Thursday, May 5, 2011

Susan Camilleri Konar loves her veggies

Susan Camilleri Konar sent this to us. She is someone else who has been touched by Richard and his charming personality. Below is a few words from her about Richard,followed by her bio. Enjoy!

I have only met Richard once, however, I've been fortunate to communicate with him via email several times (it's often me asking him annoying questions). I can only say that his warm, generous personality made me feel like I was an old friend. When I found out about Team Cul de Sac I couldn't wait to bring his cartoon world together with mine. It's a simple contribution to a great project. Richard, I wish you all the best and can only say you are one class act.

Susan is a cartoonist and illustrator who began her professional freelance career a tad later in life (or, shall we say in 'the new 20s'). Her clients include Harvard Business Review, Reader's Digest (US and Can), Prospect (UK), The Chronicle, The Wall Street Journal, Business Law Today and many other magazines and newspapers. She also contributes to Bob Eckstein's online humour magazine 'The Basement' and is a member of The National Cartoonists Society.”

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Barbara Dale is just awesome!


Barbara Dale is one of the pioneers of alternative greeting cards in the United
States. The Washington Post described her and her generation of card designers
as having, “changed the face of the nearly 7 billion cards Americans sent to each
other last year.” In the book, “A Gallery of Rogues: Cartoonists’ Self-Characatures”
published by Ohio State University she’s described as, “Specializing in off-the-wall
humor of the taste-expanding variety.” Barbara’s worked with numerous card and
gift industry manufacturers such as Recycled Paper Products, Andrews and McMeel,
Carol Wilson, The Ink Group, and Wild Card. Currently, her cards are published in
the United States by Sellers Publishing, Inc and RSVP Cards. She’s the co-author
and illustrator of two humor books, “The Working Woman Book” and “The Joys
of Motherhood” published by Andrews and McMeel. She also co-authored and
illustrated a syndicated panel, “The Stanley Family” with Universal Press Syndicate
in 1990. She’s exhibited her paintings and prints in several one-woman and group
shows and has work represented in numerous private and museum collections.
Barbara is currently writing a novel.

Chris Schechner and Who is under your bed?


Chris Schechner called me today and made my day. Thank you Chris. I always love to get emails, FB messages, and phone calls from people who are contributing. If they would just pick me up and buy me drinks! One can only dream.
Please read his Bio. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

I have been an art director and illustrator for over 35 years. Most recently,
I was the art director of Pockets magazine for 25 years. I have owned my
own studio, Schechner & Associates, since 1985. I have done design and
illustration for numerous clients. My journal in cartoon form can be found at

When I found out about Team Cul De Sac, I was excited to participate because first
of all, I love Richard’s creation. It would be a great chance to honor this wonderful
strip. Secondly, I want to encourage everyone with disabilities to achieve all they
can. As the result of a diving accident nearly 40 years ago, I have been quadriplegic
and I have continued drawing and creating art since then despite having my fingers
paralyzed and having limited use of my arms. We all struggle with some form of
obstacle and it is important to push ourselves to reach beyond expectations. Thanks
Richard, for providing this platform.

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Jay Stephens and Family


Here is what Jay said about our family. Thank you Jay. We are family, thank you for sharing.

"Cartoonists are a tight-knit bunch.
A couple of years ago I spent 8 weeks in hospital recuperating from the rather nasty side effects of debilitating mental illness. As part of the ongoing treatment, my doctor recommended openly discussing my clinical depression with others, which I did, and continue to do. As expected, the diagnosis scared off many friends and family, some of whom abandoned me to my fate.
But not the cartoonists.
By a wide margin, those in the cartooning profession extended the most heartfelt sympathies, the kindest words of support, and extended the warmest hands of friendship. I felt so encouraged by that unconditional support, and will never forget it.
Cartoonists let me know in no uncertain terms that they are Family. Richard Thompson is my Brother. This is for him."

