist in
one week?
The saddest part about the whole
situation is that it can be easily reversed by simply doing so.
But the chances of publishers ever doing that are slim and none.
This will never happen because
the environment will not support it. Publishers and editors are
very uncomfortable dealing with personal visuals and how readers
react to them. Newspaper powers no longer view their graphic
commentators as assets to their debate forums.....mainly because
they have no idea what a cartoon is. A local cartoon was once
an asset is now viewed to be a liability by the people who signs
the checks.
The public can demand that publishers
hire a staff cartoonist but in all likely hood, will they?....no.
The readers who are most interested in issues, opinions and debating
them have already switched over to the medium of the future....the
Internet. Proof of the future being here now is the very fact
that you are reading this on a screen and not newsprint.
There have been a few mentions
in mainstream media about the demise of the art by the poisoning
of the environment. Other than these few mentions there is NOT
anybody, group or institution, who is actively speaking up for
the art. This lack of a caring entity is a big reason the art
is sliding into oblivion. Someone needs to shine some serious
light on this topic. Unfortunately, too many people are scared
to rock the sinking boat or even care to plug the holes.
I've been speaking in generalities,
obviously there are some fine newspapers who have not betrayed
the public trust, unfortunately they only number a shrinking
minority. If you want to see specifics click
this link.
Thank you for allowing me to
share the awkward truth.
It must be considered a privilege to work as a cartoonist in
Sweden, compared to doing the same in many other places in the
world.
Here, as well in the United States among others, you don't risk
imprisonment because you didn't make the leaders shine in all
their glory.
Sweden had its last war during the Napoleon era, and it ended
in 1814. So we've endured two world wars without getting involved.
Historians have proven this not to be quite true, but at least
we didn't get involved in the military action.
Why am I telling this? Becuase it has impact on Sweden today.
This is a very safe country to live in, probably one of the safest
there is. Democracy and freedom of speech are never questioned.
And people tend to be a bit too comfortable with the safety we
have. Making the politics and thus journalism and cartooning
a bit "boring". You hardly risk having your hands cut
off or so as would the cartoonist in other places when reflecting
all too true things about their nation.
As a young child, I was very interested in comics. I read them
a lot, fascinated by the magic of the image. And how the image
with only a few words, or even completely without words, could
communicate things instantly to the readers, as opposed to text
alone that demanded a lot more of the reader's attention and
focus.
The speechless form of communication is, I would say, the force
that drives political cartooning. The ability to capture a reader
visually even though you don't even speak the same language is
amazing.
In Sweden political cartoons today aren't as appreciated as they
once were, or still are elsewhere as it seems from my horizon
(in for example France or the US). Only a few papers here have
cartoonists in their staff, which could be considered strange
since we have a tradition of widely renowned cartoonists here.
EWK (Evert Karlsson) and Martin Lamm are two of them, none of
which are any longer with us I'm afraid.
For this reason, I'm very pleased that my home paper Norra Västerbotten,
which before my arrival here 16 years ago didn't have any cartooning
tradition, realised how powerful a political cartoon can be.
And thus decided to hire me.
I have one of the nicest jobs a person could ever have, but at
the same time also a very tough one. Our creations are judged
by millions every day and get as well compliments as complaints.
I've been doing this for almost three decades now. And what begun
with being published in a weekly magazine has evolved to my life's
work and it's still as fun. Or in fact, it's more fun than ever
now that the modern technology has brought the world to the edge
of my fingertips. Or pencil, put another way.
To all my readers everywhere, I thank you for all encouragement
and nice comments. It's appreciated. I will continue doing my
best to please, worry and annoy. As I always have.
Olle
OCTOBER 8, 2004
CLAY BENNETT WINS POPULATION CARTOON CONTEST
You gotta hand it to Clay
Bennett, he is the cartoon contest king! Here is a press
release from the Populations Media Center followed by winning
cartoons by Clay Bennett, Jeff
Parker and Eric Lewis.
Shelburne, VT -- Clay Bennett, a 2002 Pulitzer Prize winning
editorial cartoonist for the Christian Science Monitor, won the
2004 National Population Cartoon Contest. Mr. Bennet's cartoon,
"Be Fruitful and Multiply Now Divide," triumphed over
187 other cartoons to win the $7,000 grand prize as well as an
all-expense paid trip to New York City. He received his award
on October 5, 2004 at the Yale Club of New York City.
