After 35 years as the editorial cartoonist for The News & Observer, Dwane Powell is retiring. The paper posted the announcement this morning. Dwane came to the paper in 1975 with previous stints in Arkansas, San Antonio and Cincinnati. In the announcement, Dwane said, “The N&O was what I really considered a dream job for a cartoonist. It was a paper that had a strong journalistic ethical standard. It was in a capital city. And they offered me the freedom to do what I wanted to do.”
Last year, Dwane was informed his position was being downgraded to a part-time. Dwane decided to quit, but reader response was so overwhelming that the paper came to a compromise with Dwane. With his departure, the editorial page editor, Steve Ford, has said that they have no plans to replace him, but hope that Dwane will contribute from time to time.
With Dwane’s retirement, Kevin Siers with The Charlotte Oberver is the only staff cartoonist in North Carolina.
Dwane is one of the very best editorial cartoonists around- and a super nice guy. Can’t wait to see what he does next.
Here’s another paper losing their longtime editorial cartoonist and they have no plans to replace him. Goes to show what they think of their readership. Phooey.
Dwane is one of the most down-to-earth people you could ever meet. With his talent, he’ll be successful at whatever he does.
Dwane will truly be missed as a daily voice – both locally and nationally. His work has always been philosophically honest, artistically original, and outrageously tough on his targets.
He is a true craftsman who has given his heart and soul to his craft.
Add to this the fact that Dwane is also one of the world’s great
guys, and this is a huge loss for the N&O and the industry at large. Good luck Dwane!
Dwane Has been a great friend and a great cartoonist . He’s done exactly what an editorial cartoonist should do. He’s a true journalist ,he goes after the big guys and he does it with integrity and humor. He’s influenced a countless number of kids over his career. He’s been a real inspiration to me . Good for you my friend, can’t wait to see what you do next.
Dwane old pal.
Whether it’s pickin’ the axe, or picking on your targets with your art axe, you can’t be beat. Good luck in your future endeavors. You’re tops.
Maybe we should publish a book of our old caricature wars.
Jerry Dowling
I UNDERSTAND YOU’RE GOING TO START A NEW
CAREER AS A PRACTICE DUMMY AT FORT SAM!
GOOD LUCK, BUDDY… STAY IN TOUCH. -vic-
Dear friends and respected colleagues, please accept my heartfelt thanks for your kind thoughts.
Dwane