Caricature Books

Tom Tomorrow is as far left as they come, but has somehow managed to keep his sense of humor. That's rare for any location on the political spectrum.

More importantly, it's valuable. Without the ability to laugh at ourselves and the follies of our society--including its "esteemed leaders"--we'd be in even worse shape than we are (if you can imagine!). You don't have to be a foaming radical to appreciate This Modern World, and even liberals may disagree with some of the anger that shows through these cartoons, but the wit and skill are unmistakable.

Tom Tomorrow sarcastically satrizes everything that makes up this modern world. His book is one that you can read four or five times over, and still laugh out loud every time. $8.95 is definitely worth this treasure

Tom Tomorrow has a remarkable talent for using logic and fact where other writers would try to bluff. Unlike many liberal writers, Tomorrow has a full and complete understanding of capitalism and its role in politics. The art and humour are just enough to cushion the blow when Tomorrow reveals the evils committed by those who profess to serve. The work is intended for an American audience, but is relevant worldwide. For instance, Tomorrow's oft-made point about the American Federal Reserve maintaining *minimum* unemployment rates for the benefit of the wealthy is equally valid in Canada (thank you, Bank of Canada). Anyone with even the vaguest interest in politics or current events needs to read as much of This Modern World as they can get their hands on.

The work and personal story of a genius who's life was cut short, yet he left a legacy of artwork beyond what many could have achieved in twice the amount of time. A facinating read and inspiring illustrations.

Cartoonist Greg Irons was killed in 1984 at age 37 by a bus in Thailand so he never received the recognition he could've achieved over the decades, but YOU CALL THIS ART?! Provides a fine collection of his entire works; from the rock posters he designed for Bill Graham to his graphic comics and examples from his children's illustration and tattoo art work. The blend of black and white and color reproductions accompanies a survey of Irons' life, talents and achievements in a retrospective not to be missed!

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

This is the book I've been waiting for, and now I can retire all my old Greg Irons undergrounds to bags and boxes and display this volume proudly on my shelf, and have it at easy access for constant consultation. About the only thing I don't like about this book is the weird day-glo cover design. For some reason it almost makes the book look like an advance copy, as it appears unfinished. Aside from that I couldn't love this book more. Mr. Rosencrantz is generous in his biographical details, family photos, snapshots and art from every phase of Mr. Irons' too short career. This book is well worth every penny it costs, and so few books are these days. If you have an interest in anything from old San Francisco Rock posters, to underground comix, to record album design to book illustration to tattoo art....This is the book for you!!! Can't recommend this book highly enough!!!!

In the Summer of 1974, Back in my "Starvin' Artist Daze", I had been working on 30 Pages of Comix Art for months. One August morning, I gathered up my Guts and Drove To Berkeley, and The Print Mint. Shaking like a Leaf, I walk into The Folger Ave. Office. Inside is Bob DeRita, The Owner, at his desk talking to a Lanky Young Guy with an Long, Long Blonde Hair and a Scruffy Beard. He's calling him Greg, I have walked in to the office right in the Middle of an Pay Dispute. DeRita, is not in a Good Mood (To say the least!) and Croaks: "Well, Whatta You Want"??? Well, by now I'm about to lose Breakfast, Right in The Print Mint Office, and Silently shove my Art at him. He looks it over (Quickly) and gives it back. "Two Words, Kid... Art School" was his reply. I'm lookin' at the Door, when the Other guy, Greg, say's: "Hey Man, Let me see your Stuff". At this Point I'm ready to Crawl under a rock and Die, But, I gave this Friendly Stranger my Art, kinda hoping he was the Owner of The Rip-Off Press. He looks it over for Many long minutes (Seemed like hours) and gently hands my Art back. Greg, tells me: "You are Good Man, But, you are readin' too Much Crumb, and you are trying to draw Crumb", (He had me Cold)..."But, I see a liitle of my Stuff in your Work as well". "Your Work?" I whispered. "Yeah", he continued, "Slow Death & Deviant Slice". Now, I Knew who this was, Greg Irons was Checking my Work.

Now, it's summer of 2007 and I'm readin' this Great Book, "You Call This Art?! and it's a Fitting Tribute to an Amazing Artist. Lot's of his Comic Art is in here, Many of The Filmore West Posters as well & lot's of his Tattoo Art. I had no idea that Greg had done Illustrations for Children's Books, but, they are here as well. I Own many Books about the Underground Greats...Crumb, Shelton, S. Clay, etc. BUT, "You Call This Art", is one of the Finest Publications I have seen in years, I learned a lot about the Man, as well as the Artist by reading this one.

