Famous Cartoonists and Their Influence on the Genre

Cartoons are more than just regular art, sending strong messages that can change history, break down stereotypes, and show truths in exciting ways. Sadly, time seems to remember famous painters and sculptors more than cartoon artists. In this blog, we'll fix this by highlighting some of the most talented personalities.

1. Scott Adams (born June 8, 1957)

Scott Raymond Adams is a prominent American Comic strip creator and novelist. He is associated with creating the 'Dilbert' comic strip and has written several nonfiction works on business, critique, and parody. Adams developed Dilbert while activating for Pacific Bell, with the character's name suggested by his former boss. The comic strip, initiated in 1989, gained popularity in the mid-1990s and was eventually syndicated in hundreds of newspapers. Also, Adams worked in various office jobs before starting his long and profitable cartooning career in 1995.

2. Charles Addams (born January 7, 1912 – passed away September 29, 1988)

Charles Samuel Addams, renowned for creating "The Addams Family," was a crucial American cartoonist born in 1912 in New Jersey. His early fascination with cemeteries shaped his work, notably with The New Yorker, which started in 1935. "The Addams Family," portrayed in single-panel cartoons, showed a peculiar family fond of the grim and eerie, challenging the traditional American family image. Addams' cartoons were different for mixing everyday life with eccentric, often supernatural elements, greatly influencing popular culture and leading to a TV series, films, and a Broadway musical. Beyond his dark-themed work, Addams was personable and curious about antique weapons and cars. His legacy continues through his beloved characters and his unique contribution to American humor.

3. Dr. Seuss (Theodor Geisel) (March 2, 1904 – September 24, 1991)

Dr. Seuss was an accomplished American novelist and illustrator for children who produced and drew over 60 books under the pen name Theodor Seuss Geisel. At his passing, he became a top-rated children's writer, with more than 600 million copies of his novels sold and translations in over 20 different languages.

4. Martin Rowson (born February 15, 1959)

Martin Rowson is a leading British cartoonist, especially in political satire. Known for his distinct and intelligent approach, his ability to express political insights through art has earned him regular features in major publications like the Daily Mirror and the Guardian. He describes his work as 'visual journalism,' adeptly translating intricate concepts into compelling drawings.

5. Charles M. Schulz (Born November 26, 1922 – Passed Away February 12, 2000)

Charles Monroe Schulz, the creative intellect behind cherished characters like Snoopy and Charlie Brown, launched the Peanuts Gang with the appearance of three children in the comic sections of seven newspapers on October 2, 1950. This initial introduction of Charlie Brown, Patty, and Shermy soon expanded to include various personalities, significantly transforming the realm of Sunday comic strips.

6. Matt Groening (born February 15, 1954)

Matthew Abram Groening, well-known for creating "The Simpsons" and "Futurama," stands out in animation with his impressive blend of humor and artistry. His father's background in cartooning and filmmaking influenced him early on. Groening first gained attention with his comic strip "Life in Hell," but "The Simpsons," launched in 1989 and named after his family, brought him fame. The show, known for its exceptional characters, revolutionized prime-time animation. He later co-created "Futurama," a 31st-century sci-fi comedy, solidifying his legacy in the field. Groening is also an environmental advocate, often incorporating these issues into his narratives. In 2018, he delved into fantasy with Netflix's "Disenchantment." His acclaimed works, featuring comedy and unique drawing styles, have won him considerable Emmy Awards and widespread admiration for his insightful commentary on life's absurdities.

7. Bill Watterson (born July 5, 1958)

William Boyd Watterson II gained fame as the artist and creator of the 'Calvin and Hobbes comic strip. His final version featured in newspapers for a decade, from 1985 to 1995, captivating readers with its unique charm and humor. Known for his skepticism towards the commercial aspects of comics and his passion for elevating the comic strip as an art form, Watterson chose a reclusive lifestyle following the conclusion of 'Calvin and Hobbes.'

8. Kevin Smith (born August 2, 1970)

Another renowned American filmmaker, actor, and podcaster is Kevin Patrick Smith. He gained notoriety with his low-budget film "Clerks" in 1994, initiating his indie film legacy. Smith's creations are often featured in his native New Jersey, part of his "View Askewniverse." A comic book enthusiast, he's written for Marvel and DC. Also known for playing "Silent Bob," Smith is also a famous podcaster.

9. Jeroom Snelders (born 22 april 1977)

Belgian cartoonist Jeroom Snelders is well-known for his work. He received recognition in 2002 as one of Belgium's most talented comic artists, showcasing his remarkable skills. His pieces have been mentioned in several popular and successful comic books, an impressive feat. Currently, his work is cited in Humo Magazine. It's worth noting, though, that language differences might make it challenging to grasp the whole meaning of his cartoons.

10. Jonathan Shapiro (born October 27, 1958)

Zapiro isn't just any cartoonist from South Africa; he's snagged many awards for his super sharp cartoons that get you thinking. He leveled up his cartoon skills at the School of Visual Arts in the US. In 2019, everyone talked about how he'd been at it for over 20 years, drawing all the drama and fuss about Jacob Zuma.

11. Osamu Tezuka (November 3, 1928 – February 9, 1989)

Osamu Tezuka was the oldest of three kids in a family that loved manga and animation. As a kid, insects fascinated him, appearing later in his pen name. Although he lived through the war and trained to be a doctor, Tezuka chose to follow his passion for drawing comics and making animated movies. His creative work shaped how Japanese postwar kids thought and felt. He turned Japanese cartoons into something everyone wanted to see, creating new ways to tell stories in his comics, which changed books and cinematography concepts and touched other creative areas.

12. Jim Davis (Born July 28, 1945)

Another well-known cartoonist on our list is James Robert Davis, best known for creating the iconic comic strip "Garfield," which debuted in 1978. Is there anyone unfamiliar with Garfield? This strip, centered around a moody cat and a colorful cast of characters, has expanded its reach beyond print. It has inspired three animated TV series, a dozen prime-time specials, two feature films, and various video games, showcasing Davis' versatile cartooning, TV writing, and production talents.

13. Walt Disney (Born December 5, 1901 – Passed Away December 15, 1966)

Everyone knows Walt Disney, a legendary figure whose contributions have significantly shaped countless childhoods. Despite living through turbulent times, including wars, Disney succeeded in crafting timeless masterpieces that remain cherished and relevant to this day. At 16, Walt Disney joined the Red Cross in World War I. He was the first to voice Mickey Mouse, a character he created after losing Oswald the Lucky Rabbit. In World War II, his studio produced propaganda films. A train enthusiast, Disney's love for railroads influenced Disneyland's design. He won more Academy Awards than anyone else.

14. Rube Goldberg (Born July 4, 1883 – Passed Away December 7, 1970)

Rube Goldberg became famous for his "Invention" cartoons, numbering in the dozens, possibly even hundreds, and emphasizing various themes, including sports, politics, and societal matters. His creations, full of pulleys and levers, amused and reflected on life's complications in early 20th-century newspapers. Beyond cartoons, Goldberg excelled in film, drama, and painting, leaving a lasting impact on culture, encouraging originality, and finding joy in complexity.

15. Gary Larson (born August 14, 1950)

Gary Larson, the creative artist behind "The Far Side" comics, actually majored in biology, which explains all the bizarre and comic animal jokes in his work. Gary accidentally stumbled into cartooning pioneering single-panel comics in American newspapers. His stuff, known for being unconventional and sometimes dark, impacted pop culture. Even with all his fame, he's low-key and doesn't do a lot of interviews. Fun fact: he's even got a science term named after him - the "Larsonian" in entomology!