Meeting Tom Batiuk was Funky

I don't remember when I first read Funky Winkerbean, a comic strip in my local paper.  It has been in print since 1972 and I probably started shortly after that.
Tom Batiuk is the creative force behind Funky and the rest of the gang, as well as John Darling and Ed Crankshaft, two other comic strips.  I have read the strips regularly since then (although John Darling ended in 1990).  I own several of the compilation books, too.
I had the pleasure of talking to Batiuk last year at Wizard World in Batiuk's native Ohio.  This was quite a thrill for me.  Here I was sitting with the man who brought so much enjoyment to me over the years.  I almost felt like I was talking to Funky's father (which, in a way, I was).
Meeting someone after following them for so long can be tricky.  In this case, Batiuk far exceeded my hopes.  He was so pleasant and easy going.  He was free with his time and thoughtful with his answers.
Batiuk's characters have struck a chord with generations.  His characters are multi-dimensional.  Short-timers and long-standing characters all leave some sort of mark, including Lisa, perhaps the most far-reaching character.  Lisa's Legacy Fund has helped raise funds and awareness for cancer.
I hope to meet Batiuk again at some conventions this year.  It will be great to see him again and to get any update.  When I do, I will be posting all here.
Until then, please check out FunkyWinkerbean.com to learn more about Batiuk, and the rest of the cast of characters.

Tom Batiuk and me in Columbus, OH-October 2012.

On the Beat with Tom Batiuk

Last year, I had the pleasure of interviewing cartoonist Tom Batiuk.  I have been reading Batiuk's stories for over 30 years.  His many characters have made me laugh, cry and think many times over the years.
Batiuk could not have been any nicer.  He gave me ample time and thoughtful answers.  This really was a special moment for me and I greatly appreciate his hospitality.
Recently, I was pleasantly surprised when I received an email from Tom notifying me about his latest project, The Complete Funky Winkerbean Volume 1 (1972-1974).  This first Funky compilation will be available on March 27 and will be followed every year by another volume covering three years of Funky-ness.  Aside from all of the great Funky strips, there is also an autobiographical intro by Tom.
I took the opportunity to ask Tom a few questions.

Q-Did this book project bring up any memories or new thoughts on the origins of the strip and the characters?
TB-In a way, yes. I discovered some situations that I had forgotten about and would like to revisit. The most obvious one is that Fred Fairgood, Darin's father, was apparently married before. Totally didn't realize that.

Q-Volume 1 contains an autobiographical intro. Will subsequent volumes have extras like that?
TB-Yes, that's the plan anyway. I'll keep doing that as long as I have something worthwhile to contribute.

Q-What has been the best part of this book project?
TB-The best part was being able to write the autobiographical piece and help to put the work into context. Bob Harvey's piece was a lot of fun too.

I also asked Tom if he ever found himself talking to any of his characters.  He said he didn't, but I am pretty sure I have.  I know I have found myself in many situations which reminded me of stories from his strips.  To me, that is one of the great things about all of his strips, stories and characters.  They seem so real, like they are my friends!
I will be purchasing Funky Winkerbean Volume 1 (and bringing it to a future convention to be signed by Tom.  I encourage everyone to check out this great book.  Also, go to FunkyWinkerbean.com to learn all about Tom, his books, Funky and the rest of his characters!

Funky Winkerbean Volume 1 (1972-1974)-Photo courtesy of Tom Batiuk

On the Beat with Tom Batiuk

Last weekend, I spent time with my cousins in Columbus (OH).  While there, I went to the Wizard World convention and spoke to a handful of the featured guests.
I have been to many Wizard World cons (Chicago, NY and Philly) over the years, but this was my first in Columbus.  It is always a great event.  This one was a bit smaller than the others, but a fantastic event.
I have been a faithful reader of the Funky Winkerbean comic strip for more than 30 years.  When I saw that its creator Cartoonist Tom Batiuk was a featured guest, I contacted him about an interview and he graciously agreed.
I could have talked to Tom for hours (although he probably wouldn't have enjoyed it as much as I would).  The Funky strip has covered so much ground, from silly to serious.  There is so much material and so many possible questions and that doesn't even include John Darling and Ed Crankshaft, his other two famous strips.  We talked about how he kept the comic strips fresh, why and how he decided to deal with some serious issues, the Funky time leaps and more, including a small scoop for 2012, which will be Funky's 40th anniversary!
Tom has created such funny and multi-layered characters.  The depth of his characters and stories have had lasting impacts, such as Lisa's Legacy Fund, stemming from a character's battle with cancer.
I really appreciate talking to Tom.  Having basically grown up following his creations, it was a real pleasure and a thrill.  I look forward to what the future holds for the Funky Winkerbean strip, especially during his big 40th anniversary year.  I hope to meet Tom at a future con and hopefully he will talk to us again about the latest happenings.
I was already a big fan of Tom and his work.  Now I am an even bigger fan.  After watching our video below, please check out FunkyWinkerbean.com to learn more about Tom, Funky and the rest of the gang.