The work of Charles Addams was a great influence to my career in illustration. His dark humor and sometimes subtle punch lines captivated me from a very early age. I studied a paperback collection of his cartoons over and over, marveling at the way his mind worked and his use of ink and shading. 25 years ago I was inspired to write and thank him for the huge level of inspiration and how he was instrumental to my path towards illustration. In particular, how mesmerized I was as a child with his rendition of a miner spotlighting Alice in Wonderland’s white rabbit with his miner’s lamp. Not expecting a response, I was thrilled to receive a letter promptly the next week, responding to my comments about his work and how it had shaped my career path.
Dear Mr. Phillips: “I enjoyed your letter about your first confrontation with one of my books. If only all reactions could be as rewarding!’
You are one lucky admirer among the many. As a child my favorite book to take off my parents’ bookshelves was a book filled with Chas Adams cartoons. I love the dark side of funny. My second favorite along the same lines is Gary Larson. Some of his cartoons have such lasting power that they crack me up over and over as if it were the first time I had viewed them. Thanks for posting this.