Twin Cities comic artists
Encyclopedia
The Twin Cities refers to the major riverside metropolitan areas of Minneapolis, Saint Paul and surrounding townships in Ramsey
and Hennepin
counties. In recent years, the Twin Cities has become home to a burgeoning comics scene, in the top ten for number of resident comic artists in the United States. The location of the Minneapolis College of Art and Design - one of the nation's first and only schools which offers both bachelors and masters degrees in comic books (e.g.; 'BFA: Comic Art') - is likely a contributing factor. (See: MCAD
) However, the global success of popular cartoonists like Minneapolis-born Charles M. Schulz
must have paved the way.
's Peanuts
comic strip. Throughout Minneapolis and Saint Paul, one can find artistic variations of Snoopy
, Charlie Brown
, Lucy, Woodstock
and others. The first such project was called Charlie Brown Around Town, featuring large three-dimensional copies of the character Charlie Brown in a joyful pose, and painted by various residents of the Twin Cities. Other characters from the strip soon followed.
Ramsey County, Minnesota
Ramsey County is a county located in the U.S. state of Minnesota, founded in 1849. As of 2010, the population was 508,640. Its county seat is St. Paul, which is also Minnesota's state capital. The county is named for Alexander Ramsey , the first governor of the Minnesota Territory...
and Hennepin
Hennepin County, Minnesota
Hennepin County is a county located in the U.S. state of Minnesota, named in honor of the 17th-century explorer Father Louis Hennepin. As of 2010 the population was 1,152,425. Its county seat is Minneapolis. It is by far the most populous county in Minnesota; more than one in five Minnesotans live...
counties. In recent years, the Twin Cities has become home to a burgeoning comics scene, in the top ten for number of resident comic artists in the United States. The location of the Minneapolis College of Art and Design - one of the nation's first and only schools which offers both bachelors and masters degrees in comic books (e.g.; 'BFA: Comic Art') - is likely a contributing factor. (See: MCAD
MCAD
MCAD may refer to:* Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination* Mechanical computer-aided design* Medium chain acyl dehydrogenase deficiency* Microsoft Certified Application Developer* Minneapolis College of Art and Design...
) However, the global success of popular cartoonists like Minneapolis-born Charles M. Schulz
Charles M. Schulz
Charles Monroe "Sparky" Schulz was an American cartoonist, whose comic strip Peanuts proved one of the most popular and influential in the history of the medium, and is still widely reprinted on a daily basis.-Early life and education:Born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Schulz grew up in Saint Paul...
must have paved the way.
List of Artists
Artists who no longer live in the Twin Cities are noted for their most well-known work originating there. Many artists have moved to the area. Notable comic artists and cartoonists of the Twin Cities, and their achievements, include:- Ken Avidor - Roadkill BillRoadkill BillRoadkill Bill is a comic strip created by Ken Avidor.The cartoon has an anti-car theme and frequently advocates the theories of Ivan IllichThe main character, Roadkill Bill, is a squirrel with distinctive tire tracks across his torso and tail....
and editorial cartoonist. - Terry BeattyTerry BeattyTerry Beatty is an artist who has worked as a penciler and inker in the comic book industry.-Career:Beatty is the artist and co-creator of the long-running private eye series, Ms. Tree...
- artist for DC ComicsDC ComicsDC Comics, Inc. is one of the largest and most successful companies operating in the market for American comic books and related media. It is the publishing unit of DC Entertainment a company of Warner Bros. Entertainment, which itself is owned by Time Warner...
' many Batman: The Animated SeriesBatman: The Animated SeriesBatman: The Animated Series is an American animated series based on the DC Comics character Batman. The series featured an ensemble cast of many voice-actors including Kevin Conroy, Mark Hamill, Efrem Zimbalist, Jr., Arleen Sorkin, and Loren Lester. The series won four Emmy Awards and was nominated...
spin-offs. Adjunct Faculty, MCADMCADMCAD may refer to:* Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination* Mechanical computer-aided design* Medium chain acyl dehydrogenase deficiency* Microsoft Certified Application Developer* Minneapolis College of Art and Design...
Comics Department. - Big Time AtticBig Time AtticBig Time Attic is a Limited Liability Corporation. It is the operational name of Twin Cities comic artists Zander Cannon and Kevin Cannon...
- comic book firm of Zander CannonZander CannonAlexander "Zander" Cannon is an American comics writer and artist, known for his work on books such as Top 10 and Smax.-Early life:Cannon was born in Boston, Massachusetts. He graduated from Grinnell College in 1995 with a B.A...
and Kevin CannonKevin CannonKevin Cannon is an American cartoonist and illustrator.-Life and career:Cannon first published work was Johnny Cavalier, published by Grinnell College Press, which included 100 pages of weekly strips that originally ran in the Scarlet and Black. While attending Grinnell, Kevin was often asked if he...
