Chon Day is one of my favorite cartoonists. His seemingly effortless line, his economic composition, and his gently funny writing are things I aspire to every time I sit down at my desk. So when I ran across this odd little Travelers Insurance booklet with his cartoons peppered throughout, I knew it was something I had to get and share.
While the tables of data opposite each cartoon (types of accidents, weather conditions, sex of driver) are interesting in a historically kitschy way, the cartoon genius of Chon Day is timeless. Enjoy:
That’s not an easy scene to compose or draw, but Day pulls it off with ease.
I love how blasé the passengers are. So much funnier than a wild reaction.
Look at how little of the car is drawn. Look at the pose on the guy on the hood. Good heavens!
A really nice visual gag, and I love the building in the background.
Love that motorcycle. Wow!
Cows and cars are both on my list of things I’d rather not draw, but Day makes it look easy.
A nice quiet gag, and a beautiful wash.
The expressions on everyone’s faces are just right. And the sense of action!
That’s a great joke.
Not a gag you could do today.
I think this is my favorite cartoon in the book. Amazing art and such a terrific gag!
This one takes a minute to get, but it’s worth it. And, again, look at the city implied by just a few lines.
Look at her shoes – that’s not an easy angle to get right. And the way the cars contours are shown with wash. And the beautifully quiet gag. Wow. Just wow.
I hope you enjoyed those as much as I do. If you want to see some more, check out my appreciation of Chon Day here.