Since returning to editorial cartooning in 2004, I’ve used my first toon after Thanksgiving to take a pop shot at the crass consumerism that strangles the Christmas season. This year’s effort is no exception. But, unlike my previous three (2006 | 2005 | 2004), the readers of The Wenatchee World won’t see this latest toon. My editor was offended by “If Jesus Were a Child Today … ,” below, upset that the baby in the toon was speaking the opposite of Christ’s message.

“Just like the way Americans celebrate Christmas today,” I argued, “that’s the very point of the cartoon.”

To no avail.

It’s always the editor’s prerogative to spike a cartoon. Luckily, thanks to the Internet, I’m still able to share this one with my readers. I suppose there is a chance that this toon can be misinterpreted as some kind of sacrilegious endorsement of the Wii gaming platform, but I think it’s a pretty clear indictment of today’s consumer culture. What do you think?
Make a comment and let me know.

In other news: The Starland Gopher Band is featuring several of my toons on their MySpace page. Stop by and check them out — and enjoy the band’s political comedy track “God Luv Ya, G. Dub’ya!”

Also: A reminder that I’ve dropped the price on my signed cartoon prints to just $20 each. They make great, unique Christmas gifts — for friend and foe alike! Details in the OtWP Store.

Links: Buy a hand-signed, 11×14 print of this cartoon | On the main site: “If Jesus Were a Child Today …” [Archive No. 0737]

After a few weeks without a new toon, I’m back to finish out 2007 with five in a row. During my hiatus, the Democratic primary took on a nasty tone. But, mud and all, Hillary is “Still Winning” (see toon below). (Doesn’t it seem like these campaigns have already been going on forever? Thankfully, We the People get our say soon.)

Before signing off, I wanted to let everyone know that I’ve dropped the price of my signed cartoon prints to $20 each for the holiday season. All of the toons on offthewahl.com are available as 11×14 prints. Professionally printed on photo stock with a lustre finish, each print is hand-signed by me and suitable for framing. For more details, or to order, check out the OtWP Store. And if you plan to order to order more than a couple, drop me a line first; bulk discounts are available.

Next new toon in seven.

Links: Buy a hand-signed, 11×14 print of this cartoon | On the main site: “Still Winning” [Archive No. 0736]

Turns out I lied. Didn’t mean to, as I had every intention of returning to the art board this weekend. But my Dad was back in the hospital with heart issues. Everything turned out OK and I didn’t end up having to dash over the Cascades, but my heart just wasn’t into cartooning.

So it’s back to the vault this week for “I Woke Up in a Crusade … ,” below. It’s one of my favorite toons since my return in ’04, and, given the growing conflicts with Iran, Turkey and Pakistan, it’s timelier than ever.

The new-toon drought will continue next week, as I head to Oregon for the Portland Comic Book Show, and requisite stop at Powell’s Books. New cartoons will resume Nov. 19, starting a five-week run that will wrap up my tenure with The Wenatchee World. Look for announcements about my 2008 editorial cartoon and comic-book plans soon, including a change to a mid-week publication schedule that should help end these breaks in the action.

Thanks for your patience.

Links: Buy a hand-signed, 11×14 print of this cartoon | On the main site: “I Woke Up in a Crusade …” [Archive No. 0530]