CURRENT - MAY/AUG'08 - JAN/APRIL'08 - SEP/OCT/NOV/DEC'07 - JULY/AUG'07 - MAY/JUNE'07 - MAR/APR'07 - JAN/FEB'07 - NOV/DEC'06 - SEPT/OCT'06 - JULY/AUG'06 - JUNE'06 - APR/MAY'06 - MAR'06 - FEB'06 - JAN'06- DEC'05 - NOV'05 - OCT''05 - SEPT''05 - JULY-AUG'05 - JUNE''05 - MAY'05 - FEB'05 - APR'05 - MAR'05 - FEB'05 - DEC'04/JAN'05 - NOV'04 - SEP/OCT'04 - AUGUST'04 - JULY'04 - JUNE'04 - MAY'04 - APR'04 - MAR''04 -FEB'04 - JAN''04 - DEC'03 - NOV''03 - OCT'03- SEPT'03- AUG'03 - JULY'03

OCTOBER 27, 2004

ANOTHER ONE BITES THE DUST

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.

Milt Priggee

OCTOBER 22, 2004

I thought this cartoon was wonderful, by Kirk Anderson.

THE TALES OF A SWEDISH CARTOONIST

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.

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.

We are happy to welcome Paul to our site! E-mail Paul at combscartoons@yahoo.com












SEPTEMBER 27, 2004

WANNA MEET SOME TOP CARTOONISTS?

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.htm http://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.

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

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

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.

Stephff, e-mail: stephff@loxinfo.co.th

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

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

Now I'm blushing. Here's your hurricane section.

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.