Run by the non-profit organization, Population
Media Center (PMC), the contest called for cartoonists to
publish cartoons depicting the relationship between overpopulation
and its effects on the quality of life. Through this annual contest,
PMC hopes to raise awareness of the American public of the importance
of these issues.
"In recent years, global population issues have almost disappeared
from the news and information programming in the United States,"
states Bill Ryerson, president of PMC. "This lack of concern
with population and reproductive health issues has allowed policy
makers to politicize and reduce funding for family planning information
and services in developing countries without serious backlash.
Cartoons are a simple and extremely effective way of promoting
these important issues many people often look at cartoons
before reading serious articles in newspapers and magazines."
Mr. Bennett likened the work of Population Media Center to the
job of editorial cartoonists. "PMC is using the media to
promote progressive ideals That's a strategy and objective that
we editorial cartoonists share. I know I've been trying to do
just that since I got started in this business 24 years ago."
Mr. Ryerson praised all of the cartoonists' enthusiasm in entering
the contest. "It is wonderful that these professional cartoonists
people who are extremely busy would take the time
to help disadvantaged people in the world."
The distinguished judging panel consisted of Ed Koren, a long-time
cartoonist for the New Yorker; Richard Lamm, former three-term
governor of Colorado and current professor and co-director of
the Institute of Public Policy Studies at the University of Denver;
Robert Roy Metz, retired chairman of United Media Syndicates;
Allie Stickney, Vice President for International Programs at
Planned Parenthood Federation of America; Signe Wilkinson, cartoonist
for the Philadelphia Daily News; and Robert Wyman, professor
of Biology, who teaches "Global Problems of Population Growth"
at Yale University.
Cartoonists Jeff
Parker and Eric Lewis won second and third places, respectively.
Mr. Parker draws for the publication Florida Today and is also
syndicated through the website caglecartoons.com.
Mr. Lewis draws for the New Yorker.
OCTOBER 1, 2004
NEW CARTOONIST IN TAMPA
Congratulations to Paul Combs who just won the coveted editorial
cartoonist position at the Tampa Tribune. Wayne
Stayskal recently retired from the Tampa job but continues
to draw in national syndication for Tribune Media Services (and
us). I've posted some samples of Paul's cartoons below. We will
be adding a slot for him on our site soon.
There are so few jobs in the
political cartooning profession that it is big news when anyone
moves into a new spot. The Tampa Tribune was flooded with portfolios
from top, award winning cartoonists. By choosing Paul, the Tribune
continues a recent trend where newspapers are choosing talented,
young newcomers to the profession over award winning old pros.
Other examples of papers hiring talented youngsters rather than
big-name stars include the Seattle Times, the Buffalo News and
the Newark Star-Ledger.
Some of the nation's top cartoonists will be appearing at the
Orange County High School of the Arts, 1010 N. Main Street, Santa
Ana, California on Saturday, October 9, 2004, from 2:00 - 5:00pm.
The event will feature many of the most-honored and respected
names in the fields of newspaper strips, panels, comic books,
illustration, TV and feature animation.
The cartoonists will discuss all aspects of the profession, their
work and careers. They will do live drawings and take questions
from the public. It's a rare chance to meet the geniuses responsible
for your favorite comics, strips, TV shows and movies. It's a
must see for every cartoon fan and a must-not-miss event for
anyone looking to enter the profession.
Tickets are: $25 and $20 for students, with all proceeds going
to support
the Orange County High School of the Arts.
For further details contact:
Jeanette M. Harvey
Orange County High School of the Arts
Marketing Associate
1010 N. Main Street, Room 704
Santa Ana, CA 92701
(714) 560-0900 Ext. 6132
e-mail:jeanette.harvey@ocsarts.net
Among those scheduled to appear are:
SERGIO ARAGONES
Sergio's cartoons have been featured in every issue but one of
"MAD" magazine for the last 40 years and he has produced
16 best-selling original "MAD" books. Creator of the
comic book "GROO THE WANDERER," and recipient of cartooning's
highest honor, the Reuben Award, SERGIO is one of the most-honored
and beloved cartoonists in the world. He was a featured performer
on the classic TV series "LAUGH-IN" and his animation
credits include "DICK CLARK'S TV BLOOPERS AND PRACTICAL
JOKES." http://www.sergioaragones.com
DARYL CAGLE
Daily editorial cartoonist for Slate.com, whose work appears
regularly in more than 750 newspapers. He began his career as
an illustrator for JIM HENSON's "MUPPETS." A former
President of the National Cartooonists Society, he also runs
the most popular cartoon site in the world, featuring hundreds
of the world's top editorial cartoonists each day. http://www.cagle.com
GREG EVANS
GREG's daily comic strip "LUANN" debuted in 1985 and
now appears in over 300 newspapers each day, including the L.A.