(no relation) Zander Cannon is well-known for SmaxSmaxSmax is a fictional character from the comic book series Top 10 written by Alan Moore, illustrated by Gene Ha, and published by the America's Best Comics imprint of DC Comics / Wildstorm. A Top-10 spin-off mini-series also called Smax focused on the character and provided him with more of a backstory...
, his work with Gene HaGene HaGene Ha is an American comics artist and writer best known for his work on books such as Top 10 and Top 10: The Forty-Niners, with Alan Moore and Zander Cannon, for America's Best Comics, the Batman graphic novel Fortunate Son, with Gerard Jones, and The Adventures of Cyclops and Phoenix, among...
on Top 10 and his breakout series The Replacement God (with Slave Labor GraphicsSlave Labor GraphicsSlave Labor Graphics is an independent American comic book publisher, well-known for publishing darkly humorous, offbeat comics.-Company history:...
and The Handicraft Guild). Kevin Cannon published a graphic novel Far Arden with Top Shelf ProductionsTop Shelf ProductionsTop Shelf Productions is an American publishing company founded in 1997, owned and operated by Chris Staros and Brett Warnock and a small staff. The company is based in Marietta, Georgia, Portland, Oregon, and New York City, New York....
and self-published a compilation of Johnny Cavalier, his popular weekly strip for the Grinnell CollegeGrinnell CollegeGrinnell College is a private liberal arts college in Grinnell, Iowa, U.S. known for its strong tradition of social activism. It was founded in 1846, when a group of pioneer New England Congregationalists established the Trustees of Iowa College....
newspaper. As Big Time Attic, the Cannons illustrated two books with Jim OttavianiJim OttavianiJim Ottaviani is the author of several comic books about the history of science. His best-known work, Two-Fisted Science: Stories About Scientists, features biographical stories about Galileo Galilei, Isaac Newton, Niels Bohr, and several stories about physicist Richard Feynman...
. - Paul Fricke - Author/Illustrator of Night of the Bedbugs, Comics artist ofThe Adventures in Odyssey Bible, two books on the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe and inker for DCDC ComicsDC Comics, Inc. is one of the largest and most successful companies operating in the market for American comic books and related media. It is the publishing unit of DC Entertainment a company of Warner Bros. Entertainment, which itself is owned by Time Warner...
's The Fly. Co-creator ofTrollords. - Neil GaimanNeil GaimanNeil Richard Gaiman born 10 November 1960)is an English author of short fiction, novels, comic books, graphic novels, audio theatre and films. His notable works include the comic book series The Sandman and novels Stardust, American Gods, Coraline, and The Graveyard Book...
- comics legend, creator of SandmanSandmanThe Sandman is a figure in folklore who brings good sleep and dreams.Sandman may also refer to:-People:*Mark Sandman, singer and co-founder of the band Morphine*Charles W...
and prize writer of DC ComicsDC ComicsDC Comics, Inc. is one of the largest and most successful companies operating in the market for American comic books and related media. It is the publishing unit of DC Entertainment a company of Warner Bros. Entertainment, which itself is owned by Time Warner...
. Given "Defender of Liberty Award" by First Amendment champions Comic Book Legal Defense Fund (CBLDF). - Grant GouldGrant GouldGrant Daniel Gould is an American comic book artist and illustrator known for his Topps Sketch Card work for the Revenge of the Sith set and The Lord of the Rings: Evolution.-Early life:...
- DCDC ComicsDC Comics, Inc. is one of the largest and most successful companies operating in the market for American comic books and related media. It is the publishing unit of DC Entertainment a company of Warner Bros. Entertainment, which itself is owned by Time Warner...
, Star Wars: Clone Wars web comic. - Terrance Griep, Jr - writer, DCDC ComicsDC Comics, Inc. is one of the largest and most successful companies operating in the market for American comic books and related media. It is the publishing unit of DC Entertainment a company of Warner Bros. Entertainment, which itself is owned by Time Warner...
, Image ComicsImage ComicsImage Comics is a United States comic book publisher. It was founded in 1992 by high-profile illustrators as a venue where creators could publish their material without giving up the copyrights to the characters they created, as creator-owned properties. It was immediately successful, and remains...
. Co-creator of Johnny Cosmic. - Peter GrossPeter Gross (comics)Peter Gross is an American comic book writer and artist known for such works as The Books of Magic, Lucifer and The Unwritten.-Biography:Gross attended St. John's University and did graduate studies at the University of Wisconsin-Superior...