Looking, Now at Greg's work, Three Decade's on, it's even better than I remember it way back from The Early 70's. There is a lot in that Art, You will see the EC influence, that he grew up with and he Brought that Love of Great Horror into the Underground for us to enjoy. This Book brings me Right back to that time Long Ago. Times have Changed, The Underground Comix Business is Kaput, and Greg is Gone as well.

Oh, Yeah...I attended some Art Classes, and my Comics ARE in print in a Small Mountian Newspaper in South Lake Tahoe, Ca. Greg, was a Good Guy and FANTASTIC ARTIST...This Book tells his Story with Ton's of his Wonderful Art...FIVE STARS.

The humor of Jeff Foxworthy reminds me of the old television show "Sanford and Son." The main characters were all black, and most of them were poor. Therefore, they could poke fun at it and even use the stereotypes used to depict poor blacks. It was the only network television show where the word ni**er could be used. Foxworthy claims to be a redneck, so he also can poke fun using the stereotypes of what many people call "trailer trash."
The people are depicted as dumb, toothless, crude and ill mannered. In only a few pages, he manages to hit just about every stereotype. My favorite is on page 32, where he says, "You might be a redneck if your Thanksgiving dinner was ever ruined because you ran out of ketchup." I found some of them mildly humorous, but most of them were a bit silly. I thought the dumbest one was "You might be a redneck if you think Volvo is part of a woman's anatomy." Foxworthy's humor does little for me, but that might just be personal taste. Therefore, if you like this kind of humor, you will probably bust a gut when reading this book. However, if your tastes are more towards intelligent humor, it will probably just bore you.

Fans of the 'redneck humor' of Jeff Foxworthy as seen on TV comedy shows will be glad to know his one-liner observations about what makes a 'redneck' translate well to text and one-panel comics, too. David Boyd's illustrations grace a funny book perfect for the non-reader fully aware of all-too-real 'redneck habits'.

Yep... if the directions to your house include "turn off the paved road" this is the book for you. As a person who has lived off the paved part of the road (and perhaps I've been out of NYC too long) but I recognize the people in this book. There's humor here because of the incredible sense of recognition. I've known people like this and I adore Jeff Foxworthy for pointing out the humor in these comical stereotypes!

this book by the southern flavored performer is a work out for the stomach muscles . foxworthy tells the story of his childhood , teen years and about his present day life in a manner that makes you jealous you didn't grow up with the guy. his stories about deer hunting and playing pranks on his mom will make you break out laughing in the middle of your train/bus ride. if you are a fan of foxworthy (as i am) you will recognise the classic bits and enjoy lots of new and hillariously funny ones. if you want to avoid embarrasing yourselves in public , read this book alone , because you will laugh out loud. click on the add to cart icon you will not be dissapointed

I bought my 6 year old grandson three of these books for Christmas. He uses them almost daily. The step by step instructions make drawing so easy. He loves seeing how quickly he can come up with a professional looking drawing!

1-2-3 Draw Cartoon People: A Step-by-Step Guide was created by syndicated comic strip artist Steve Barr as a useful and "user friendly", methodically crafted instructional guide for young people wanting to create their own cartoon figures. Beginning with some expert preparatory advice and a few invaluable cartooning tips, Barr stars with simple, basic shapes and lines which can be quickly copied and expanded upon. The very nicely illustrated instructions continue on for drawing heads, hair, expressions, emotions, hands, arms, boys, girls, grandparents, and characters in motion. Also very highly recommended for budding artists are Steve Barr's two companion instructional books: 1-2-3 draw Cartoon Faces: A Step-by-Step Guide and 1-2-3 Draw Cartoon Animals: A Step-by-Step Guide.

If you are just starting out, or are looking for an easy-to-follow instruction book that gets you to *actually put a pencil and paper in your hand* and start drawing in the next five minutes, you MUST have this book! The art of simplicity is not that of being basic in your explanations. It is the highly evolved skill to present to your recipient (in this case the reader) everything you need them to know WITHOUT them getting overwhelmed, becoming frustrated, or feeling that what you are teaching is beyond their abilities. This book is a masterpiece of highly entertaining education. You will watch your skills develop even as you scoff that this can't possibly be this easy to do.

This is a fun book, and while its surface qualities may give the impression that it was written for the "under 8" crowd, nothing could be further from the truth. This is a book that anyone can learn (quickly) from. You begin drawing the most elementary of shapes, which you connect (step-by-step) to more simple shapes which, when you step back from your labors and look is suddenly a recognizable picture. The author does not limit your style at all, but instead starts you off with the basics of style that you will use in many formats of illustration. This is all done with such non-condescending verbiage and format that you will think to yourself "this is too easy," and before you know it, you can draw very complex cartoons.