Times and the Orange County Register. Winner of this year's prestigious
Reuben Award for Cartoonist of the Year, GREG is currently working
on a TV adaptation of "LUANN" with DICK CLARK PRODUCTIONS.
http://www.comics.com/comics/luann
JEFF KEANE
As a child, he was the inspiration for the LITTLE JEFFY character
in his father's beloved daily panel "THE FAMILY CIRCUS,"
which is syndicated to some 1,400 newspapers each day. Having
forsaken acting for cartooning in the early 1980s, JEFF assembles
all the books, calendars and licensed products and co-produces
the feature each day, working in tandem with his father, BIL
KEANE. http://www.familycircus.com
VIC LEE
A former All-American soccer player, actor and bartender, VIC
LEE's "PARDON MY PLANET" is one of today's most-successful
panel cartoons, appearing in hundreds of newspapers each day,
including the L.A. Times. http://www.kingfeatures.com/features/comics/pardonpl/about.htm
STEVE McGARRY
President of the National Cartoonists Society, voted 2003 Newspaper
Illustrator of the Year in both the U.S. and Australia, STEVE
is the creator of the daily strips "BADLANDS," "POP
CULTURE" and "MULLETS." His daily feature "KID
CITY' appears in over 140 newspapers nationwide, including the
Arizona Republic and Chicago Sun-Times, and his illustration
work appears in newspapers worldwide and magazines as diverse
as SPORTS ILLUSTRATED FOR KIDS and FHM Magazine. http://www.stevemcgarry.com
BILL MORRISON
Art director on the "FUTURAMA" TV series, BILL co-founded
BONGO COMICS with MATT GROENING, publishing titles including
"THE SIMPSONS" and "FUTURAMA' comic books. His
other credits include painting the posters for such movies as
"THE PRINCE AND THE PAUPER" and "THE LITTLE MERMAID."
http://www.bartfan.com/morrison.htmhttp://www.littlegreenman.com
STAN SAKAI
The award-winning creator of "USAGI YOJIMBO," the samurai
rabbit star of Dark Horse comic books, toys, role playing games,
clothing and books. STAN, who recently celebrated the feature's
20th anniversary, is also the letterer on the "GROO THE
WANDERER" comic books and the "SPIDER-MAN" Sunday
newspaper strip. http://www.darkhorse.com/zone
/usagi http://www.usagiyojimbo.com
JERRY SCOTT
Having written and illustrated the classic comic strip "NANCY"
in the 1980s, JERRY co-created two of the most popular comic
strips of recent years, "ZITS" and "BABY BLUES."
A Reuben Award winner, his strips appear in over 1,800 newspapers
worldwide each day, including the L.A. Times, and have spawned
books, calendars, toys and a WB animated TV series. http://www
kingfeatures.com/features/comics/zits/about.htm
SCOTT SHAW!
SCOTT's animation credits include "JIM HENSON'S MUPPET BABIES,"
"ED GRIMLEY," GARFIELD AND FRIENDS" and "CAMP
CANDY"; his comic book credits include "SONIC THE HEDGEHOG"
and "BART SIMPSON COMICS"; and for 10 years he was
senior art director at the OGILVY & MATHER ad agency, working
on THE FLINTSTONES PEBBLES CEREAL. http://www.shawcartoons.com
TOM SITO
A former President of the Hollywood Animation Guild, TOM SITO
is an animation superstar whose credits include the movies "WHO
FRAMED ROGER RABBIT," "THE LITTLE MERMAID," "BEAUTY
& THE BEAST," THE LION KING," "SHREK,"
"ANTZ" and "THE PRINCE OF EGYPT." He co-directed
the animation on "OSMOSIS JONES" and has worked in
animation in Hollywood, London, New York and Toronto.
