Gearhead Gertie

I’m still trying to process the 80th Annual Reuben Awards. For three days in Columbus, Ohio; cartoonists, illustrators, wirters, animators, editors, and fans came together to celebrate the people who make this art from so special. The National Cartoonists Society was founding in 1946, and there was something really meaningful about marking 80 years in a city with such a deep connection to cartooning history. Columbus was an amazing host. Between the National Cartoonists Society conference, the Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum, and the energy around Cartoon Crossroads Columbus, the whole weekend felt like a love letter to the craft. And honestly, I felt like a kid in the candy store! Working with King Features means I get to be around some truly legendary creators, but imposter syndrome definitely creeps in sometimes. Then you find yourself standing in a room with cartoonists whose work you’ve admired for years, talking shop, sharing a laugh, or watching them draw for a crowd, and it all becomes altogether rewarding. King Features was proud to be represented by an incredible group of nominees: Ricardo Siri, better known as Liniers (Macanudo), Ricardo Martinez (Goomer), […]

Gearhead Gertie Created by celebrated political cartoonist and StockCarToonist Mike Smith, Gearhead Gertie is for everyone who’s ever lived for a day at the races. The central character, Gertie, isn’t exactly who you’d expect when you hear the words “race fans,” but she’s a reminder that fandom is for everyone! “Whether she’s watching a race on tv or sitting in the grandstands, for her, NASCAR isn’t just a sport, it’s a way of life.” Today we’re spotlighting one of our beloved comic strips GEARHEAD GERTIE. The strip is available weekly every Thursday and brings sarcastic laughs and plenty of puns for NASCAR, racing, and comic fans alike. Mike Smith, the celebrated political cartoonist for the Las Vegas Sun, is the mastermind behind GEARHEAD GERTIE. We briefly interviewed him to ask what exactly makes Gertie tick and some other exciting tidbits. Enjoy! What are 5 things we should know about Gearhead Gertie? Gertie lives for race day.For Gertie, NASCAR isn’t just a sport, it’s a way of lifeGertie’s list of opinions about racing is long, and her patience with friends and family who don’t share her obsession is short.Gertie has a […]