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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!

Wednesday
5
May 2027
Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team
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YEARLY DATEMay 5
OBSERVED INUnited States
CATEGORYPop Culture
SUBCATEGORYComics
INTRO

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.

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TIMELINE

National Cartoonists Day Timeline

First Modern Comic Strip

The first recognizable modern comic strip is published in the New York newspaper, "The New York Transcript".

"The Yellow Kid"

Richard Outcault's "The Yellow Kid, " which is considered the first popular newspaper comic strip, debuts in "The New York World".

"Krazy Kat" Debut

"Krazy Kat", created by George Herriman and considered one of the greatest comic strips of all time, first appears.

Superman Emerges

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.

"Peanuts" Begins

Charles Schulz's "Peanuts", one of the most successful comic strips in history, starts its run.

Calvin And Hobbes

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.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate National Cartoonists Day

EDITOR'S PICK

Watch your favorite cartoon

Sit back, relax, and watch your favorite cartoon to commemorate National Cartoonists Day. You can stream it online or pop in a DVD.

DRAW

Draw your own cartoon

Grab some paper and pencils and create your own cartoon. If you're feeling adventurous, try animating it!

READ

Read a comic book

Pick up a copy of your favorite comic book and spend the day reading it from cover to cover.

VISIT

Visit a museum

Many cities have museums dedicated to cartoon art. Visit one and learn about the history of cartoons and explore the work of classic cartoonists.

THROW

Throw a cartoon party

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.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why National Cartoonists Day is Important

Cartoonists inspire creativity

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.

Cartoonists help bring stories to life

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.

Cartoonists create entertainment

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.

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