SEPTEMBER 24, 2004
HURRICANE IVAN SKETCHBOOK
Hurricane Ivan hit near Mobile
Alabama, home of cartoonist, J.D.
Crowe, who drew this sketchbook for the Mobile Register.
E-mail J.D. at jdcrowe@mobileregister.com
SEPTEMBER 23,
2004
READERS FUME AT MY CBS/FOX CARTOON
I can never predict when I will
draw a cartoon that will touch a nerve with readers. Yesterday
morning I watched Fox's frenzy about Dan Rather and CBS's misfortunes.
Gloating about their number one status is a constant theme on
Fox, but yesterday, the "whooshes" and non-stop news
alerts about Rather and CBS reached a frenetic new high.
One reader writes about my liberal bias, "Thanks for helping
me to once again verify what I already know." That stikes
me funny, as that is what CBS is accused of NOT doing. And that
is why conservitives love to watch Fox, they are reassured by
seeing their world view reaffirmed.
It also strikes me interesting that readers seem surprized that
we cartoonists are biased. We're all about bias, here at the
Cartoonists Index. Here are some of the comments from my bulging
mailbox; my offending cartoon is below.
From: Rubalcava, Angel Sent: Wednesday, September 22, 2004 12:31 PM
Fox news has more class then that! Their rating show it.
From: Bob Malzacher Sent: Wednesday, September 22, 2004 12:21 PM Subject: Fox News, CBS Cartoon
Hey pal, before you jump on the bandwagon with the rest of your
lefty friends, why don't you watch Fox before commenting on it?
If you did you would find some conservative commentators that
go along with your cartoon but you would also see many more middle
of the road and lefty commentators who are backing off those
types of statements. I guess anything to the right (moderate)
of you far left loons is considered far right. Get a life. Bob Malzacher, Controller
The Millstone Group
From: eVIE bENTON Sent: Wednesday, September 22, 2004 11:42 AM
that's the poorest excuse for a cartoon i've seen.
From: Keith M. Frey Sent: Wednesday, September 22, 2004 12:25 PM Subject: Still showing the bias
It's amazing. I was drawn to the site because of the headline
on MSN saying "Cartoonists take on Rather". I thought
... "Wow, the media crucifying one of their own and perhaps
taking shots at their beloved Democratic party." Instead,
three of the first four cartoons and many of the others are actually
taking shots at Republicans and Conservatives. UNBELIEVABLE!
(Or maybe not.) The media and possibly the Dems screw up in a
MAJOR way and it's still open season on the Republicans.
Go ahead ... get your messages out whenever and however you need
to. Just keep in mind the smart ones out there aren't fooled
for a minute. In fact, you guys really need to be a little more
discreet in your bias, especially in the aftermath of this Rather
thing. It's almost humorous. By the way, I won't be subscribing
to this site or ever clicking on it again. I'll keep looking
'til I find an unbiased one. Thanks for helping me to once
again verify what I already know.
From: Kevin Unruh Sent: Wednesday, September 22, 2004 11:24 AM Subject: cartoon line
Please pass this along. It is in regard to Dan Rather. It is
original with me and I want you to pass it on to someone to use.
See BS. (CBS).
Thanks
Kevin
From: dmac03 Sent: Wednesday, September 22, 2004 11:53 AM Subject: NO WONDER
Well, we know how you're gonna vote don't we? (Ref; Dan rather
cartoon) What if this was something negative about Kerry done
on Fox? I'll bet your cartoon for it would be dramatically different.
Bias is only bad when it shows against "your people"
You stupid hypocrite! Oh sorry I mean Democrate. the words are
different but the mean the same. Now you know why more and more
people are going elsewhere for thier news.
THEY CAN'T TRUST YOU!
From: Bob Downs Sent: Wednesday, September 22, 2004 11:18 AM Subject: Idiot...
Stupid, inaccurate, misleading, and not even funny... I haven't
seen a single snicker or cheer on Fox News regarding Rather and
CBS, just fair reporting on a hot topic. You're obviously biased
and disingenuous. How about coming up with something on the NY
Times and their left-wing bomb-throwers? There's a lot of legit
criticisms with those frauds... You're a waste...
