The Daily Cartoonist

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Bob Thaves dies at age 81 (UPDATED)

Alan Gardner52 mins

Bob Thaves, who created Frank & Ernest in 1972 has died at age 81 in Torrance California.  He leaves behind his wife of 52 years, Katie, his son Tom, daughter Sara.

In the three decades since the Frank & Earnest debut, Bob has made many innovations and has won many awards.  He was the first comic panel to be presented in comic strip format, the first to vary the roles of its characters; the first to use block lettering and the first to use digital coloring for Sunday pages.  Bob is also a three-time winner of the National Cartoonists Society’s Reuben Award for Best Syndicated Panel and was given the Free Press Association’s Mencken Award for Best Cartoon. He was voted “Punster of the Year” by the International Save the Pun Foundation and just this year was recognized as a Champion of Creativity by the American Creativity Association.

His son, Tom will carry on with the strip. He has worked on the strip since 1997.

Our hearts and prayers go out to the Thaves family in this time of sadness.
UPDATE: Bob’s obit has hit the AP wire. Here it is from the San Jose Mercury News.

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5 thoughts on “Bob Thaves dies at age 81 (UPDATED)”

  1. That’s sad to hear. Rest in Peace.

    Thaves also did a comic called “King Baloo”. That was a collaberation with Thaves and Scott Stantis (yes, the “Prickly City” creator)

  2. That’s sad to hear. Rest in Peace.

    Thaves also did a comic called “King Baloo”. That was a collaberation with Thaves and Scott Stantis (yes, the “Prickly City” creator)

  3. I looked forward to Frank and Earnest every day. It was not only an unfailingly good laugh (not matter how bad my day) but it was also great to know my sense of humor was shared by someone, especially someone as talented as the artist. I’m glad Mr. Thaves drew the strip, and I’m glad it will continue.

  4. I liked Frank and Ernest up until the mid 1990’s. The strip shoud rest with Bob Thaves, it was his creation, not his son’s.

    And so is born another legacy strip.

  5. I liked Frank and Ernest up until the mid 1990’s. The strip shoud rest with Bob Thaves, it was his creation, not his son’s.

    And so is born another legacy strip.

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