Jerry Scott (1955-): The Renowned Cartoonist Behind Baby Blues and Zits

Jerry Scott: In comic strips, few names shine as brightly as Jerry Scott’s. Born on May 2, 1955, in South Bend, Indiana, Jerry has etched his mark in the annals of cartooning history. With a career spanning several decades, he has left an indelible imprint on comics and humor. Jerry Scott’s claim to fame rests on co-creating two trendy comic strips, Baby Blues and Zits. As one of only four cartoonists with multiple strips appearing in over 1,000 newspapers worldwide, his journey is a fascinating tale of talent, dedication, and relentless creativity.

Career

• Jerry Scott started his career in cartooning in the mid-1970s by submitting gag cartoons to magazines. He sold one of his first cartoons to the Saturday Evening Post.
• In 1983, he took over the comic strip “Nancy,” which he modernized to his specifications and continued for twelve years.
• He co-created the comic strip “Baby Blues” with Rick Kirkman, which is currently syndicated in over 1,200 newspapers in 28 countries and 13 languages. There are 43 “Baby Blues” collections in print.
• He also co-created “Zits” with Jim Borgman, a comic strip about family life with a teenage son. “Zits” appears in 1,700 newspapers in 45 countries and 18 languages, with 37 collections in print.
• Jerry Scott is one of only four cartoonists in history to have two daily comic strips syndicated in over 1,000 newspapers.

Awards

• The National Cartoonists Society’s Silver Reuben Award for Best Comic Strip of the Year (1995, 1998, 1999)
• The Adamson Statuette (Sweden)
• The Max & Moritz Prize (Germany)
• The National Cartoonists Society’s Reuben Award for Outstanding Cartoonist of the Year (2001)

He currently lives in San Luis Obispo, California, with his wife and daughters.

Early Beginnings: A Flashlight and a Love for Comics

Jerry’s affair with the world of cartoons began in his childhood. As a young boy growing up in South Bend, Indiana, he got his first taste of the newspaper business by delivering the South Bend Tribune on his bicycle. He might have earned only a modest sum, but it wasn’t about the money for him. What thrilled Jerry the most was being the first in his neighborhood to read the Sunday morning comics by flashlight.

A Budding Cartoonist: The Mid-1970s

In the mid-1970s, Jerry Scott decided to turn his passion into a profession. He began submitting gag cartoons to magazines, and the universe seemed to conspire in his favor. From his first batch of submissions, he managed to sell one of his cartoons to the illustrious Saturday Evening Post. It was a promising start to a career that would soon catapult him to comic strip stardom.

Stepping into Big Shoes: The Nancy Comic Strip

In 1983, Jerry received an opportunity that would change the course of his career. Mark Lasky, the artist behind the famous Nancy comic strip, had tragically passed away, leaving a void in the world of comics. Scott was selected as the successor to carry forward the legacy of Nancy, a comic strip created by the legendary Ernie Bushmiller. He undertook this responsibility with zeal and determination, modernizing the strip to align with his unique style.

Jerry Scott breathed new life into Nancy for the next twelve years, making it his own while paying homage to its iconic predecessor. His stint with the comic strip showcased his artistic prowess and cemented his reputation as a respected cartoonist.

The Birth of Baby Blues

In 1988, something remarkable happened. Jerry Scott reconnected with a long-time friend, Rick Kirkman. They began brainstorming ideas for a new comic strip that would capture the essence of American family life with young children. The result of their creative collaboration was ‘Baby Blues.’

Launched into syndication in 1990, Baby Blues quickly found its way into readers’ hearts worldwide. The strip became an instant hit, with Jerry providing the witty and relatable writing and Rick handling the illustrations. Baby Blues resonated with parents and families, depicting the everyday challenges and humorous moments of raising kids.

The success of Baby Blues was nothing short of spectacular. It runs over 1,200 newspapers in 28 countries and is published in 13 languages. The strip’s widespread appeal has led to the release of 43 Baby Blues collections, with millions of copies sold worldwide.

The Chronicles of Zits

Jerry Scott’s creative brilliance didn’t stop with Baby Blues. In 1996, he envisioned a new comic strip centered around the life of a teenage boy. He teamed up with the talented cartoonist Jim Borgman to bring his vision to life. Thus, ‘Zits’ was born.

Zits debuted in July 1997 and immediately made its presence felt in the comic strip world. The strip explores the challenges, humor, and relatable moments of family life with a teenage son. While Jerry Scott provides sharp and witty writing, Jim Borgman lends his artistic talents to create visuals that capture the essence of adolescence.