- artist for DC ComicsDC ComicsDC Comics, Inc. is one of the largest and most successful companies operating in the market for American comic books and related media. It is the publishing unit of DC Entertainment a company of Warner Bros. Entertainment, which itself is owned by Time Warner...
, Vertigo Comics Notable titles: LuciferLuciferTraditionally, Lucifer is a name that in English generally refers to the devil or Satan before being cast from Heaven, although this is not the original meaning of the term. In Latin, from which the English word is derived, Lucifer means "light-bearer"...
, Books of Magic, The UnwrittenThe UnwrittenThe Unwritten is an American comic book ongoing series written by Mike Carey with art by Peter Gross and published by the Vertigo imprint of DC Comics. The book follows Tom Taylor, who was the inspiration for a series of hugely successful children's fantasy novels in the vein of Harry Potter...
. Former Adjunct Faculty, MCADMCADMCAD may refer to:* Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination* Mechanical computer-aided design* Medium chain acyl dehydrogenase deficiency* Microsoft Certified Application Developer* Minneapolis College of Art and Design...
Comics Department. - Sam HitiSam HitiSam Hiti is an independent comic book author and illustrator based in Minneapolis, Minnesota.His works, including the first part in his projected nine-part series Tiempos Finales, are self-published under La Luz Comics, Hiti's own publishing company. Hiti was able to self-publish Tiempos Finales...
- Xeric FoundationXeric FoundationThe Xeric Foundation is a private, nonprofit corporation based in Northampton, Massachusetts, which for twenty years awarded self-publishing grants to comic book creators, as well as qualified charitable and nonprofit organizations...
award winner for Tiempos Finales. - Christopher JonesChristopher JonesChristopher Jones or Chris Jones is the name of:* Christopher Jones , English sailor, master of the Mayflower*Christopher Jones , Roman Catholic Bishop of Elphin, Ireland....
- writer, illustrator DC ComicsDC ComicsDC Comics, Inc. is one of the largest and most successful companies operating in the market for American comic books and related media. It is the publishing unit of DC Entertainment a company of Warner Bros. Entertainment, which itself is owned by Time Warner...
, Image ComicsImage ComicsImage Comics is a United States comic book publisher. It was founded in 1992 by high-profile illustrators as a venue where creators could publish their material without giving up the copyrights to the characters they created, as creator-owned properties. It was immediately successful, and remains...
, Calibur Comics and others. Founder of Minneapolis science fiction convention CONvergenceConvergence-Mathematics:* Convergence , refers to the notion that some functions and sequences approach a limit under certain conditions* Convergence , the notion that a sequence of transformations come to the same conclusion, no matter what order they are performed in.-Natural sciences:*Convergence ,...
. - Dan JurgensDan JurgensDan Jurgens is an American comic book writer and artist. He is best known for creating the superhero Booster Gold, and for his lengthy runs on the Superman titles Adventures of Superman and Superman , particularly during The Death of Superman storyline...
- writer/penciller for DC ComicsDC ComicsDC Comics, Inc. is one of the largest and most successful companies operating in the market for American comic books and related media. It is the publishing unit of DC Entertainment a company of Warner Bros. Entertainment, which itself is owned by Time Warner...
. Notable titles: SupermanSupermanSuperman is a fictional comic book superhero appearing in publications by DC Comics, widely considered to be an American cultural icon. Created by American writer Jerry Siegel and Canadian-born American artist Joe Shuster in 1932 while both were living in Cleveland, Ohio, and sold to Detective...
, Iron Fist and ThorThor (Marvel Comics)Thor is a fictional superhero who appears in publications published by Marvel Comics. The character first appeared in Journey into Mystery #83 and was created by editor-plotter Stan Lee, scripter Larry Lieber, and penciller Jack Kirby....
. - Tom K - Trans-Atlantis series.
- Roger Lootine - popular editorial strip ResidueResidueResidue may refer to:* Residue , material remaining after a distillation or an evaporation, or portion of a larger molecule** In particular, in biology, often refers specifically to an amino acid...
. - Doug MahnkeDoug MahnkeDouglas "Doug" Mahnke is an American comic book artist and penciller.-Biography:Mahnke's first prominent work was for The Mask, and he has since worked for DC Comics on JLA, Batman with writer Judd Winick, and Seven Soldiers: Frankenstein with Grant Morrison...
