I Am Wisconsin’s First Cartoonist Laureate

The Museum of Wisconsin Art has named me—of all people—our state’s very first Cartoonist Laureate, effectively clothing me in immeasurable power. Here’s my list of demands: a golden “Laureate” sash, a crown sculpted entirely from Hook’s 20-Year Aged Cheddar, and unlimited use of the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile.

My childhood dream of a personal reign of terror can finally become a reality.

When I first heard the news, my actual reaction was to start rattling off Wisconsin artists more deserving than myself: Lynda Barry, Denis Kitchen, P.S. Mueller, Craig Thompson—the impressive list goes on. And since part of my decree is to “ensure the continued vitality of the comic art form,” I plan to profile, interview, and promote many of these great Wisconsin creators in these pages over the next—wait, how long am I doing this for? Three years?!

Oh, heavy lies the head that wears the cheese crown. If they expect me to reign terror for three whole years, I’d better pace myself. So, for now, let’s kick off my regime with a tour of the Dairy State as it has appeared in my work over the years: Madison, Port Washington, Waukesha, Sheboygan, Green Bay, and finally my home town of Milwaukee.

Since we have an all-Wisconsin fisticuffs this week, it’s only fitting that our first contender feature “Fighting Bob” La Follette himself, in Forward.

And the challenger—weighing in at more than is healthy—Badger Care.

Now, onto the April Semifinals. First up, the winner of our Easter match: Grocery Prices.

And the challenger, coming off a decisive victory over Asimov-bot: VR Driver.

Thank you all so much for subscribing and supporting my iron-fisted rule. Reigning terror does not come cheap, so please consider upgrading to a paid membership.

And with that, on behalf of the state of Wisconsin, I’ll letcha go.