Cartoon illustration is a staple in our society. From greeting cards to "how to books" and multi-billion dollar corporate logos, cartoon illustrations have become embedded in all aspects of marketing. You see them everywhere, and they seem easy enough to do, but for most people the moment you pick up a pen, something horrible goes wrong in your hand-eye coordination.

I have read a LOT of books on cartoon illustrations and even after absorbing their collective wisdom, I generally limit myself to stick figures to this day. This is one of those rare books that come along quietly and breaks the teaching mold; allowing ANYONE to be able to create fun cartoon illustrations with minutes, and over time to create increasingly more sophisticated illustrations. A must have, and fine addition to any library for anyone who has, or will, ever pick up a pen and try to illustrate a point to someone else.

There's not doubt that Terry Gilliam is a contemporary genius and a master of the cut-out animation.
Throught this wonderfully created book, you can discover the complete process of making one of this amazing animations, that appeareds between some python sketches and other popular tv shows.
From the finest political humour to kinda simple kiddie humour!
Terry Gilliam at his very, very best!!

I acquired this book when I was in high school, having just discovered Monty Python. I was fascinated by the strange cutout animations that joined the skits, and that's what drew me to the book originally. Now, it is a rare, classic treasure. Mainly, it is a book overviewing cutout animation. The fun part is the documenting of a body of work that Gilliam has now moved away from as a film director. There are a few political cartoons, not used for Python, and some pages of raw sketches that show the darker side of animation. Plus, as a bonus, you get a running gag about a black spot and a badger that keep trying to hijack the actual book as you read it.... Technically beneficial to animators, a Holy Grail of acquisitions to Gilliam fans.

Terry Gilliam is a wonderful animator, the success of Monty Pythons Flying Circus was to a large part because of his graphic abilities. Everyone who has seen the opening titles with the big foot squash will know what to expect from this book. In this book, he goes to great lengths, to help you make graphics that can be funny. Even more importantly he shows you how to make animation with very little effort. This book was a lifesaver for me when I made my first Hollywood animation back in the early 1980's. Absolute essential reading for every cut-out animator or pixilator, and recommended to all who aspire to amuse others. Suitable for all ages, as my three children loved it.

JOHN TROY CAPTURES THE MOST HILARIOUS SPORTING MOMENTS! WHETHER YOU HUNT OR FISH YOU CAN DEFINITELY IDENTIFY WITH BEN'S ADVENTURES!

I got this book for my dad, he laughed so hard he fell off the couch while reading it! It's great!

Everyone will laugh when they read about BEN! As you read each cartoon you will recognize a part of your world captured by the brush of John Troy. Our everyday life being acted out by BEN the lovable dog with a million funny ideas. Just looking at that face makes you laugh out loud. Treat yourself to some humor today, it's the greatest!!!

If we had more top notch, no-nonsense kinda guys like this Joe Thiel in the White House, Then maybe somethin' might get done. This is a man with true vision. He cuts through red tape like a hot scapple through that soft french cheeses they sell in those upscale markets...really.Why if I knew he was in town , I'd have him over to the house for a deep pit pig roast.But first, I'd conjour up the neighbors for a parade down our main drag(state road 342)Joe,You draw and speak my thoughts and dreams. I love you man.

In Below The Beltway, Joe Thiel's first publication, his sarcastic wit and superb humorous illustrations had me laughing from cover to cover. The book is a gallery of more than sixty images of Thiel's political humor that are each bright and vibrant in color and content. (even without the "punchlines" at the end to help you with the jokes.) Each piece makes you wonder, "Why didn't I see this joke coming sooner?"... It's because Joe Thiel's insight into the common everyman's humor and slightly twisted views of some of today's most controversial politicians have made this book a must have for lovers or laughter, politics, and above all art. He has mixed a whimsical style and powerful view of politics that left me wanting more. Below The Beltway, proves that politics, humor, and "cartoony" style can all be brought together in a wonderful way. I can't wait to see what subjects Joe Thiel sinks his artistic talons into in the near future.

As a student of the majestic and enigmatic Mr. Joe Thiel, I have learned what is good and what is bad in the fields of illustration. This book represents all that is pure and holy in the toxic waste-land that is the current field of illustartion. Never before and never agian shall anyone shine light on American politics like the master that is Joe Thiel. I laughed and cryed at the cartoons that changed a nation. The story of Joe Thiel is that of one man standing agianst all the red tape and political hog-wash, proving to everyone that a lone patriot can still deliver a powerful world changing view on society. Every library and every school should be forced to carry this book as it stands for all that is America.

This latest entry in this venerable series is one of the best--and the most inclusive, too.

