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

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by Alexa Ferotina

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.

Later, I learned about newspapers and Charlie Brown, Lucy, Snoopy, and others of the Peanut’s gang became my heroes.

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.

After awhile, I put cartoons aside to get 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, and the cartoonists, and apparently other newspaper readers were not.

The Far Side finally got published. 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. I remember how deep my depression was that day. I went to the bookstore and bought about ten mugs, greeting cards, and other items, all containing Far Side cartoons.

I kept the faith, and, sure enough, there were others with attempts to fill “the Far Side gap” such as Rubes, Close To Home, Strange Brew, and a number of others. Speed Bump by Dave Coverly came the closest. I still enjoy Dave’s cartoon. It is a 9 out of 10; one can rely on it to be funny.

Then came 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, luring nearly 5 million persons per year.

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).

I cannot say enough about Londons Times Cartoons and Rick London. If you’ve not seen his cartoon site, or stores, I highly recommend to do so now.

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