The Creators Syndicate family mourns the passing of Brant Parker on Sunday at the Privette Home in Lynchburg, Va. Parker joined fellow cartoonist Johnny Hart on the groundbreaking comic strip "The Wizard of Id" and was its artist for many years, before his retirement a decade ago.
"Brant was a truly innovative mind in the comics world," said Creators Syndicate President Richard S. Newcombe. "The artistry he displayed in 'The Wizard of Id' was remarkable for its consistency and creativity. I join millions of 'Wizard' fans in giving thanks to Brant for being an inspiration to comic strip artists around the world for so many years."
Brant and his longtime friend and collaborator Johnny Hart started "The Wizard of Id" in 1964, and Brant won the National Cartoonists Society's (NCS) Best Humor Strip award a record five times, including back-to-back years in 1982-83. In 1984, he also won The Reuben Award, which is the NCS's highest honor.
In 1987, Brant's son Jeff Parker began working with Brant on the strip, serving under his tutelage for the next decade. In 1997, Brant passed the torch to Jeff, who took over production of "The Wizard of Id" full time. Jeff has been entertaining "Wizard" fans with his own wit and artistic flair ever since.
"My father will be dearly missed," said Jeff Parker. "Sharing the passion of cartooning with my father was a great gift. It has been a privilege to pass this joy along to others as we continue 'The Wizard of ID.'"
In addition to Jeff, Brant is survived by his wife, Mary Lou, and his other children, James Parker, Julie Shackleton, Laurie Tannenbaum and Kathie Borkowski, his brother, John Parker, 13 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his brother Ted, and two grandchildren, Amy Clemens and Patrick Borkowski.
A memorial service is planned for Wednesday, April 18, at 11 a.m., at St. Mark's Catholic Church in Vienna, Va.
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A Tribute From Brant's son, Jeff Parker:
Growing up with Brant Parker as my father and working with him for many years was an adventure. I was 6 years old when "The Wizard of ID" began. My mother, brother, sisters and I rarely saw him without a pen in his hand and something to doodle on. His advice to me and to any aspiring cartoonist was, "Draw! Draw! Draw!" He was always studying and learning from other cartoonists, young and old. He was a great observer of all that was absurd in the world (including himself).
I like to think he is still out there giving lectures to anyone who will listen on the art of cartooning and, of course -- drawing away. I was fortunate to have this adventure with him, and I look forward to continuing working on "The Wizard of ID." He will be dearly missed.
Brant Parker In Memoriam (1920-2007)
