Jim Rugg (born February 1, 1977) is an American [[cartoonist]] and [[illustrator]] from Pittsburgh, renowned for his playful, retro-inspired exploration of 1970s comics and pop culture. His graphic novels and comics collections include ''[[Street Angel]]'', ''[[Afrodisiac]]'', ''The P.L.A.I.N. Janes'', ''[[Janes in Love]]'', ''[[One Model Nation]]'', and ''The Guild''. Rugg has also contributed short comics to various publications, including VH1, ''New York Magazine'', ''True Porn'', ''Meathaus'', ''Cinema Sewer'', ''Strange Tales'', the ''SPX Annual'', ''Project: Superior'', ''Dark Horse Presents'', and the ''Next Issue Project''.
{{Infobox comics creator
| image = Jim Rugg (cropped).jpg
Rugg co-hosted the popular YouTube channel ''Cartoonist Kayfabe'' with fellow Pittsburgh-based cartoonist [[Ed Piskor]], where they explored the history of comics and examined classic comic book processes, often featuring interviews with notable industry figures.
| caption =Rugg in 2019
| alt = Rugg holding books in a library
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1977|2|1}}
| birth_place =
| nationality = [[United States|American]]
| cartoonist = y
| write = y
| pencil = y
| ink = y
| letter = y
| color = y
| edit =
| notable works = ''[[Street Angel (comics)|Street Angel]]''<br />''[[Afrodisiac (comics)|Afrodisiac]]''
| awards =
| website = {{URL|jimrugg.com}}
}}
'''Jim Rugg''' (born February 1, 1977) is an American cartoonist and illustrator from [[Pittsburgh]] known for his tongue-in-cheek evocation of 1970s-era [[comics]] and [[popular culture|pop culture]]. His graphic novels and comics collections include ''[[Street Angel (comics)|Street Angel]]'', ''[[Afrodisiac (comics)|Afrodisiac]]'', ''[[The P.L.A.I.N. Janes]]'' and ''Janes in Love'', ''[[One Model Nation]]'', and ''[[The Guild (web series)#Comic books|The Guild]]''.
Rugg has also produced short comics for [[VH1]], ''[[New York (magazine)|New York]]'' magazine, ''True Porn'', ''Meathaus'', ''[[Cinema Sewer]]'', ''[[Strange Tales]]'', the [[Small Press Expo|SPX Annual]], ''[[Project Superior|Project: Superior]]'', ''[[Dark Horse Presents]]'', and the ''[[Next Issue Project]]''.
== '''Early Life and Career''' ==
Born in Connellsville, Pennsylvania, and later moving to Pittsburgh, Jim Rugg was influenced by a wide range of artists and media, including [[Frank Miller]], [[Jack Kirby]], [[Robert Crumb]], and [[David Mazzucchelli]], as well as TV shows like ''The Office'' and ''Arrested Development''. Rugg holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in graphic design and painting from a small liberal arts college.
Rugg also co-hosted the [[YouTube]] channel ''Cartoonist Kayfabe'' with fellow Pittsburgh native cartoonist [[Ed Piskor]].
While working as a graphic designer, Rugg collaborated with writer Brian Maruca on ''Street Angel'', a self-published mini-comic that eventually found a home with Slave Labor Graphics. The first five issues of ''Street Angel'' were collected into a trade paperback by SLG Publishing in 2005. After a difficult period in 2008, which saw the cancellation of a video game project and the end of ''The P.L.A.I.N. Janes'' series, Rugg considered leaving the comics industry. However, his career gained momentum in 2009 when he began working on ''One Model Nation'' (Image Comics) and ''The Guild'' (Dark Horse Comics).
== Biography ==
== '''Major Works''' ==
[[File:Jim Rugg Gen 13 drawing.webm|thumb|right|A [[time lapse]] drawing by Rugg of [[Gen13]], from 2011]]
In 2010, Rugg, alongside co-writer Maruca, released ''Afrodisiac'', a graphic novel that is a vibrant homage to 1970s “trash” culture, especially the blaxploitation genre. The titular character, Afrodisiac, is a larger-than-life, kung-fu-fighting antihero who embarks on absurd, genre-bending adventures. The book mimics the look of old comic books, using faded colors and weathered pages to evoke the feel of vintage comics.
Rugg was born in the town of [[Connellsville, Pennsylvania]] and moved to [[Pittsburgh]].<ref name="tcj">{{Cite journal |language=en-US |url=https://www.tcj.com/the-jim-rugg-interview/ |title=The Jim Rugg Interview |journal=[[The Comics Journal]] |date=2011-08-10 |accessdate=2024-06-08 |first=Kristy |last=Valenti |issn=0194-7869}}</ref> His art influences include [[Frank Miller (comics)|Frank Miller]], [[Erik Larsen]], [[David Lapham]], [[Jack Kirby]], [[David Mazzuchelli]], [[Mike Mignola]], the [[Hernandez brothers]], [[Robert Crumb]], [[Dan Clowes]], [[Chris Ware]], and [[Julie Doucet]].<ref name="White">White, Adam. [http://www.comiccritique.com/interview_jim_rugg.html "The Jim Rugg Experience,"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110719060542/http://www.comiccritique.com/interview_jim_rugg.html |date=2011-07-19 }} ComicCritique.com (2005).</ref> Rugg is also inspired by television shows like ''[[The Office]]'' and ''[[Arrested Development (TV series)|Arrested Development]]'', the films of [[Wes Anderson]], [[Kōbō Abe]]’s writing, [[Todd Hido]]’s photography, and [[Toba Khedoori]]'s drawings and paintings.<ref name="White" /> He has a [[Bachelor of Fine Arts|BFA]] in graphic design and painting from a small liberal arts college.<ref name="White" />
While working as a graphic designer, Rugg met and began working with writer [[Brian Maruca]]. The result, ''[[Street Angel (comics)|Street Angel]]'', was self-published as a [[mini-comic]], where it eventually found its way to the publisher [[Slave Labor Graphics]].<ref name="White" /> The first five issues of ''Street Angel'' were collected as a trade paperback by SLG Publishing in 2005.