Mr Dander's Daydreams



Jonathan Lemon who does Rabbits Against Magic (a U|U feature) sent is this! Everyone loves Mr.Danders More on Mr lemon soon!

Brian Anderson of Dog eat Doug



Brian's earliest cartoon memories are of drawing James Bond-esque comics in second grade. His cartoons appeared in monthly grammar school newsletters and then jumped to the St. John's High School Paper (where he promptly found himself in the Principal's office to explain the meaning of a giant soap-on-rope that had crushed a small sedan).

Public debate over his cartoons followed him to Holy Cross, where next to the sports section, his strip was the most read feature. Escaping the walls of Academia in 1996, Brian pursued a career as a graphic designer and comic book artist. With comic book work scarcer then Metalica songs at a wedding, Brian published his own comic book series "Absence of Light." He also worked as an editorial cartoonist for his hometown newspaper, "The Town Crier."

Brian sent his college strip to the Syndicates in 1998. Although there was interest in developing the feature, Brian knew this wasn't THEE strip for him. For the next few years Brian spread his focus on his dark comic book visions and fledgling screenwriting career.

All that changed in 2003. In a matter of months he became a Husband, a homeowner, and father of a chocolate lab puppy. With the support of his wife, Tammy, and the inspiration of his dog, Sophie, he created "Dog eat Doug." The daily strip debuted online in 2004 and launched in newspapers in 2005. The strip continues to enjoy a growing, international fan base.

"Harbor Moon", a graphic novel based on one of Brian's screenplay's was released in March. And his next picture book, "The Prince's New Pet" will hit shelves this fall.

www.dogeatdoug.com

www.theconjurers.com

www.harbor-moon.com

www.theprincesnewpet.com

Cul de Sac meets The Pajama Diaries

Terri Libenson of “The Pajama Diaries” just sent this to us! Having a two year old, I can relate and be scared!

Thank you so much Terri! Please check out “The Pajama Diaries" link below!

www.pajamadiaries.com

Terri Libenson is the cartoonist of the syndicated comic strip, “The Pajama Diaries,” which details the personal life of Jill Kaplan, a contemporary working mom trying to juggle it all. Terri is also a long-time humorous card writer for American Greetings Corp.

Terri graduated from Washington University in St. Louis in 1992 with a BFA in illustration. She developed her first professional comic strip, “Got a Life,” in 2000, which was distributed by King Features Weekly service. “The Pajama Diaries” was launched with King in 2006 and runs in newspapers nationally and overseas. Currently, Terri lives with her husband and two daughters in Cleveland, OH.

Roger Langridge and Little Neuro



I met Roger last year at Heroescon. He is such a sweet and wonderful guy. Roger is one of the most talented people in comics. I am thrilled he is part of Team Cul de Sac.
Here is more about Roger:
"Roger Langridge has been producing comics for over twenty years. Most recently, he has attracted critical attention for his work on the Harvey Award-winningMuppet Show Comic Book (Boom! Studios) and Thor: The Mighty Avenger (Marvel Comics); other works of note include Marvel's Fin Fang Four, Fantagraphics'Zoot! and Art d'Ecco (in collaboration with his brother Andrew), and his self-published comic book and web strip Fred the Clown. He is currently working on a new series, Snarked!, for Boom! Studios."

Roger had this to say about Richard :

"As for Richard: I've been fortunate enough to meet Richard Thompson on a few occasions at comic conventions and to have a chance to talk to him over a drink or a meal. I love the way his wit works - he can be talking about something apparently seriously, then, with great comic understatement, he'll just slip in a zinger in the most casual way, to devastating effect, as if it were the most effortless thing - as if he himself didn't even notice it. His comics work the same way. He is also one of those great rarities, somebody who doesn't open his mouth unless he has something interesting to say. Fortunately, Richard Thompson has a lot of interesting things to say!"

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Favorite Comic Zine for Team Cul de Sac

Craig Fischer here. I'm a full-time teacher and part-time comics blogger who's friends with all the reprobates behind Team Cul de Sac.

