Tribune Content Agency (TCA) has announced that cartoonist Rachel Merrill will be the new Gil Thorp artist beginning September 30, 2024. Rachel replaces Rod Whigham, the Gil Thorp comic strip artist since 2008.
We are excited to announce that starting Monday, September 30, 2024, Gil Thorp will enter a new chapter with the introduction of Rachel Merrill as the comic strip’s new artist. Rachel, originally from Baton Rouge and now based in New York City, is a gifted illustrator and comic artist whose work has appeared in prestigious publications such as The New Yorker and the Eisner-nominated “Tori Amos: Little Earthquakes” comic anthology.
Her diverse background, which includes contributions to Bright Wall/Dark Room, Vinegar Syndrome, and Southwest Review, brings a wealth of experience and creativity to the table. Rachel has also made her mark as a storyboard artist for major brands like Ulta Beauty and NBA x Meta, as well as in the world of animation, where she served as a rotoscope artist for the independent film “Quantum Cowboys.”
At the same time, we want to take a moment to honor and thank Rod Whigham, who has been the visual storyteller behind Gil Thorp since 2008. For over 16 years, Rod’s meticulous artwork and masterful storytelling have brought depth and authenticity to the characters and stories that have kept readers hooked. His ability to capture the energy and drama of high school sports, combined with his talent for conveying the emotional nuances of the characters, has made Gil Thorp a standout in the world of comic strips.
above: Rod Whigham’s first Gil Thorp from April 7, 2008
Congratulations to fellow Louisianan Rachel Merrill on taking over Gil Thorp! A pleasure for me to know and edit founder Jack Berrill when I was editor of international syndication at Tribune in Chicago 1994-99. After Jack’s death, acclaimed YA author Jerry Jenkins took over writing and veterans Frank Bolle and Ray Burns drew the daily strip superbly. The strip continues to evolve in telling hometown sagas large and small in Milford, CT.
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