The Comic News
| Type | Monthly newspaper |
|---|---|
| Format | Tabloid |
| Founder(s) | Thom Zajac |
| Editor | Thom Zajac, John Govsky |
| Founded | 1984 |
| Headquarters | Santa Cruz, California |
| Website | thecomicnews.com |
The Comic News is a monthly American newspaper based in Santa Cruz, California.
History
[edit]The Comic News was established in 1984 by Thom Zajac in Santa Cruz, California. Initially conceived as an alternative newspaper composed entirely of editorial cartoons, the publication was assembled manually in Zajac’s home using cut-and-paste methods. The first few issues were distributed locally but quickly gained traction due to their unique presentation and satirical edge.[1]
In 2004, John Govsky officially joined Zajac as co-editor and co-publisher, and brought *The Comic News* into the digital age by building a website that now features thousands of editorial cartoons. While the print edition remains monthly, the website offers daily and weekly updates, greatly expanding the publication’s accessibility and timeliness.[2]
In 2024, *The Comic News* celebrated its 40th anniversary, having maintained monthly publication for four decades.[3]
Format and content
[edit]Each monthly issue of *The Comic News* features approximately 100 syndicated editorial cartoons from leading U.S. cartoonists. The cartoons are arranged in a thematic sequence that presents current events—such as presidential elections, climate change, economic policy, or civil rights—through a satirical lens. The publication does not contain traditional news reporting or opinion articles, relying exclusively on visual commentary.
The tone is broadly progressive, and contributors have included nationally recognized cartoonists such as Matt Wuerker, Jen Sorensen, and Matt Davies.
Influence and legacy
[edit]The cartoonist Nina Paley credited the publication with giving them early visibility.[4]
Reception
[edit]Media outlets have recognized the publication’s unique voice and cultural impact. In a 2009 profile, the *Santa Cruz Sentinel* called Zajac a “one-man publishing empire.”[1] In 2024, *The Daily Cartoonist* and *Good Times Santa Cruz* published retrospectives celebrating the publication’s longevity and influence.[3][4]
Editors
[edit]Founder Thom Zajac served as the sole editor and publisher for many years. In later years, John Govsky joined as co-editor. Together, they continue to maintain the editorial vision and curatorial approach of the publication.[5]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ a b Townsend, Peggy (2009-09-10). "Thom Zajac celebrates 25 years as the one-man publishing empire known as the Santa Cruz Comic News". Santa Cruz Sentinel. Retrieved 2025-05-27.
- ^ "About Us". The Comic News. Retrieved 2025-05-27.
- ^ a b "40 Years of The Santa Cruz Comic News". The Daily Cartoonist. 2024-11-13. Retrieved 2025-05-27.
- ^ a b "Funny Paper: The Comic News celebrates 40 years of cartoons". Good Times Santa Cruz. 2024-11-13. Retrieved 2025-05-27.
- ^ "Thom Zajac reveals the fun and foibles of the longest running and original all-comic newspaper: Santa Cruz Comic News". KSQD. Retrieved 2025-05-27.