-Bob Downs
From: Lynda Robson-Armes [ Sent: Wednesday, September 22, 2004 10:45 AM Subject: Cartoon on Rather
I have watched Fox news and they are NOT laughing about the Rather
incident.
From: william fitzpatrick Sent: Wednesday, September 22, 2004 10:53 AM
Yea and you are bigger joke! I mean, come on Fox News. You must
be kidding.
From: Lee Lanham [mailto:llanham@houston.rr.com] Sent: Wednesday, September 22, 2004 10:17 AM Subject: Responsibility
Daryl,
Have you ever tried to develope a true sense of humor? How is
it funny to use parochial sarcasm in alleged mature cartooning?
Your political bias is blatant and below sophmoric. I do like
your ability to cartoon, but you need to spend more time thinking
about what is really humorous. Let me suggest that you spend
some time reading Mark Twain or even better than that there is
a great story regarding ultimate irony that you may want to check
out. It is called, "The Book of Esther". You may find
yourself to be like the character named Hamon before too long.
Where can you find it? It is in the Old Testament. That is right
before The New Testament. Let me suggest the New International
Version of the Bible to you. It will appeal to your so-called
"academic mind", in terms of the updated modern language.
I garauntee that you will at least have a huge grin on your face
or a couple of belly laughs. If not, I will send you 100 Euros.
Lee Lanham
From: "Marne Feuerborn" Subject: Reprinting Cartoons Date: Wed, 22 Sep 2004 12:13:41 -0600
Hi,
I'm planning to market a line of toilet tissue imprinted with
political
cartoons, but couldn't find anything suitable until I stumbled
upon some of
your work. Subtle as a blunderbuss and about as funny as a mortician
on
barbiturates.
Sincerely,
Marne T. Feuerborn
Sidney, Nebraska
From: Dan Kahn Sent: Wednesday, September 22, 2004 2:08 PM Subject: DAN RATHER
FUNNY..........................I WATCH FOX NEW ALMOST EXCLUSIVELY
,BECAUSE THEY DON'T NECESSARILY HAVE A LEFT OR RIGHT SLANT. I
DIDN'T SEE ANYONE ON FOX GLOAT ABOUT THE TROUBLE THAT C B S AND
DAN RATHER GOT "THEMSELVES" INTO. BUT IT IS TYPICAL
WHEN SOMETHING GOES WRONG FOR THE LIBERALS THEY BLAME EVERYBODY
BUT THEMSELVES ,HENCE THE KERRY BITCHES ABOUT EVERYTHING BUT
OFFERS NO SOLUTIONS" CAMPAIGN"
thanks Dan
SEPTEMBER 22,
2004
DAN RATHER'S BLACK EYE!
We have a Yahtzee today. For
our new readers, a Yahtzee happens when five or more cartoonists
come up with the same gag at the same time. Dan Rather's black
eye Yahtzee is an interesting one, because this isn't the first
time this particular Yahtzee has happened --remember when Rather
stormed off the set when the news was delayed by a tennis match?
And when Rather fumed as the incident was brought up in an interview
with President Bush #41?
There were more CBS black eyes when CBS did an unflattering TV
movie about the lives of Ronald and Nancy Reagan. In fact, the
CBS black eye Yahtzee never really goes away, it lies dormant
at times, before coming back to life each time CBS is embarrassed.
Perhaps the cartoonists are embarrassed too.
SEPTEMBER 15,
2004
ANTI-AMERICAN CARTOONS FROM THAILAND
I posted a collection of cartoons from Thailand's top cartoonist,
"Stephff," Stephane Peray of Bangkok. Click
here to see the collection. I told Stephff that, even though
his cartoons are typical of anti-American political cartoons
around the world, his cartoons would be shocking to an American
audience. I warned Stephff to expect some angry e-mail, and he
sent me this commentary.
Note that this is a small
selection of my work that is aimed at America. My whole work
is more balance and more fair because there's also the part that
denounces terrorism, fanaticism, European pragmatism and all
the hypocrisy and double standards that are definitely not the
exclusivity of the US.