When I first visited this blog, I drooled over the terrific submissions that Chris and Richard have been collecting for the art book, but I was annoyed too. Why should artists get to have all the fun? Why can't comics critics and bloggers play for Team Cul de Sac?

To that end, I'm cobbling together a big, fat, old-school zine to raise money for the Team. I've asked an armada of bloggers, critics and fans (and maybe a cartoonist or two) to each write a short essay answering the following questions: what is your favorite comic (comic book, comic strip, graphic novel, whatever), and why? The Team zine will be a compilation of these essays, an explosion of wildly divergent opinions, and an ideal shopping list to take with you as you plunge into an unfamiliar longbox or used book store.

The contributors are an all-star line-up: Derik Badman, Noah Berlatsky, Alex Boney, David Bordwell, Matthew J. Brady, Scott Bukatman, Johanna Draper Carlson, Isaac Cates, Rob Clough, Corey Creekmur, Andrew Farago, Shaenon Garrity, Dustin Harbin, Charles Hatfield, Jeet Heer, Gene Kannenberg Jr., Abhay Khosla, Susan Kirtley, Sean Kleefeld, Costa Koutsoutis, Andrew Mansell, Robert Stanley Martin, Chris Mautner, Joe McCulloch, Ana Merino, Chris Pitzer, Mike Rhode, Jim Rugg, Frank Santoro, Chris Schweizer, Caroline Small, Tom Spurgeon, Ben Towle and Matthias Wivel.

The zine will be a word-packed 40 pages, topped off by a cover by some fledgling artist named Richard Thompson.

How can you get your copy of this collectors' item?

The World Premiere of the zine will be at this year's Heroes Con in Charlotte, North Carolina on June 3-5. Richard and the Team (including myself) will be selling copies there. The price? Five bucks, with every cent going straight to Team Cul de Sac and research into a cure for Parkinson's Disease.

After Heroes, we'll make the zine available through the mail, and sell it at other cons too. (If you want a copy, we'll make sure you get one!) Watch this space for more information about the zine--including its title, which is still in flux--as we rapidly approach Heroes Con.

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

We Have Some Nice Friends

Team Cul de Sac, the Parkinson's research fundraising project started by the indefatigable Chris Sparks, has received some inspired contributions by artists and cartoonists. The recent donation pictured above is particularly eye-catching. It comes from Mr. Bill Watterson, who's got a dab hand with a paintbrush and whose beloved Calvin & Hobbes stands as the platonic ideal of the comic strip, or as close to as such a thing is possible. I once saw a comment on a comics thread from someone saying that he'd dreamed about hiking in the Cascades and coming across a church newsletter stuck in some bushes that featured new Calvin & Hobbes strips that were being published nowhere else. That strikes me as eerie and charming and a good measure of the depth to which C&H has permeated the popular imagination.

So I was floored when I got a call yesterday from Chris saying that Caty Neis, who's shepherding the Team book project at Andrews & McMeel, had gotten a painting from Bill. An oil painting of Petey Otterloop of all people. After studying it pretty closely for the last consecutive 12 hours or so I can say that he's done Petey as much justice as possible. Adding another dimension to a 2D character is a tricky business and Petey's awkward enough in dealing with the two he's normally confined to.

Thanks to Bill from the bottom of my heart. And thanks also to Alex, Jim, Jerry, Bill L, Crow, Stephan, Steve, Ron, Matt, Canaan, Jim D, Shannon, Pab, Matt, Mo, Mark, Lynn, Peter, David and everybody else who's contributing. I appreciate it more than I can say.

(Reposted from my blog).

Friday, April 22, 2011

Teaser


Hello from Team Cul de Sac headquarters! We received a special package this morning containing a one-of-a-kind painting from an one-of-a-kind guy. Wow, I still can't believe it. I have been proudly showing everyone here at Andrews McMeel Universal. I ran into Bill Amend and he was impressed. He says he'd better get on it now. Are you in?

Thursday, April 21, 2011

Cul de Sac enters the Arctic Circle!


