A Note From Patrick: National Cartoonist Day Is May 5!

 

May 5 is National Cartoonist Day — or, may I suggest, "Take a Cartoonist to Lunch Day."

They could really use the break. After all, they spend hours hunched over their desks, trying to dream up the perfect gag to bring a little joy to the weary masses. A bit of food and light conversation might be just what they need.

And don’t forget to laugh at their jokes — it’s their day, after all.

Another way to celebrate the occasion is by reading comics! Study the classics or investigate something new. The art of the comic strip has a long, rich history that’s well worth diving into. Early works like Little Nemo, Buster Brown, Krazy Kat, and Popeye are masterpieces that still hold up today.

There are so many wonderful collections that showcase the history and brilliance of this unique art form. Here are a few I can recommend:


And if you ever find yourself in Columbus, Ohio, be sure to visit the Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum. In Santa Rosa, California, you’ll find the Charles M. Schulz Museum, and in San Francisco, the Cartoon Art Museum. There’s nothing quite like seeing the original artwork up close — bursting with the craftsmanship, energy, and love poured into each panel by the artist’s hand.

Have a Happy National Cartoonist Day!

Patrick

***

A Note From Team MUTTS: Want to learn more about Patrick's reading recommendations? Visit our National Cartoonist Day book roundup to explore more.

— Alison Datko

Comments (6)

Mutts not only gives me frequent laughs it is also a wise philosophy to live by.

Diana Frankland

I have “read” the comics since before I could read. A photo I keep on my desk, taken around 1952, shows me in an old army tent sitting on a wooden box with the newspaper comics opened up as far as my arms could spread and me staring at the page, oblivious to all else. I have read to death hundreds of comics but also have a collection I still enjoy. I stopped collecting in the early ’90’s when all the color drained out of the pages and they went to glossy. I make sure to visit the Billy Ireland Museum when in Columbus and even sent them a Chuck Ayers strip that was signed to my Dad. My newspaper has just stopped delivery to my area and now it is all digital. At least I have hundreds of old ones to last me the rest of my life!

Pat S

When I was little the first Sunday comic I remember was Mutt & Jeff, loved it. I don’t remember what other comics I liked – I get mixed up between comics & comic books. Archie, Casper the Ghost, Little Audrey, Richie Rich, etc.. Peanuts eventually was in the newspaper but I bought every comic book (like a paperback) that I could find. Garfield joined the group. I receive the daily paper now as an adult & make myself read the paper before the comics; save the best for last, otherwise the paper would never be read. I read all of the comics. There are some I don’t particularly care for, but try to give them a chance. I LOVE Mutts! I have a day calendar & the 1st thing I do in the morning is change the page. I save them for my sister to read; next year she will get one for Christmas.

Sandra Wentworth

I LOVEd that my mother and my aunt (and Godmother) until they dies (90 ad 93 respectively) used to read the comics FIRST – before reading any other section of the the newspaper….it was a ritual that I continue to practice….and BTW Charles Schultz was our favorite – and I was the one that introduced MUTTS to them – they loved Mooch and Earl almost as much as I do…..I can’t take you to lunch but I can continue to support you! Thank you for all the joy and laughter you give us – all cartoonists really – we need it so much! Joanne

Joanne Mendes

Billy Ireland Museum is one of my favorite places to go to. Highly recommended to anyone who enjoys cartoons.

Charles Brubaker

I grew up reading and loving all Charls Schulz comics and books. I fell in love with Mutts the same way . You’re style and the simplicity and kindness in all you do reminds me a little of Charls Schulz and after reading his biography I found out that Mutts was influenced by Peanuts. Mutts was even mentioned in the book. :)

Valerie Brigley