Zits struck a chord with readers and quickly gained momentum. It was initially syndicated in over 200 newspapers, making it one of the most vital strip introductions in years. Over time, the strip’s popularity soared, and King Features now distributes Zits to approximately 1,600 newspapers across 45 countries in 15 languages.

Jerry Scott’s extraordinary success is underscored by the fact that he is one of just four cartoonists in history to have two daily comic strips simultaneously syndicated in over 1,000 newspapers. Baby Blues and Zits continue to be beloved by readers worldwide and remain in syndication as of 2020.

Awards and Accolades

Jerry Scott’s talent and dedication to cartooning have not gone unnoticed. He has received numerous awards in recognition of his exceptional work. Some of the most notable accolades in his illustrious career include:

1. The National Cartoonists Society’s Silver Reuben Award for Best Comic Strip of the Year: Jerry has received this prestigious award three times, in 1995, 1998, and 1999. It is a testament to his comic strips’ enduring popularity and quality.
2. The Adamson Statuette (Sweden): Sweden’s highest comic honor was bestowed upon Jerry Scott, underscoring the international appeal of his work.
3. The Max & Moritz Prize (Germany): Jerry’s impact transcended borders, earning him the Max & Moritz Prize for Best International Comic Strip in Germany.
4. The National Cartoonists Society’s Reuben Award for Outstanding Cartoonist of the Year (2001): This award, presented by the National Cartoonists Society, recognized Jerry as the Outstanding Cartoonist of the Year, a testament to his profound influence on the world of cartooning.

Personal Life

Beyond the world of comics, Jerry Scott leads a fulfilling personal life. He resides in San Luis Obispo, California, with his wife, Kim, and their two daughters. His family plays a significant role in his creative process, inspiring his work. He once humorously quipped, “I steal ideas daily from my wife and two daughters.”

Conclusion

Jerry Scott’s journey from a young boy reading comics by flashlight to becoming a titan of the cartooning world is nothing short of extraordinary. His co-creation of the iconic comic strips Baby Blues and Zits has brought laughter and joy to countless readers across the globe. His ability to capture the essence of family life, from the trials and tribulations to the heartwarming moments, has made him a beloved figure in comics.

Jerry Scott’s legacy is assured as one of the few cartoonists with multiple strips published in over 1,000 newspapers. His numerous awards, including the Silver Reuben Award and the Reuben Award for Outstanding Cartoonist of the Year, are a testament to his exceptional talent and enduring impact on the world of cartooning.

Jerry Scott’s remarkable career is a testament to the power of creativity, perseverance, and the ability to turn one’s passion into a lifelong vocation. His work will continue to be cherished by readers, providing them with daily humor and a reflection of their lives through the lens of Baby Blues and Zits.

Read also

• Jim Borgman (1954-): A Master of Satire and Comics
• Zits (Since 1997): A Teenage Chronicle in the World of Comics
• Baby Blues (Since 1990): A Hilarious Chronicle of Parenthood
• Rick Kirkman (1953-): From Humorous Illustrator to Baby Blues Creator

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Jerry Scott

Who is Jerry Scott?

Jerry Scott is an American cartoonist and writer known for co-creating the comic strips Baby Blues and Zits.

When was Jerry Scott born?

Jerry Scott was born on May 2, 1955, in the USA.

What is Jerry Scott’s claim to fame in the cartooning world?

Jerry Scott is one of four historical cartoonists with two daily comic strips in over 1,000 newspapers each.

How did Jerry Scott start his cartooning career?

He began his professional cartooning career in the mid-1970s by submitting gag cartoons to magazines and selling one of his first cartoons to the Saturday Evening Post.

Which comic strip did Jerry Scott take over in 1983?

In 1983, Jerry Scott succeeded Mark Lasky on Ernie Bushmiller’s Nancy comic strip.

What are Jerry Scott’s notable creations?

Jerry Scott co-created Baby Blues and Zits, two popular comic strips.

Who is Jerry Scott’s collaborator on Baby Blues?

Jerry Scott’s long-time friend Rick Kirkman does the illustrations for Baby Blues, while Scott does the writing.

How many newspapers and countries does Baby Blues appear in?

Baby Blues currently appears in over 1,200 newspapers in 28 countries and is published in 13 languages.

Who is Jerry Scott’s collaborator on Zits?

Jerry Scott collaborated with cartoonist Jim Borgman to create Zits. While Scott does the writing, Borgman handles the drawings.

How many newspapers worldwide carry the Zits comic strip?

Zits appears in 1,700 newspapers in 45 countries and is published in 18 languages.