Alex sent us this wonderful strip for the book! I do believe that Alex, from Australia, is so far the winner of the long distance contributer for Team Cul de Sac. Thank you so much! More on Alex!

After a getting a degree in biochemistry and working in the pharmaceutical industry for far too long, Alex Hallatt downshifted from London to the South Coast of England to become a full time cartoonist in 1999. She did the cartoon for Brighton's daily paper for 4 years, before downshifting further to New Zealand.

In 2007, her comic strip about three penguins who migrated to the Arctic (Arctic Circle) was syndicated by King Features. It has an underlying environmental theme and appears in newspapers worldwide. Alex crossed the ditch to Australia in 2008 and now lives in Elwood, Melbourne.

Sunday, April 17, 2011

Not Just Nicky meets the CDS Gang


Crow is a great artist who draws Not Just Nicky.The site is actually
Nicky510 http://www.nicky510.com/ If one gets into technicalities there are 2 crowtoon series on the same site. Not Just Nicky is the M, W, F strip and Chuckle-A-Duck are the T, Th single panels.

I really love this art and just Crow is a big fan of Richards. Thank you so much for this great contribution!

Friday, April 15, 2011

Our talented friend Bill LaRocque


In this small world that we live in, I am very lucky to have met one of Richards friends right here in Asheville,NC.

Bill LaRocque is one of the most insightful fellows I have ever met. He is also an amazing artist. I am hoping to get to have more dinners with the guy if he ever stays in Asheville for more than a few minutes a month. Looks like I have to wait to see him in Boston!

Bill, thank you for all of the support for Team Cul de Sac. Please check out is blog. Below is his kind words about all of this from his blog.

See you in Boston!


I met Richard Thompson around 1994 at Art Wood’s Museum of Caricature and Cartoon Art in Washington. We were both drawing at a fundraiser and sitting at oposite ends of a table. For fun, we did each other. His caricature of me is still hanging on my wall, mine (of him) I’m told is lining Danders’ cage. Back then, Richard and I both lived in cozy Arlington, Virginia, close to Cul de Sac, the site of his wildly popular comic strip. He was a cartoonist ahead of his time doing illustrations for the New Yorker, National Geographic and Atlantic Monthly. He kept busy and solvent in a variety of markets. Washington Post readers love his Poor Richard’s Almanac feature.

Richard is a shy but popular lad with a wicked sense of humor that only seems to show up at the point of his pen. He started attending the annual Reuben awards as the word of his work spread (and when the event could be reached by train.) Now, he’s been nominated again for the NCS’ highest award – the Reuben – greatest of them all. It’s a tough competition and I hope he wins.

A couple of summers ago, Richard announced that he has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, a problem he described as “a pain in the fundament” which has slowed him down but has not affected his drawing hand, or his wit. With the help of Chris Sparks, a talentedweb designer I met in Asheville, Richard has set up a web site and fund to raise money for the Michael J. Fox Foundation. Thanks to the MJFF and Andrews McMeel Publishing,Team Cul de Sac has a book coming out next year for that purpose. I’m hoping they consider my artwork for that project.

Happy tax day…

Zits Meets Cul de Sac


I am such a fan of Zits, so this was such a wonderful surprise for me! Jim Borgman did this wonderful piece for Team Cul de Sac. I have always loved how fluid Jims art is.
My nephew is 15 yrs old and his shoes are bigger than most compact cars. I hope Patrick's feet quit growing before my brother has to add an addition to the house.
Thank you Jim for contributing.

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Stephan Pastis art and repost from his blog


Stephan Pastis sent his art to me tonight. He was the first person I asked to join Team Cul de Sac, and he immediately said he'd love to help us. The art is awesome! Hey Family Circus, are you going to let him get away with this?!

Stephan, Thank you so much. You just ain't right! (Wow, something else for Mike Rhode to bid on.)



Please read this stolen post from his blog about out friend Richard. Stephan said it the best.