Thankfully, it includes many more cartoons from foreign cartoonists. It's wonderful to enjoy an international cartooning perspective.

This is the Fourth Edition of Cagle Books I have purchased. This one in my Humble Opinion is the Best yet, and that is Due to amount of Cartoons included herein. This one has more cartoons per page than the 2005-2007 Editions and contains a few more pages as well. Hundreds of Top Political Cartoonists are featured, and Subjects like The Iraq War are right here next to Paris Hilton and O.J. Simpson.

If you have an interest in the Issues of the Day and enjoy Great Cartoons. This Book should be a part of your Library..This is an Excellent Purchase...Five Stars !!!

This book was very entertaining and a great collection of pollitical cartoons. Categorized so that the reader can look at various cartoons about a specific topic (such as the iPhone), this book was easily accessible. Sarcastic, humerous, and in some cases very true, (although not necessarily complete) this is indeed a great collection of some of the best cartoons of 2008's biggest issues.

Good reference book as well as good instructions for carving and painting caricature figures. I highly recommend!

If you have been a caricature carver for a long time or just starting out, this book holds a wealth of information for you. All but the most advanced carvers will be able to put some tricks in their bag from this book.

Pete starts with just a piece of basswood and begins carving. You don't even need a bandsaw to do these projects. He takes you from blocking out the head and the body all the way through carving the eyes, mouth, ears, hands, clothing wrinkles, etc. The numerous color photos are presented well and there are enough close-ups to help you stay on track.

Let me end this review by stating that if you don't own Pete's first book "Carving Caricature Head & Faces" then you should. Pete's philosophy on caricature carving is that the head and face are the most important feature of the carving. While "Carving Caricature Figures from Scratch" does detail the head nicely, I think the first book will give you a lot more insight.

Pete takes you step by step through the process of carving a complete caricature figure. Each picture shows enough detail to easily follow and the carving steps are frequent enough so there isn't any wondering how he moved from the previous step. Pete emphasizes the importance of carving the head, since the most engaging feature of a caricature is the face. I have most of Pete's books and would recommend them all. If you are a beginning carver (as I am) or an experienced carver looking to try something different, this is the book for you.

THE CATROPOLITAN OPERA is British artist Susan Herbert's follow-up to her SHAKESPEARE CATS. Whereas that book cast cats in Shakespearean productions, the present one casts them in operas; each illustration is accompanied by a brief scene-setting summary and a witty text by Bill Meadowcane. The book's premise is that cultured cats have formed their own opera company, the Catropolitan Opera, and delight both feline and human audiences with their productions. Like the Metropolitan, the Catropolitan has its impresarios (the company's general manager is named "Rex Manxman"), its director/designers ("Furrelli" created the 1910 production of AIDA) and, of course, its stars. ("Fanny Clawson" is a late, beloved prima donna," "Ailuria Katsos" is the feline Maria Callas; "Inga Holdenstroken" is the company's Wagnerian soprano and "Alexander Katnips" its Russian bass.) Meadowcane's clever commentary makes for entertaining and informative reading and lends coherence to the book.

Herbert's illustrations are brilliant. She is truly a gifted artist who knows color, line, composition - and the anatomy of the cat. Even more so than in SHAKESPEARE CATS, she has managed to suggest human-type emotions on her cats' adorable faces. Her Don Giovanni, facing the "stone guest," looks apprehensive (for once); her Lucia di Lammermoor, green eyes shining, appears blissfully unconscious of her crime as she regards her bloodstained gown; and the characters from THE MARRIAGE OF FIGARO (in the final scene) wear expressions ranging from contentment to dignified remorse. In addition to these full-color illustrations, Herbert treats us to small black-and-white drawings of additional characters from (nearly) every opera. So for RIGOLETTO she shows us the debauched Duke of Mantua as well as, in full color, the titular jester and Gilda from Act II; in EUGENE ONEGIN Tatyana holds her letter on the page facing a beautiful color picture of a nervous Lensky and a confident Onegin standing back-to-back, pre-duel. With so many illustrations good enough to frame and display beside "real" art, THE CATROPOLITAN OPERA will be treasured by cat-lovers, opera-lovers, and art-lovers.

If you love oprea or cats, or both. You must have this book. IT is just too much FUN to read this. Test your knowledge of opera by naming the opera without reading the text. It is not hard becasue Ms. Herbert captures the essence of each opera. Give this as a gift to your opera/cat loving friend, you will be a HERO. Mr. Meadowcane's text is witty, however, "Eugene Onegin" is not a tenor.

Susan Herbert's books are creative and enjoyable and this is no exception. Her attention to detail, artistry and sense of humor all contribute to a masterful piece of work.