Visually, my cartoons can
be shocking to the US public because in my culture of origin
(France) we tend to put more blood ( a clean "Walt Disney"
style does not describe enough the horrors of war) , we tend
not to respect symbols (but I think the statue of Liberty is
not a holy religious icon ! ) or dead body in coffins (considering
what maggots eventually do to dead bodies, I think I am still
pretty respectful and personally I think a dead body is only
an empty envelope of flesh). For me, what is shocking is the
way some American cartoonists (but it's not their fault , they
have no choice) are describing the situation in Iraq in a super
politically correct and super-soft way so the US public
have a clean view of what is going on. Think about it but you
could say that a "Walt Disney style" could be insulting
to the poor kid with a US uniform who does not exactly feel like
he is in a Walt Disney cartoon. Eventually, more ugly-messy-bloody
cartoons would probably help to make understand what war really
is (definitly not a kind of funny video game ).
Another
shocking thing for the rest of the World is how the American
public focus so much of the 1,000 US soldiers killed in Iraq
and completely disregard the fact that for one US soldier killed
in Iraq, 10 Iraqi also lost their lives including young children.
I can not put myself in the shoes of an Iraqi mum who just lost
her young son in a US bombing but I'm sure at the moment she
holds the dead body of her child in her arms, she doesn't care
much for the 3,000 people who lost their lives on 9-11.
The World would be a better
place if only people would take a few minutes and step in the
shoes of the other party " What would I feel right now if
I was that Iraqi mum ? Wouldn't I feel hatred for the country
that did that ? You definitely would so why would you expect
another human being to react with love and gratitude ? I also
don't believe in pissing off the readers but I try to give them
some clues to the questions they've been asking themselves since
9-11 " why suddenly there's so much hatred towards us ?
" The Americans who are honestly asking themselves this
question deserve a honest answer (I assume the others will shower
me with insults which is at least relaxing for their neurons)
and I am trying to give clues in my cartoons because I would
be glad at the end of the day if my work could make a few people
to think (but I don't pretend to be the holder of the Truly Truth).
And to achieve that, I think you have to show a kind of non-insulting
harsh criticism.
I
personally try to get away from "emotional anti-Americanism"
that pleased European or Middle East readers and keep them comfortably
in what they think of America because it doesn't go anywhere
and I think caricature should not promote a Black and White world
(that exactly what the Bush administration, Jewish and Islamic
extremists are promoting). Caricature should not be caricatural
when the 21st century is already a caricature of humankind otherwise
at the end of the day you have American cartoonists who
draw Arabs as devils or with a Hitler mustache and you have Arab
cartoonists who do exactly the same with Americans.
And last thing before unleashing
your bad breath against the humble and peaceful cartoonist I
am, remember that I am not the person responsible for this messy
World.
Just got this letter from our cartoonist, Jeff Parker, of Florida
Today, in the Florida panhandle, who is boarding up and taking
a week off to evacuate from the path of Hurrican Ivan.
Hey Daryl-
I'm sure you know Don Perlin,
the great comic book artist and our NCS (National Cartoonists
Society --ed) FL chapter chairman. His grandson, Josh, suffers
from Tourette syndrome. For the last couple of years, Don has
called on his cartoonist friends from around the country to donate
original works for an online auction, which will help raise funds
to fight Tourettes through an annual benefit he's put together
in Jacksonville, FL called the Cavalcade of Comics.
He has collected an incredible
array of cartoon art by greats such as, Joe Kubert, Jack Davis,
John Romita, Mort Walker, Chris Browne and Lynn Johnston to name
but a few. Some editorial cartoons are offered as well.
Fans of comics and cartooning
from all around North Florida are able to attend a day of activities
on October 9th featuring food, music, and of course, the auction.
But fans from all over the world can attend and bid online, starting
now, by pointing their browsers to-- http://www.tourettesbenefit.com
-- then clicking on the Original Art Auction link.
I thought a mention of the
Tourettes Benefit website in your blog might bring the benefit
and the auction to the attention of thousands of fans, so they
can have a chance at buying some really remarkable pieces of
cartoon art, and all for a good cause. Check it out. The artwork
up for grabs is really jaw-dropping.
Hmmm... I wonder if I can
win one of those Jack Davis masterpieces... I'd better get bidding...
Later,
Jeff
SEPTEMBER 13, 2004
HURRICANES
Here's a new one from the Cagle mailbag ...
