For The Love Of Offbeat Cartoons And Cartoon Gifts

I love sometimes simply thinking of my youth and "those simple days". Especially thinking back to being a toddler, and, yes, I do remember, and watching Popeye on television. Mom had to pry me away from the tv to do my homework. Then came the Peanuts gang and I was in love with Snoopy. Charlie was cute, but I promised if I ever had a dog, it would be just like Snoopy.

As I became more cartoon-savvy, I started searching for yet more gems in print, which, as a teen, led me to Mad Magazine, Cracked Magazine, and even Playboy (would you believe I was one of the few who read Playboy for the cartoons); okay there was a little more to it than just the cartoons, but I found them very funny. Especially cartoons by Gahan Wilson. In time, I put all the comics in a box in the closet, andgot on with real life, and, when I had the time, would take the time to find a funny one, which was not easy. My tastes were changing, but the cartoons in the newspapers were getting repetitive and boring.

The Far Side finally got published. Once again, I was hooked on cartoons during the entire 1980's and part of the 1990's. Even on his worst days, Gary Larson found a way to make me laugh. A good Far Side, and they were usually very good, if not excellent, cut to the chase, and in a tiny one panel frame, told me more than the entire editorial page could convey in any newspaper. I was a happy camper.

Then Gary Larson retired. I remember how deep my depression was that day. I went to the bookstore and bought about ten mugs, greeting cards, and other items, all containing Far Side cartoons. But then evolved Dave Coverly with Speed Bump, and again, my fondness for the absurd was satisfied. He remains in newspapers and I try never to miss him.

Then came Rick London founder of Londons Times Cartoons; now, the top offbeat cartoon on the Internet. I have been following Rick's creative ventures since 1997 when he launched this incredibly funny cartoon. There were less than 100 color cartoons up by 1998. By 2005, he had over 6500 cartoons up (mostly color) and now has nearly 8000. His site, not surprisingly, is one of the top Alexa rated sites on the Internet, luring nearly 5 million persons per year.

He now even owns e-stores selling thousands of products bearing his cartoon images such as LTSuperstore, RickLondonWear, RickLondonCollection, JustFunnyAprons, JustFunnyHoodies, JustFunnyGreetingCards, MirthGirthBirth, AThongInMyHeart, JustFunnyMousepads, and others. The funny gifts and collectibles are as funny if not funnier than the cartoons. I usually buy them for gifts, but have to buy two of each as it is so hard to give them away (I always keep one for myself). I cannot say enough about Londons Times Cartoons and Rick London. If you've not seen his cartoon site, or stores, I highly recommend to do so now.

Freelance website reviewer Alexa Ferotina highly recommends Londons Times Cartoons and funny gifts and products by Rick London. Click here for the official Londons Times Cartoon Site