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National Cartoonists Day

Celebrate National Cartoonists Day by appreciating the amazing work of these talented artists - pick up your favorite comic and enjoy!
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When it is?
May 5
Location Icon
Country
United States
Introduction

Celebrate National Cartoonists Day on May 5 and show your appreciation for the talented people that bring us laughter and joy through their art! This day has been around since the late 1940s, when it was first created to honor cartoonists from all over the world. It's a great opportunity to discover new cartoons or revisit old favorites, as well as appreciate all of the hard work that goes into creating these pieces of art.

History of National Cartoonists Day

National Cartoonists Day Dates

National Cartoonists Day Timeline

<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1842</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Modern Comic Strip</div><div class='timeline-text'>The first recognizable modern comic strip is published in the New York newspaper, "The New York Transcript".</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1895</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>"The Yellow Kid"</div><div class='timeline-text'>Richard Outcault's "The Yellow Kid, " which is considered the first popular newspaper comic strip, debuts in "The New York World".</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1913</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>"Krazy Kat" Debut</div><div class='timeline-text'>"Krazy Kat", created by George Herriman and considered one of the greatest comic strips of all time, first appears.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1938</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Superman Emerges</div><div class='timeline-text'>Superman, created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, makes his debut in Action Comics #1. This marks the dawn of the golden age of comic books.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1950</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>"Peanuts" Begins</div><div class='timeline-text'>Charles Schulz's "Peanuts", one of the most successful comic strips in history, starts its run.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1985</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Calvin And Hobbes</div><div class='timeline-text'>The beloved comic strip "Calvin and Hobbes" by Bill Watterson, first appears, becoming one of the last widely syndicated and popular strips of the 20th century.</div></div></div>

How to Celebrate National Cartoonists Day

<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Watch your favorite cartoon</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Sit back, relax, and watch your favorite cartoon to commemorate National Cartoonists Day. You can stream it online or pop in a DVD.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Draw your own cartoon</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Grab some paper and pencils and create your own cartoon. If you're feeling adventurous, try animating it!</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Read a comic book</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Pick up a copy of your favorite comic book and spend the day reading it from cover to cover.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Visit a museum</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Many cities have museums dedicated to cartoon art. Visit one and learn about the history of cartoons and explore the work of classic cartoonists.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Throw a cartoon party</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Invite friends over and watch cartoons together while snacking on popcorn or other movie theater snacks. Make it an event by creating themed decorations, drinks, and food.</p></div></div>

Why National Cartoonists Day is Important

<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Cartoonists help bring stories to life</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Cartoonists have the unique ability to bring stories to life in a way that no other art form can. They are able to draw characters and settings that readers emotionally connect with, creating an unforgettable world of imagery that many people enjoy for years to come.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Cartoonists create entertainment</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Cartoons are enjoyed by kids and adults alike, providing hours of laughter and enjoyment. From classic comic books to modern animated films, cartoons bring joy into our lives and often become part of our childhood memories.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Cartoonists inspire creativity</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>There's something magical about seeing beloved cartoon characters come alive on the page or screen. Cartoonists play a crucial role in inspiring young minds to explore their own creative talents, encouraging them to think outside the box and find fun ways to express themselves artistically.</p></div></div>

5 Engaging Facts for National Cartoonists Day

<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Cartooning is ancient</h3><p class='facts-content'>Even though cartoons as we know them today started appearing in the 19th and 20th century, ancient Egyptians used pictorial hieroglyphs that tell narrative stories, making them the early cartoonists.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Comic books were considered a threat</h3><p class='facts-content'>In the 1950s, comic books were seen as a major cause of juvenile delinquency, leading to the introduction of the Comics Code Authority which severely censored comic content.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Political Cartoons held huge sway</h3><p class='facts-content'>Political cartoons in the 18th and 19th century often swayed public opinion more than written editorials. These cartoons have played a major role in governmental decisions and public sentiment.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>First Animated Cartoon was created in 1908</h3><p class='facts-content'>Emile Cohl’s Fantasmagorie is considered by film historians to be the first animated cartoon. It premiered in Paris in 1908.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The term "Cartoon" had a different original meaning</h3><p class='facts-content'>Before denoting a style of drawing or animation, "cartoon" referred to a full-size sketch made on sturdy paper as a study or modello for a painting, stained glass, or tapestry.</p></div></div>

National Cartoonists Day FAQs

When is National Cartoonists Day?

National Cartoonists Day is celebrated on May 5th every year. In 2024, National Cartoonists Day will occur on a Sunday.

National Cartoonists Day Dates

Year
Date
Day

2023

May 5

Friday

2024

May 5

Sunday

2025

May 5

Monday

2026

May 5

Tuesday

2027

May 5

Wednesday

Arts & Entertainment Holidays