Lee Salem, perhaps one of the most influential individuals in newspaper comics in the last 30 years, officially enters retirement today. He stepped down as Universal Uclick president last year taking the title of president emeritus and editorial director. Some of the talent that Lee discovered and fostered include the biggest names in comics: Garry Trudeau (Doonesbury), Bill Watterson (Calvin and Hobbes), Cathy Guisewite (Cathy), Gary Larson (The Far Side), Lynn Johnston (For Better or For Worse) and Richard Thompson (Cul de Sac).
I wish Lee well and hope he continues to attend the Reubens and other cartooning gatherings.
Lee was simply the best.
He still is the best, he just won’t be fighting in our corner. But John Glynn is pretty dang scrappy!
Lee sure earned his rest! A tough and smart gentleman!
Mr. Salem – Thank you for all of the years of comics!