- Categories:
- Arts & Entertainment
- Tags:
- AppreciationFun
- Where:
- United States
- Date change rule:
- Every May 5
- Holiday emoji:
- ✍️
National Cartoonists Day celebrates the imaginative minds and skilled hands of cartoonists every May 5. From newspaper comic strips to animated features and political satire, these artists shape our culture and bring daily joy. Take a moment to appreciate their craft, explore their iconic works, and perhaps even try your hand at sketching a character.
Want to sponsor National Cartoonists Day? Learn how
Expected National Cartoonists Day Deals
National Cartoonists Day is a time for appreciation rather than widespread commercial deals. However, art supply retailers like Blick Art Materials and Jerry’s Artarama may offer discounts on drawing tools, sketchbooks, and digital tablets from brands like Wacom. Online learning platforms such as Domestika and Skillshare might feature promotions on cartooning and illustration courses. Publishers like Andrews McMeel Universal could highlight special editions of popular comic strip collections. Independent comic book stores often host events or offer deals on graphic novels. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as May 5 approaches.
Platform Guide for National Cartoonists Day
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #NationalCartoonistsDay. Share your favorite cartoon art, behind-the-scenes sketches, or even your own doodles.
X/Twitter
Mention @NatlToday and use #NationalCartoonistsDay. Join discussions about iconic cartoonists, share your favorite comic panels, or post a quick sketch.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #NationalCartoonistsDay. Share classic comic strips, discuss your favorite animated characters, or post about local cartoonist events.
National Cartoonists Day Hero
Richard F. Outcault
History of National Cartoonists Day
In 1943, a bunch of cartoonists — Gus Edson, Otto Soglow, Clarence D. Russell, Bob Dunn, and others — did small cartoon shows in hospitals to entertain the troops during the Second World War. The group expanded and performed across hospitals and various military bases. Then, while flying to one of the military bases, Clarence D. Russell suggested the group form a club so they could keep meeting even after World War II ended. And so, the National Cartoonists Society (N.C.S.) was born in 1946.
They launched a celebration in 1999 and called it National Cartoonists Day. It was a dedication to all cartoonists and the cartoons they created. News articles credited two co-chairpersons from the National Cartoonists Day Committee, Polly Keener and Ken Alvine, for this idea. This special event was inspired by the first color newspaper cartoon called “Hogan’s Alley.”
On May 5, 1895, the Sunday morning paper held a little surprise for its readers. Readers of the New York World discovered a single-strip, full-color drawing of a big-eared, barefoot little boy with a mischievous grin. Created by American comic strip writer and artist Richard Outcault, this comic strip (called “Hogan’s Alley,” and later, “The Yellow Kid”) became the very first commercially successful cartoon. This famous character soon appeared on postcards, billboards, cigarette packs, and other product advertisements.
The name itself, “The Yellow Kid,” reportedly inspired the phrase ‘yellow journalism,’ although there is little evidence to prove this. Side note: ‘Yellow journalism’ refers to newspapers that don’t rely on facts but instead sell newspapers through catchy headlines and exaggerations.
By the end of “The Yellow Kid” series in 1898, cartoons were a popular newspaper feature. As a result, the demand for talented cartoonists and illustrators also subsequently increased.
National Cartoonists Day timeline
Richard Outcault creates a single-panel color cartoon for the New York Sunday World, with the main character called The Yellow Kid (or Mickey Dugan).
Cartoonist Winsor McCay creates “Little Nemo in Slumberland” for the New York Herald; it has a story that continues each week, which is unusual for this time.
Graphic novel sales fall by 20%, and digital sales go up 1,000%; everyone wants to read comics on the go.
Comics like “X-Men: Days of Future Past” and “Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D” are adapted for the screen and make huge profits; “Guardians of the Galaxy” is the top Box Office movie of the year and earns more than $333 million.
How Businesses Can Celebrate National Cartoonists Day
Local businesses can celebrate National Cartoonists Day by showcasing local artists. Art galleries and bookstores could host meet-and-greets or workshops with cartoonists, offering signed prints. Coffee shops might feature ‘doodle days’ with special discounts for customers who sketch. Retailers selling art supplies could offer promotions on drawing materials, while schools and libraries can organize cartooning contests or display historical comic strips to inspire creativity.
National Cartoonists Day FAQs
When is National Cartoonists Day?
In 2027, National Cartoonists Day will be observed on Wednesday, May 5. This annual observance consistently honors the craft and impact of cartoonists worldwide.
What was the first comic strip?
The pioneering ‘Yellow Kid’ comic strip, first published in the late 19th century, is often credited with popularizing the format that would become the newspaper comic strip. It introduced speech bubbles and recurring characters to a mass audience.
How many cartoonists are there?
The number of active cartoonists is constantly evolving, with estimates suggesting tens of thousands worldwide working in diverse roles. The rise of digital platforms has also broadened opportunities for independent cartoonists to share their work.
What is the difference between a cartoonist and an animator?
While both roles involve drawing and visual storytelling, cartoonists primarily focus on individual or sequential still images, often with a strong narrative or humorous element. Animators specialize in the art of motion, creating frames that transition smoothly to produce moving pictures for film, television, or digital media.
National Cartoonists Day Activities
Share your work with the world
Are you a cartoonist? If so, share your creations with people. Only an amateur or a simple doodler? Go ahead and let the world see your creations anyway.
Celebrate your favorite cartoonist
Love a certain cartoonist's work? Show some love by learning more about them, their work and by giving them a shout-out on social media.
Enjoy your favorite cartoon
Grab a bowl of popcorn and settle down with your favorite cartoon(s) of all time. Explore new episodes and re-discover old favorites, and maybe even expand your horizons beyond your current favorites.
5 Important Facts About The Greatest Cartoons Of All Time And Their Creators
“Calvin and Hobbes” (1985 - 1995)
Cited as 'the last great newspaper comic,' this little boy and his stuffed tiger — created by cartoonist Bill Watterson — ruled the comic strip for 10 years, enjoying widespread popularity and influence.
“Peanuts” (1950 - 2000)
Who doesn't love Charles M. Schulz's creations — Snoopy and the gang — which are going strong (via reruns) even today?
“Garfield” (1978)
Created by Jim Davis, this chronic American strip was initially released under the name 'Jon.' We don't know about you, but we definitely want a greedy, snarky orange cat just like Garfield, and maybe an Odie too.
“Zits” (1997)
Debuting in over 200 newspapers, Jim Borgman's popular cartoon about teenage Jeremy Duncan and his life has won many awards for its realistic portrayal.
“Dilbert” (1989)
Scott Adams created this satirical office-based comic strip; it became a cultural touchstone for many frustrated workers.
Why We Love National Cartoonists Day
We love cartoons
They are a great stress buster, they take us right back to our childhood and make us laugh. The creative and inventive storytelling leaps off the page to inspire us and give us a break from reality. What more can we say?
We love cartoonists
Cartoonists have made our lives better. Their cartoons are an endless source of humor, and they provoke thoughts and debates.
Cartoons are for everyone
There's a special cartoon for everyone across races, cultures, and genders. We love a day that helps us honor those who thought up such fun ideas and then shared them with us.
Social Media Tips for National Cartoonists Day
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