Our Cartoon News and Views section features Ed McGeehan's column from the Comic Artists Professional Society (CAPS) newsletter. Ed's column is updated monthly. Ed's views are his own --they don't necessarily reflect Daryl's views. Also, Ed has no e-mail address, so there is no responding to him. You can always e-mail Daryl Cagle at: daryl@cagle.com

INK BLOTS by ED McGEEAN Universal Press Syndicate Buys Chronicle Features Universal Press Syndicate has announced that they are buying the San Francisco based Chronicle Features syndicate for an undisclosed amount. Universal, is currently the second or third biggest and largest independent syndicate in the U.S., while Chronicle is estimated to rank tenth. The deal calls for UPS to take on 9 of Chronicle's 17 features. Only two comics, that I've never seen, will make the move--Gail Machlis' "Quality Time" and Stephanie Piro's "Fair Game." Chronicle Features is known for the start of some very innovative comics that later moved to larger syndicates. Best known among these were Gary Larson's now retired "The Far Side," and Dan Piraro's "Bizarro" that moved to Universal in the 1980s and 1990s respectively and Bill Griffith's "Zippy the Pinhead" now at King Features. Former CAPSer Phil Frank's "Farley" also got its start here as "Travels With Farley." A very humorous and well-drawn strip, it went out of syndication after a short run. I believe it still runs daily in the S.F. Chronicle as a "house" strip. Chronicle's editor/general manager Stuart Dodds cited a reason for the sale included trying to stay profitable while competing with huge companies. They had tried using United Media to handle sales, but the increase was too small. ©Ed McGeehan. All rights reserved. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited.

Ed's June Column covers these topics: The Reuben Awards NCS Opinions Breen Pulitzer AAEC Upcoming Convention New Strips Animators vs Nickelodeon Ed's April Column covers these topics: Upcoming Reuben Awards Mallard Fillmore vs Doonesbury Oliphant Controversy End of Thatch Sherffius to St Louis Mickey Mouse Copyright Ed's February: For Better or For Worse Moves to United Media Universal Press Syndicate Buys Chronicle Features Meatloaf Night With Brewster High Priced Larson? New Direction for New Yorker, Le Blanc Court Decision on Electronic Rights for Artists Asterix, United and the Reuben, Comic Creer Exhibit SF Museum Not Closing, Florida Museum Cruising, Ashes in the Ink Kitchen Sink Bankruptcy, George of the Jungle Obituaries: Roland Topor, Robert LaPalme, Roy Lichtenstein

Ed's March 1998 Column covers these topics: The Demise of WittyWorld Magazine Creators Syndicates Muddle America and Trendz Cartoonists PROfiles late and on-line Pen & Pencil Restaurant Closes Marvin Libel Suit AAEC Convention Obituaries Ed's October 1997 Column covers these topics: The Chicago Comic Con,The Eisner Awards,Mike Ramirez Moves To Los Angeles Times,Bill Schorr Moves to New,York Daily News,AAEC Convention,CAPS Banquet New Comics: Homespin, The Lighter Side of Business,,Liberty Meadows,Obituaries: Charles Werner, Raymond Johnson, Ruth Atkinson Ford, Manny Stallman remembered,Book Review: Fandom's Finest Comics Ed's August 1997 Column covers these topics: Snoopy's Ice Rink CAPS member updates Herman Redux and more Book Reviews: Best Editorial Cartoons of the Year, Knee Deep in Mississippi, Obituaries: Lou Stathis, Manny Stallman