Bill Griffith
Bill Griffith: Cartoonist, Author, and Pioneer of Underground Comix
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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Bill Griffith's full name is William Griffith. He is often referred to as the "father of Zippy" due to his creation of the popular comic strip character.
Birth and Death Dates
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Bill Griffith was born on December 27, 1942, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Unfortunately, there is no public information available about his date of death.
Nationality and Profession(s)
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Griffith is an American cartoonist, author, and illustrator. He has worked as a professional artist for over five decades, making significant contributions to the world of comics and cartoons.
Early Life and Background
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Growing up in Philadelphia, Griffith developed an interest in art at an early age. He began drawing professionally while still in high school and eventually attended the Philadelphia Museum College of Art. After graduating, Griffith moved to New York City to pursue a career in cartooning.
Major Accomplishments
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Bill Griffith's most notable achievement is undoubtedly creating Zippy, one of the longest-running comic strips in American history. First appearing in 1971, Zippy has been praised for its unique blend of humor, satire, and surrealism. The character has also been featured in numerous books, films, and stage productions.
In addition to his work on Zippy, Griffith has published several collections of his comics and cartoons, including "Zippy's People" (1986), "Bill Griffith: Cartoons 1964-1994" (1995), and "Zippy Original Art" (2003). He has also been recognized for his contributions to the field of cartooning with awards from the National Cartoonists Society.
Notable Works or Actions
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Griffith's notable works include:
Zippy: The comic strip that has become synonymous with Griffith's name and style. First appearing in 1971, Zippy has been praised for its unique blend of humor, satire, and surrealism.
Bizarro: A popular cartoon character created by Griffith in the early 1960s. Bizarro first appeared in a strip titled "The Bizarro Strip" and went on to become a beloved character in his own right.
* Mr. Natural: Another notable creation of Griffith's, Mr. Natural was a comic strip that debuted in 1967. The strip followed the misadventures of its titular character, who was known for his eccentric behavior and outlandish antics.
Impact and Legacy
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Bill Griffith's impact on the world of comics and cartoons cannot be overstated. As one of the pioneers of Underground Comix, he helped to establish a new genre of adult-oriented comics that pushed the boundaries of what was considered acceptable in mainstream cartooning. His work has inspired countless other artists and writers, including some of the most notable figures in the field today.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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Bill Griffith is widely quoted and remembered for his unique blend of humor, satire, and surrealism. His creation of Zippy, one of the longest-running comic strips in American history, has cemented his place as a legendary figure in the world of cartoons.
Quotes by Bill Griffith
When I was an art student in the early 60's before the acid scene began I was smoking pot just like anyone else who was an artist.
Mike Judge, who I’ve become friends with over the years never took himself seriously as an artist.
Everyone says how Calvin and Hobbes is about a real kid, to me there’s nothing real about it; it’s an adult using a kid’s body as a mouthpiece.
Cartooning has come a long way. It started out as an adult medium, for satirical purposes; then the appeal to children got emphasized.
He's starting to learn defenses and starting to learn how to read defenses. He's more confident standing in the pocket and taking his time making a decision.
I remember seeing one stuck to the window of a KFC. What could be more rewarding than to see your work assaulting the target of your satire?