Some News About Courage

July 18, 2009




I am afraid of everything.


Dogs. Earthquakes. Flying. Family.


I am also a whiner. A whiner who needs to control his surroundings.


That means that everything needs to be just the way I like it, especially when it comes to writing the strip.


The drapes have to be closed. The right music has to be on my iPod. The little Kleenex that sticks up from the top of the box cannot be sticking up from the top of the box (I tuck it back in). And if my boxers are too tight, I will change them.


These two bad character traits merge in unholy ways when I fly.


First off, I don’t want to die. Secondly, everything is out of my control and all of it bothers me. The cramped seat. The idiot in front of me who made it cramped. The fat idiot next to me who spills over the armrest.


I am reminded of all this because on Wednesday, I’m flying to Comic-Con in San Diego, where I have to speak.


But I am also reminded of what I lack in the way of courage and grace because on Saturday, I will be on a panel with Richard Thompson, the creator of the comic strip Cul De Sac.


Richard is probably the most talented all-around syndicated cartoonist working today. And he is the only syndicated cartoonist I know of to receive an endorsement from the legendary (and reclusive) comic strip creator, Bill Watterson, who popped briefly out of hiding to write of Richard’s work: “Richard Thompson’s Cul de Sac has it all: intelligence, gentle humor, a delightful way with words, and, most surprising of all, wonderful, wonderful drawings..”


Richard announced this week that he has Parkinson’s.


In his blog entry, Richard does not complain. Nor does he show self-pity.


Instead, Richard jokes about it.


Jokes about the problems it could create for his chainsaw-juggling act. Jokes about the possible benefits. Jokes that he will have a good excuse for missing deadlines.


Now there’s a reaction for you.


You know, I think as children we are taught that courage is John Wayne courage. It is loud and it is brash and it wears boots.


But that’s not courage.


Courage is being diagnosed with Parkinson’s and writing chainsaw-juggling jokes about it.


And Richard’s discussion of his diagnosis is, at least to me, a reminder that while life may be unpredictable and unfair, its greatest beauty is in the capacity of the individual to stare into the face of that difficulty and smile.


And make chainsaw jokes.


So this is for Richard.


If the coward and whiner that is me can one day face adversity with a tenth of what Richard has shown, I know I will have done something right.


PH2007091301202


Steve Artley contributed this to TCDS


OK, Steve! How much money do you want us to spend on this auction? As much as possible!
Steve is turning this into a limited edition print that we will be putting up for auction that will be Signed and Numbered.

I can't say how much this tickles every bone in my body! Spot on dear Steve! I hope everyone enjoys this as much as I am!
Please check out Steves website!

Friday, March 25, 2011

Matt Wuerker "Mighty Alice takes Charge"




The Mighty Matt Wuerker has found the perfect person to run our country. Alice! Alice in 2012!
Please check out Matt's blog at http://www.politico.com/wuerker.
Matt Thank you so much for this wonderful art.

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

caanantheartboy and Aliceopolis

I don't know cannanthe artboy but darn this is so awesome! He has a great blog..go..check it out!



http://occasionalcomicsdisorder.blogspot.com/

Here is what he said about Team Cul de Sac. Thank you!


Aliceopolis - for Team Cul de Sac

Cul de Sac is the best comic strip out there. I will always have that soft spot for Peanuts and Calvin and Hobbes, but for the sheer wonder of discovering something new and unique, and crazy funny - Cul de Sac hits that spot. It hits that spot so repeatedly I think I've gone crazy funny from the impact, myself.

Part of Max Overacts is inspired by Cul de Sac, and its ability to throw a one liner into not just the final panel, but EVERY panel if Mr Thompson feels like it (which he often does), usually from Dil - who could out non-sequitur Ralph from the Simpsons any day of the week (which is why I wanted to do a strip with Dil in it). :)

Ron Ferdinand with Hank Ketcham Studio submitted this today.

What a team these two would be. I just think they would make a great crossover! Watch out Petey!

