Social Commentary Through Cartoons

Christopher is our resident cartoonist. But sadly not resident where we would like him to be. He is locked-up in one of America's many gulags where he manages to produce some terrific cartoons which we are pleased to make available to our readers. Chris' series of adventures Rounhouse Rex, The Kickbutt Kid, needs support if it is to continue. Chris is anxious to know if his work is being appreciated. If you are a current supporter at any level or become one, let us know and we will send you the current issue of Rounhouse Rex, The Kickbutt Kid, and future issues as they appear. So, if you like what he has been doing, please email us (info@nambla.org) and let us know. Your comments will be sent to Chris, and your encouragement will insure that he keeps adding new adventures to the series. We have been featuring Chris’ insightful cartoons for quite a while now, and we wondered what motivates him. We asked some questions and present his answers. Nambla.: You do all of this from prison? Chris: Yep. I sit on my bunk using my knees as a platform with a homemade drawing board. I usually have my TV on or I listen to Def Leppard. N.: Does anyone around you know what you’re drawing? C.: Only my very closest friends. N.: Do you prefer the writing or drawing aspect. C.: Drawing is much harder for me, which is probably why my artwork looks the way it does. N.: Aren’t you a bit hard on yourself? After all, even the early works of Walt Disney lacked the polish he later developed. Isn’t it the concept that is of greater importance? c.: I suppose you’re right. N.: The protagonist in StarGazing, Evan, is a musician. You were a composer in the music world and you played guitar at the professional level. Is Evan based on you? C.: His personality and talents are mine, including the juggling and the way he’s led by his emotions. He doesn’t look like me though. I drew him more handsome. N.: Where did you get the idea for the graphic novel? C.: The news, TV, articles I read. When I started the story, I thought I’d struggle to come up with ideas, but that hasn’t been a problem at all. Focusing on the theme of boys’ lives inspires me. N.: Some of the cartoon situations are quite funny. Others are of deeper meaning. C.: Yeah, the funny ones are more fun to draw and they actually do make me laugh sometimes. N.: Why are you incarcerated. C.: I loved a boy deeply who loved me back. We weren’t allowed to express that love physically, and so here I am. But we were both very happy together. Thankfully, he’s led a successful, healthy life. N.: Are you doing OK? C.: I miss him terribly, but I am sustained but I’m sustained by what we once had. I’m doing very well, I feel strong. Contributing to Nambla helps give me a sense of purpose. N.: What’s the worst thing about prison? C.: The food. And no boys to cherish or even look at. Thank goodness for TV. Below, find the latest of Chris' social commentary cartoons. * * * * * * * * * * * * 166-page StarGazing is still available at no extra cost for a donation of $75 or for $20 for a donation of $40. Otherwise the cost is $30. * * * If you would like to comment on this or anything else on our website, please contact us at info (at) nambla.org Ways you can participate in our cause: You can help by joining our efforts.  You can also help by making a donation.