Director Logan Sekulow (As Dreamers Do) has started a new project revolving around the traditional “funny pages.” With the decline of people subscribing to newspapers comes the decline of children today being unaware of what the “funny pages” were.
Laugh-O-Gram is set to be a weekly mailed paper filled ONLY with comic strips with the intention of getting kids interested in the “funny pages” all over again. The project has found supporters in the art industry including Disney animator, Tom Bancroft.
Before the project can come to fruition though, a total of $15,000 must be raised to cover expenses. Hence, today the project is officially being launched on the crowdfunding site, Kickstarter. The official press release is as follows:
For Immediate Release –
New “Comic Strip Only” Newspaper to Launch on Kickstarter
Nashville, Tenn. – Seeking to preserve a uniquely American art form, Nashville based media entrepreneur Logan Sekulow announced the launch of Laugh-O-Gram, a weekly, family friendly comic strip only newspaper delivered by mail. Acknowledging the importance of grassroots support, Sekulow chose Kickstarter to launch the paper.
Each issue of Laugh-O-Gram will feature six full-color pages of classic and original comics. The paper hopes to bring the funnies to a new generation, while retaining what made them appealing to the pre-2000s generation. The paper will be printed on newsprint and delivered directly to the mailboxes of subscribers.
Classic titles include Peanuts, Garfield, Family Circus, Beatle Bailey, Amazing Spiderman, Popeye, Dennis the Menace, Zits, Ziggy, Baby Blues, Hi and Lois, The Phantom, Dilbert, FoxTrot, Nancy and more. Along with the classics, Laugh-O-Gram is fostering a new generation of comics through original content by accomplished and aspiring cartoonists.
With traditional newspaper subscriptions in decline, Sekulow saw a need to save the “funny pages.”
“The funny pages were a part of my childhood and were very important to me,” Sekulow says. “Now, I have a son of my own. I want to share that experience with him and with families around the country.”
Laugh-O-Gram has enlisted support of renowned cartoonists and animators who share a love for comic strips. Laugh-O-Gram will feature former Disney animator Tom Bancroft’s original comic strip “Outnumbered.”
“When we were little kids, it was all about comics.” Bancroft says. “I love this idea.”
Current syndicated cartoonists have endorsed this project as well. Guy Gilchrist, the cartoonist and writer of the legendary strip Nancy, says, “I think it’s a great idea and I just want it to fly. Comics are an American art form, like jazz and the blues, and we can’t ever let it go away.”
The Kickstarter campaign rewards include various subscription packages and original art. Artists contributing original pieces include Tom Bancroft, Guy Gilchrist, and fine-artist Noah.
Beyond preserving the comics of the past, Laugh-O-Gram hopes to inspire a new generation of children to become the next great American artists.
“We want kids involved with this project.” Sekulow says. “Above all, we want to instill creativity in a young generation, as well as showcase the amazing American art of the past, present, and future.” Laugh-O-Gram will leave a blank strip in each paper for the personal expression of its loyal readers.
The 30 day Laugh-O-Gram Kickstarter campaign has launched with a goal of $15,000. It concludes April 24, 2015.
How do you feel about this project and its intention? Would you subscribe to the Laugh-O-Gram newspaper? Let us know in the comments below!
Edited by: Kelly Conley
