Vermont Leads the Way in Cartoonist Recognition
Windsor, Vermont, cartoonist Stephen R. Bissette has been named the state’s sixth Cartoonist Laureate, a unique honor that Vermont is the only state to bestow. The appointment, announced by Seven Days, recognizes Bissette’s significant contributions to the comics world, particularly his acclaimed work on The Saga of the Swamp Thing, his graphic novel adaptation of 1941, and his comic S.R. Bissette’s Tyrant. He will officially receive the appointment at the Vermont Statehouse on April 9th, serving a three-year term.
Bissette joins a distinguished group of past Vermont Cartoonist Laureates, including Tillie Walden, James Kochalka, Alison Bechdel, Rick Veitch, and the late Ed Koren. His appointment underscores Vermont’s commitment to celebrating the art of cartooning.
A Legacy of Horror and Innovation
Stephen R. Bissette’s career spans decades, with a particular focus on the horror genre. He is best known for his collaboration with writer Alan Moore and inker John Totleben on DC Comics’ Saga of the Swamp Thing in the 1980s, a series that revitalized the character and pushed the boundaries of comic book storytelling. Bissette also helped write the Creator’s Bill of Rights in 1988, advocating for artists’ ownership and control over their work.
Beyond Swamp Thing, Bissette’s work includes illustrating stories for Heavy Metal, Epic Illustrated, and Weird Worlds, and a graphic novelization of Steven Spielberg’s 1941. He also edited and published Taboo, an anthology featuring works like Lost Girls and From Hell.
Canadian Comics and a Double-Take on Dennis the Menace
The comics world also saw a spotlight on Canadian cartooning, with a look at characters like Captain Canada. Alongside this, a curious parallel emerged: two Dennis the Menaces debuted on the same day, March 12, 1951 – one in the US by Hank Ketcham, and another in the UK by George Moonie, Ian Chisholm, and David Law. The Mirror explored the differences between the two versions of the mischievous character.
The Rise of Cartoon Editors and a Dark Take on Mickey Mouse
Jason Chatfield has been appointed cartoon editor for The Metropolitan Review, joining a lineage of influential cartoon editors. This move highlights the continuing importance of editorial curation in the comics landscape.
A stark contrast to the cheerful world of Disney, the 1968 animated short “Mickey Mouse in Vietnam” offers a subversive commentary on the Vietnam War. Directed by Whitney Lee Savage and produced by Milton Glaser, the film presents a dark and unsettling take on the iconic character.
FAQ
- What is the role of Vermont’s Cartoonist Laureate? The Cartoonist Laureate serves a three-year term promoting the art of cartooning within the state.
- What is Stephen R. Bissette best known for? He is best known for his work on The Saga of the Swamp Thing with Alan Moore and John Totleben.
- Why are there two Dennis the Menaces? Two separate Dennis the Menace comics debuted on the same day in the US and the UK, created by different artists.
Explore more about Stephen R. Bissette’s work at new.srbissette.com.