- DCDC ComicsDC Comics, Inc. is one of the largest and most successful companies operating in the market for American comic books and related media. It is the publishing unit of DC Entertainment a company of Warner Bros. Entertainment, which itself is owned by Time Warner...
, Dark HorseDark Horse ComicsDark Horse Comics is the largest independent American comic book and manga publisher.Dark Horse Comics was founded in 1986 by Mike Richardson in Milwaukie, Oregon, with the concept of establishing an ideal atmosphere for creative professionals. Richardson started out by opening his first comic book...
. - Michael May - comic writer.
- Ed Choy Moorman - cartoonist and editor of Xeric FoundationXeric FoundationThe Xeric Foundation is a private, nonprofit corporation based in Northampton, Massachusetts, which for twenty years awarded self-publishing grants to comic book creators, as well as qualified charitable and nonprofit organizations...
award winning anthology Ghost Comics: A Benefit Anthology for RS Eden. - Sarah Morean - cartoonist and zinester. Mini-Comics Editor for the independent comics site The Daily Cross Hatch. Coordinator of the Twin Cites Zinefest.
- Tom Nguyen - illustrator DC ComicsDC ComicsDC Comics, Inc. is one of the largest and most successful companies operating in the market for American comic books and related media. It is the publishing unit of DC Entertainment a company of Warner Bros. Entertainment, which itself is owned by Time Warner...
, Marvel ComicsMarvel ComicsMarvel Worldwide, Inc., commonly referred to as Marvel Comics and formerly Marvel Publishing, Inc. and Marvel Comics Group, is an American company that publishes comic books and related media...
, comics magazine WizardWizard (magazine)Wizard or Wizard: The Magazine of Comics, Entertainment and Pop Culture was a magazine about comic books, published monthly in the United States by Wizard Entertainment from July 1991 to January 2011...
. - Tyler Page - popular fictionalized autobiography Stylish Vittles
- Gordon PurcellGordon PurcellGordon Purcell is an American comic book artist, perhaps best known for his Star Trek work, in particular his photorealistic renditions of the actors who play that franchise’s characters, as well as those of similarly licensed books, such as X-Files, Xena, Lost in Space, Godzilla, The Young...
- Star TrekStar TrekStar Trek is an American science fiction entertainment franchise created by Gene Roddenberry. The core of Star Trek is its six television series: The Original Series, The Animated Series, The Next Generation, Deep Space Nine, Voyager, and Enterprise...
comic adaptations. - Steve SackSteve SackSteve Sack is an American cartoonist who, along with Craig Macintosh, draws the cartoon activity panel Doodles. Sack is also an award-winning editorial cartoonist for the Minneapolis Star Tribune, where he started in 1981...
- editorial and political cartoonist. - Zak SallyZak SallyZak Sally is a bassist and a comic artist. He was formerly the bassist for the bands Low and Enemymine . He is native of Duluth, Minnesota, currently owns and operates his own press, La Mano, in Minneapolis. La Mano serves as a publisher for Sally's works as well as those of other comic artists...
- Sammy the Mouse and Xeric Foundation award recipient, Visiting Artist Faculty, MCADMCADMCAD may refer to:* Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination* Mechanical computer-aided design* Medium chain acyl dehydrogenase deficiency* Microsoft Certified Application Developer* Minneapolis College of Art and Design...
Comics Department. - Charles M. SchulzCharles M. SchulzCharles Monroe "Sparky" Schulz was an American cartoonist, whose comic strip Peanuts proved one of the most popular and influential in the history of the medium, and is still widely reprinted on a daily basis.-Early life and education:Born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Schulz grew up in Saint Paul...
- creator of PeanutsPeanutsPeanuts is a syndicated daily and Sunday American comic strip written and illustrated by Charles M. Schulz, which ran from October 2, 1950, to February 13, 2000, continuing in reruns afterward... - Barbara Schulz - cartoonist and inker for Devil's Due's Lovebunny and Mr. Hell, MicronautsMicronautsThe Micronauts comic books feature a group of characters based on the Micronauts toyline. The title was published by Marvel Comics, Image Comics, and Devil's Due Publishing. Their first comic appearance was in Micronauts #1 with characterizations created by Bill Mantlo and Michael Golden...
, G.I. JoeG.I. JoeG.I. Joe is a line of action figures produced by the toy company Hasbro. The initial product offering represented four of the branches of the U.S. armed forces with the Action Soldier , Action Sailor , Action Pilot , Action Marine and later on, the Action Nurse...
, and DCDC ComicsDC Comics, Inc. is one of the largest and most successful companies operating in the market for American comic books and related media. It is the publishing unit of DC Entertainment a company of Warner Bros. Entertainment, which itself is owned by Time Warner...
