Cartoonists Day

Cartoonists Day is an American holiday dedicated to cartoonists and all the artists who work hard to create cartoons and comics. It’s a challenging creative job that requires the ability to make characters visually expressive, capable of conveying emotions, feelings, and much more. The holiday is observed annually on May 5.

History

The development of cartoonists can be traced back to 1943, when a group including G. Edson, B. Dunn, D. Russell, and others began creating cartoon shows to entertain WWII soldiers during hospital treatment and rehabilitation. The popularity of these events grew, and in 1946, the N.C.S. (National Cartoonists Society) was formed to help cartoonists of all skill levels develop their craft.

Cartoonists Day itself was established much later, in 1999. The holiday aims to encourage talented people to create newspaper sketches, cartoons, comic strips, and to show appreciation to cartoonists for their contributions to cultural heritage.

Interesting Facts

• A mischievous boy first appeared in the New York World newspaper in 1895 and became the hero of the comics published there. This edition is considered the first cartoon newspaper.
• The comic strip became known as The Yellow Kid.
• The real popularity of comics surged with the superhero series from Marvel and DC. Marvel Comics, for example, began publishing in 1961.

How to Celebrate

Congratulate any cartoonists you know on their holiday. Try drawing comic book characters or creating your own cartoon. Watch instructional videos, read articles, or simply enjoy your favorite comics and cartoons.

Spread the word about the holiday on social media and let others know about Cartoonists Day.

When is Cartoonists Day in 2025?

Cartoonists Day is observed on May 5 each year.

Observations