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Matt Dembicki



I had a chance to meet Matt last year at Baltimorecon. He is such a nice and awesome guy. As you can tell he is also an amazing artist. Thanks Matt for having Mr. Danders in the comic!

Jim Davis is a cool cat.

A big Freaking Thank You to Jim Davis for his contribution to Team Cul de Sac. Maybe we will post his art later(teaser) but we are so thankful for the awesome art.

Saturday, March 12, 2011

Richard Thompson interview

Thompson Visits the "Cul de Sac"
by Alex Dueben,
Comic Book Resources Fri, March 11th, 2011
http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=31259

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Elephant & Piggie & Mo Willems


This just in from the mighty Mo Willems: Piggie dreams of artistic triumph on a manhole cover. Where on earth does he come up with this stuff? (I won't say anything about the advisability of working in funny papers these days.) Thank you, Mo!

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Andertoons!

Mark Anderson, the affable genius behind Andertoons, sent me this drawing. It's funny and inventive, it shows Mark's musical knowledge (he plays the trombone and well too), and it shows he knows Petey.

Lynn Johnston ...Gulp



I met Lynn Johnston at Ohio State last year. I opened the door for her and mumbled how much I admire her and I just rambled. She was sweet and thanked me for the kind words and I gave her some information about Team Cul de Sac. It was like meeting my childhood crush.I don't think I have ever been so nervous, I wasn't this nervous at my own wedding! She is so sweet and kind and I must say, one of the most beautiful ladies I have ever met. Lynn, Thank you so much for taking the time and making this beautiful drawing. I already have folks who want a print of this.

Monday, March 7, 2011

The most Awesome Peter Dunlap-Shohl TCDS art


Peter Dunlap-Shohls lived in Alaska long enough to survive North America's largest recorded earthquake, its second-largest oil spill, sundry volcanic eruptions and more encounters with large panicky moose than he would like to remember. For over twenty-five years he was the editorial cartoonist for the Anchorage Daily News. His work has been recognized with numerous prizes including The First Amendment award from the Alaska Press Club. He was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease in 2002, leads the Anchorage Parkinson's Disease Support Group. His blog about the disorder can be found at http://offandonakpdrag.blogspot.com/
He is married to graphic designer Pamela Dunlap-Shohl. They live on the outskirts of Anchorage, in the foothills of the Chugach Mountains.
Peter was the first person to donate art to Team Cul de Sac.

Getting to know Peter as been such a pleasure. He is a swell guy and I really am thankful for his kind words and his support. I just wished i had met him a couple of years ago when I was in vacationing in Alaska!

Chris

Saturday, March 5, 2011

Shannon Gallant and his amazing Team Cul de Sac art


Shannon Gallant is a friend of ours. He is an amazing artist who is currently drawing GI Joe. Shannon is also one of the first guys to join Team Cul de Sac. Here is his contribution. Thank you so much!

Framed! David Hagen's TCdS contribution

Isn't this a thing of beauty?

See David's comments about it at http://hagenillustration.blogspot.com/2011/02/masterpiece.html

Contributing to Team Cul de Sac if you're not a cartoonist

For the non-cartoonists who want to support Team Cul de Sac, you can choose to contribute money directly online.

The Fox Foundation's website for Team Cul de Sac is somewhat confusing, but click on that link, and then select the big orange button that says DONATE NOW. You can select amounts to be charged to a credit card. If you want to join TCdS, there's another button for that, but there's a $50 fee, and I'm not sure what benefit there is to that.

Friday, March 4, 2011

Welcome to the Team Cul de Sac blog

Hopefully this site will let you follow the news and process of the Team Cul de Sac fundraising effort for the Fox Foundation.

Chris Sparks is the head of TCDS;
Caty Neis is Andrews McMeel's TCDS project manager;
Richard Thompson is the mascot;
Mike Rhode is the hanger-on;
Craig Fischer is the minicomix manager;
and YOU are the people who will make a difference.

Hopefully, you'll see some of the donated art showing up soon.