Good afternoon Daryl,
My name is Greg Ek-Collins. I am the Communications and Warning
Coordinator for Orange County Emergency Management in Orlando,
Florida. I have been a fan of your site for a considerable amount
of time now, and was pleased when you dedicated a section to
Hurricane Charley. With all that has happened since Charley,
with Frances and now with Ivan approaching, I have noticed that
several artists have continued to add their views regarding
these events. As a result of this continuing to be a source of
material for our artists, I was wondering is if you might consider
creating a single link maybe called "Hurricanes 2004",
or something like that, where all hurricane related cartoons
from this year would have a central posting area for viewing?
It is an honor to have so many artists reflect on and share
their feelings and impressions of what we have been experiencing
here. Every one of them was right on target, in their
own special and significant way.
Dana Summers is our local artist with the Orlando Sentinel,
and we have a print of the cartoon he did last week after Charley
with the man run over by truck Charley and about to be run over
by truck Frances hanging in our Emergency Operations Center.
Daryl, thank you for your time and consideration with my request,
and thank you for your website. It is a true inspiration for
many important topics, not just our hurricane concerns. Your
site provides an important service for us all. Without it I would
not be able to experience the brilliance and savy of the many
professional artists from around the world.
I have bothered you enough, thank you again, have a good day.
Sincerely,
Greg Ek-Collins, AEM
Communications Warning Coordinator
Orange County Emergency Management
Our good buddy Andrew, at 321online.net,
a web site that subscribes to our cartoons service, has noticed
a rightward shift in his e-mail box lately. I get so many angry
e-amils that it is impossible for me to respond, and I forget
what it was like, in the old days, to argue with readers. It
seems that Andrew is not burned out yet, and he sent me this
example of a typical e-mail and his typical, like by line response.
Andrews comments are in green.
I have been noticing something. The political cartoons on the
homepage have been very anti-Bush the last few weeks. It's kinda
upsetting me.
Your just
a little bit paranoiac or something, did you try some tum's
or alki-seltzer?
It used to be that they poked fun at everyone equally, but now
that election is coming closer, it's moving left!
They,
who is they? You mean the cartoonist's? It moves in all directions
even up and down
I know you like these, and I generally do to, but I just
noticed things starting to get lopsided.
Your just
leaning a bit sideways, stand up straight and take a good look
again.
What are the chances that these people are anti-Bush?
Who cares,
its a cartoon for the day.
I like these and look forward to seeing them each day, but
it is still a bit uneasy. What do you think?
Your
underwear is all bunched up on you and,That,... idle time is
really,... bad for your mind
Is it a little to hot politically this election year to post
these?
Where
do you think your living, in some third world under a dictatorship
or something?
I mean people have shot out the windows of the Republican
party here in Ohio county.
I thought
Ohio was a state, and yes any terrorism, be it home
grown or foreign, threatens all of our rights and freedoms. Do
you think the Ohioan Republican or Democratic Army may attack
me because I post political cartoons on 321's web site?
That's just my $0.02 for the day.
That's
OK, you keep it, just come on back when you got some real
United States of America currency to dish out.
I'd have to have a staff of 100
to answer the e-mails this way.
SEPTEMBER 3, 2004
MATT DAVIES ON THE REPUBLICAN CONVENTION
I love to see cartoonists break out of that little box. Here
is Matt Davies'
GOP convention sketchbook.
Another
shocking thing for the rest of the World is how the American
public focus so much of the 1,000 US soldiers killed in Iraq
and completely disregard the fact that for one US soldier killed
in Iraq, 10 Iraqi also lost their lives including young children.
I can not put myself in the shoes of an Iraqi mum who just lost
her young son in a US bombing but I'm sure at the moment she
holds the dead body of her child in her arms, she doesn't care
much for the 3,000 people who lost their lives on 9-11.
I
personally try to get away from "emotional anti-Americanism"
that pleased European or Middle East readers and keep them comfortably
in what they think of America because it doesn't go anywhere
and I think caricature should not promote a Black and White world
(that exactly what the Bush administration, Jewish and Islamic
extremists are promoting). Caricature should not be caricatural
when the 21st century is already a caricature of humankind otherwise
at the end of the day you have American cartoonists who
draw Arabs as devils or with a Hitler mustache and you have Arab
cartoonists who do exactly the same with Americans.