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Cartoons, Once Again, Are My Life...But They Better Be Funny

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Written by Alexa Ferotina

Friday, 14 March 2008

Memories are nice. Especially thinking back to being a toddler, and, yes, I do remember, and watching Popeye on television. Nothing could take me away from Popeye.

by AlexaFerotina

Then came the Peanuts gang and I was in love with Snoopy. Charlie was cute, but I promised if I ever had a dog, it would be just like Snoopy.

Cartoon and humor consciousness took over my life. I started searching for yet more gems in print, which, as a teen, led me to Mad Magazine, Cracked Magazine, and even Playboy (would you believe I was one of the few who read Playboy for the cartoons); okay there was a little more to it than just the cartoons, but I found them very funny. I loved Gahan Wilson's artwork and humor, among others.

In time, I put all the comics in a box in the closet, andgot on with real life, and, when I had the time, would take the time to find a funny one, which was not easy. My tastes were changing, but the cartoons in the newspapers were getting repetitive and boring.

Then came The Far Side by Gary Larson. Once again, I was hooked on cartoons during the entire 1980's and part of the 1990's. Even on his worst days, Gary Larson found a way to make me laugh. A good Far Side, and they were usually very good, if not excellent, cut to the chase, and in a tiny one panel frame, told me more than the entire editorial page could convey in any newspaper. I was a happy camper. Then Gary Larson retired. It was a very sad day indeed.

But then evolved Dave Coverly with Speed Bump, and again, my fondness for the absurd was satisfied. He remains in newspapers and I try never to miss him.

Finally came another true master. A true original named Rick London founder of Londons Times Cartoons; now, the top offbeat cartoon on the Internet. I have been following Rick's creative ventures since 1997 when he launched this incredibly funny cartoon. There were less than 100 color cartoons up by 1998. By 2005, he had over 6500 cartoons up (mostly color) and now has nearly 8000. His site, not surprisingly, is one of the top Alexa rated sites on the Internet. Nearly ten million people have visited his website.

He now even owns e-stores selling thousands of products bearing his cartoon images such as LTSuperstore, RickLondonWear, RickLondonCollection, JustFunnyAprons, JustFunnyHoodies, JustFunnyGreetingCards, MirthGirthBirth, AThongInMyHeart, JustFunnyMousepads, and others. The funny gifts and collectibles are as funny if not funnier than the cartoons. I usually buy them for gifts, but have to buy two of each as it is so hard to give them away (I always keep one for myself).

His cartoons are more of an art form than simply a cartoon. They make you think. They make you laugh. They make you glad you discovered this incredible talent.

About the Author:

Freelance website reviewer Alexa Ferotina highly recommends cartoons and cartoon gifts and products by Rick London. Click here for the official Londons Times Cartoon Site

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