's Books of Magic. Assistant Professor, MCADMCADMCAD may refer to:* Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination* Mechanical computer-aided design* Medium chain acyl dehydrogenase deficiency* Microsoft Certified Application Developer* Minneapolis College of Art and Design...
Comics Department. - Paul Taylor - Wapsi SquareWapsi SquareWapsi Square is a slice of life/fantasy webcomic set in modern Minneapolis, "a world almost exactly like the one you want to believe you live in." It also includes multiple supernatural elements, including a psychic and a god, which contrasts with its soap opera nature...
. - Ursula Murray Husted - creator of graphic novels Making Rain, Looking Up and Drawing on Yourself. Adjunct Instructor, MCADMCADMCAD may refer to:* Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination* Mechanical computer-aided design* Medium chain acyl dehydrogenase deficiency* Microsoft Certified Application Developer* Minneapolis College of Art and Design...
Comics Department. - Mike Toft - Brain Food.
- Chaz Truog - MarvelMarvel ComicsMarvel Worldwide, Inc., commonly referred to as Marvel Comics and formerly Marvel Publishing, Inc. and Marvel Comics Group, is an American company that publishes comic books and related media...
, DCDC ComicsDC Comics, Inc. is one of the largest and most successful companies operating in the market for American comic books and related media. It is the publishing unit of DC Entertainment a company of Warner Bros. Entertainment, which itself is owned by Time Warner...
, Topps ComicsTopps ComicsTopps Comics is a division of the American trading card publisher and gum/candy distributor the Topps Company, Inc. that published comic books from 1993–1998, beginning its existence during a short comics-industry boom that attracted many investors and new companies...
. - Reed WallerReed WallerReed Waller is an American comic book artist best known for his work on Omaha the Cat Dancer, together with Kate Worley.-Omaha the Cat Dancer:...
- creator of popular adult strip Omaha the Cat DancerOmaha the Cat Dancer"Omaha" the Cat Dancer is an erotic comic strip created by artist Reed Waller and writer Kate Worley. Set in the fictional Mipple City, Minnesota in a universe populated by anthropomorphic funny animal characters, the strip is a soap opera which focuses on Omaha, a feline exotic dancer, and her...
. - Kate WorleyKate WorleyKate Worley was an American comic book writer best known for her work on Omaha the Cat Dancer. She was a writer and performer for the science fiction comedy radio program Shockwave Radio Theater.-Early life and career:...
- main writer on Omaha the Cat DancerOmaha the Cat Dancer"Omaha" the Cat Dancer is an erotic comic strip created by artist Reed Waller and writer Kate Worley. Set in the fictional Mipple City, Minnesota in a universe populated by anthropomorphic funny animal characters, the strip is a soap opera which focuses on Omaha, a feline exotic dancer, and her...
, popular contributor to Wimmen’s Comix.
Peanuts Characters Sculpture Project
The Twin Cities is home to a notable outdoor sculpture project, featuring the characters from Charles M. SchulzCharles M. Schulz
Charles Monroe "Sparky" Schulz was an American cartoonist, whose comic strip Peanuts proved one of the most popular and influential in the history of the medium, and is still widely reprinted on a daily basis.-Early life and education:Born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Schulz grew up in Saint Paul...
's Peanuts
Peanuts
Peanuts is a syndicated daily and Sunday American comic strip written and illustrated by Charles M. Schulz, which ran from October 2, 1950, to February 13, 2000, continuing in reruns afterward...
comic strip. Throughout Minneapolis and Saint Paul, one can find artistic variations of Snoopy
Snoopy
Snoopy is an fictional character in the long-running comic strip Peanuts, by Charles M. Schulz. He is Charlie Brown's pet beagle. Snoopy began his life in the strip as a fairly conventional dog, but eventually evolved into perhaps the strip's most dynamic character—and among the most recognizable...
, Charlie Brown
Charlie Brown
Charles "Charlie" Brown is the protagonist in the comic strip Peanuts by Charles M. Schulz.Charlie Brown and his creator have a common connection in that they are both the sons of barbers, but whereas Schulz's work is described as the "most shining example of the American success story", Charlie...
, Lucy, Woodstock
Woodstock (Peanuts)
Woodstock is a fictional character in Charles M. Schulz's comic strip Peanuts. He is Snoopy's closest friend and, after Snoopy, the most recognized non-human in the strip.-History:...
and others. The first such project was called Charlie Brown Around Town, featuring large three-dimensional copies of the character Charlie Brown in a joyful pose, and painted by various residents of the Twin Cities. Other characters from the strip soon followed.