From the editors @ Universal Press Syndicate

I regret to inform you ...

... my pal, and fellow blogger, Lucas Wetzel is no longer with UPS. Good luck, sir. We'll miss you.

-JG

See Ziggy's Tom Wilson Jr. on Fox News

click here for video

-JG

Pay more, get less.

One of the things that baffles me about the comics industry is the rationalization of editors to stick with tired, old comics (which are almost always more expensive) vs. more contemporary, higher-quality fare.

Is there another industry where higher cost/lower quality is accepted as rampantly as in newspaper comics? It's infuriating.

And I know all the "humor is subjective" and "editors are giving the readers what they want" arguments.

And, yes, humor is subjective, but there's a difference between "Calvin and Hobbes" and "Johnny G's Calvalcade of Hilarity" (which is a strip I'm developing in an alternate universe ... long story).  

And readers hate change. So, saying you are giving them what they want is a cheap excuse for maintaining the status quo. Aim higher. Judge each comic on its merits. You are the editor. Now go forth and edit!

-JG

Paul explains it all

Here at the editor's blog, we do our best to give you a behind-the-scenes peek at the way the submissions process works, all while spotlighting some of our favorite cartoons. What's even more fun is hearing cartoonists themselves speak about their work and how they come up with some of their crazier ideas. On his most recent post at PoochCafe.com, Paul Gilligan is kind enough to explain the meaning of one of his most scintillating Sunday strips to date. 

And while you're on his site, make sure to scroll down until you see the pictures of Poncho pre and post Mexican feast. If all goes as planned, that'll be me in a few hours. 

-LW

Make your own rules

I've been greatly enjoying this week of Cleats, in which Edith, Jack and Katie each invent their own versions of classic games such as H.O.R.S.E., baseball and skipping rope. 

Editor's blog disclaimer: Do not try these at home. At least not the baseball heading. That could be painful. 

-LW

September Mourn? Not anymore!

 

Good gravy. I am excited. Book #2 of "Cul De Sac" hits the shelves in September. Check out the cover. As you witness, Richard is also an exceptionally talented watercolorist (is there anything he can't do?).

-JG

How to Draw Lesson XVII (Tom bites the Big Apple)

Alpha bitey

This lone square of cake and accompanying plastic balloons are all that's left of a raucous celebration we held this morning in honor of the new online/interactive version of the Mini Page launching soon. While I have my moral dilemmas about taking a big bite out of doe-eyed Alpha Betty's head, I have no other choice if I want to experience what all my colleagues are calling "the taste-good cake of the summer."

-LW

Universal editorial cartoonists on Iran

I have a hard time hating on Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, mostly because he looks just like an older Middle Eastern version of my friend Robert. However, an amazing set of photos at the Boston Globe makes it clear how scary and volatile the situation in Iran is at present. Below are editorial cartoon perspectives on Iran from Universal Press editorial cartoonists Tom Toles, Pat Oliphant, Tony Auth and Stuart Carlson, in that order.  

Submission Tip #2134

If you're doing a character-based strip, keep the amount of characters to a minimum. The more characters you have in those first weeks, the harder it is to:

a) figure out who everybody is
2) understand their personalities
xviii) connect with any of the characters

-JG