The great Richard Thompson, creator of the best comic strip of the 21st century (so far), passed away last week.  If you don’t know his Cul de Sac, you really should.  The easiest way to acquaint yourself with its (and his) genius is to pick up a copy of The Complete Cul de Sac – two volumes, covering all 5 years, with an introduction by Art Spiegelman.
In case you need further persuasion, you might take a look at my brief essay in today’s issue of The Comics Journal.  Here’s a little excerpt:
Its ability to generate joy in each rereading is one reason that Cul de Sac will endure, even though its creator has left us. Richard Thompson lives on in his work precisely because his work is so alive. His line is loose but solid, scribbly yet calligraphic, energetic but focused. Each panel of Cul de Sac – heck, each corner of each panel – is full of art, humor, and character.
And here’s a Cul de Sac:
Many other great tributes and essays:
- Warren Bernard, Craig Fischer, and Charles Hatfield, “Tributes to Richard Thompson,” The Comics Journal, 1 Aug. 2016.
- Michael Cavna, “RIP, Richard Thompson: How the artist extends to us the hand of profound wit and humanity,” Washington Post, 31 July 2016.
- Michael Cavna, Pete Docter, Bill Watterson, Lee Salem, Martha Kennedy, Gene Weingarten, and others, “These are the Richard Thompson masterpieces we’ll most remember him by,” Washington Post, 29 July 2016. Lots of samples of Thompson’s art.
- John Martz, “A Cartoonist Remembers His Hero, Cul de Sac‘s Richard Thompson,” Slate, 28 July 2016.
- David Malki, “RIP: Richard Thompson, creator of ‘Cul de Sac’,” Wondermark, 28 July 2016.
- Michael Cavna, “Richard Thompson, acclaimed ‘Cul de Sac’ creator and Post contributor, dies at 58,” Washington Post, 27 July 2016.
- Richard Thompson’s blog (maintained by his family) has also shared many tributes.
More Cul de Sac posts on this blog:
- “The Genius of Cul de Sac,” 29 May 2014. Â Includes brief comment from Thompson himself!
- “Cul de Sac = Classic,” 28 July 2010.