== '''Cartoonist Kayfabe and Comic History''' ==
The ''Cartoonist Kayfabe'' series, created by Rugg and Piskor, made a significant impact on the comic book community by revisiting classic comics, discussing their historical context, and featuring deep dives into the creative processes behind them. The channel boasts over 1,800 videos, including a landmark episode featuring a reunion of ''[[Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles]]'' creators [[Kevin Eastman]] and [[Peter Laird]], who had not collaborated in years. This special episode provided fans with an in-depth look at the creation and lasting influence of the ''TMNT'' series.
After the cancellation of a [[video game]] project and ''The P.L.A.I.N. Janes'' series in 2008, Rugg considered leaving the comics business.<ref name="Smith">Smith, Zack. [http://www.indyweek.com/indyweek/jim-rugg-discusses-afrodisiac/Content?oid=1300087 "Soul comics: Jim Rugg discusses ''Afrodisiac'',"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110617030941/http://www.indyweek.com/indyweek/jim-rugg-discusses-afrodisiac/Content?oid=1300087 |date=2011-06-17 }} IndyWeek.com (Feb. 3, 2010).</ref> His fortunes began turning around in 2009, when he began working on [[Image Comics]]' ''[[One Model Nation]]'' and [[Dark Horse Comics]]' ''[[The Guild (web series)#Comic books|The Guild]]''.
== '''Recent Developments''' ==
In March 2024, Rugg announced that he had ended his professional relationship with Ed Piskor due to serious allegations against Piskor. Sadly, Piskor passed away shortly thereafter.
In 2010 Rugg (along with co-writer Maruca) released ''[[Afrodisiac (comics)|Afrodisiac]]'', collecting stories previously published in anthologies along with new material. (The character first appeared in the pages of ''Street Angel'').<ref name="Smith" /> The book is a detailed pastiche of 1970s "trash" culture, especially the [[blaxploitation]] heroic archetype. The titular hero is an over-the-top '70s-era, [[kung fu]]-fighting [[pimp]] character depicted in adventures that cross multiple comics styles, from space aliens and flying saucers to dinosaurs to [[Richard Nixon]] to Hercules to giant monsters to Dracula. Afrodisiac's production design faithfully evokes the visual style of old comic books, down to faded color schemes and wrinkled, creased covers.<ref name="Smith" />
== '''Awards and Recognition''' ==
Rugg has been recognized for his contributions to the comic industry. He was nominated for a 2010 Ignatz Award for ''Outstanding Minicomic'' for ''Rambo 3.5'', and his work on ''Afrodisiac'' was nominated for an Eisner Award in 2011 in the humor category. In 2015, Rugg won an Eisner Award for ''Best Publication Design'' for his work on ''[[Little Nemo: Dream Another Dream]]''. He also served on the Ignatz Award jury in 2006.
On March 30, 2024, Rugg announced that he had decided to end his professional relationship, such as ''Cartoonist Kayfabe'', with [[Ed Piskor]] as a result of allegations against Piskor. Because of a number of factors, Piskor committed suicide two days later.<ref name="TheWrap">{{cite web |last=Roe |first=Mike |date=April 1, 2024 |title=Ed Piskor, 'Hip Hop Family Tree' Comic Book Artist, Dies at 41 |url=https://www.thewrap.com/ed-piskor-dies-suicide-hip-hop-family-tree-artist/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240401225211/https://www.thewrap.com/ed-piskor-dies-suicide-hip-hop-family-tree-artist/ |archive-date=Apr 1, 2024 |access-date=April 1, 2024 |website=[[TheWrap]]}}</ref>
== '''Bibliography''' ==
Rugg currently teaches in the MFA Visual Narrative program at the [[School of Visual Arts]].
* '''Street Angel''' (SLG Publishing, 2005) – co-written with Brian Maruca
* '''The P.L.A.I.N. Janes''' ([[DC Comics]]/Minx, 2007) – written by Cecil Castellucci
* '''Janes in Love''' (DC/Minx, 2008) – written by Cecil Castellucci
* '''Afrodisiac''' (Adhouse Books, 2010) – co-written with Brian Maruca
* '''One Model Nation''' ([[Image Comics]], 2010) – written by Courtney Taylor
* '''The Guild''' (3-issue limited series, [[Dark Horse Comics]], 2010) – written by Felicia Day
* '''[[Hulk]]: Grand Design''' ([[Marvel Comics]], 2022) – 2 issues
== Cartoonist Kayfabe and comic historian ==
== '''Teaching''' ==
[[File:SPX 2019 Panel - Cartoonist Kayfabe Live!.webm|thumb|right|[[Ed Piskor]] and Rugg discussing ''Cartoonist Kayfabe'' in 2019]]
Jim Rugg currently teaches in the MFA Visual Narrative program at the School of Visual Arts, where he shares his knowledge and passion for comics with the next generation of creators.{{DEFAULTSORT:Rugg, Jim}}
The Cartoonist Kayfabe series created by [[Ed Piskor]] and Jim Rugg, significantly impacted the comic book community by revisiting classic comic books, discussing the processes and stories behind them, and featuring notable figures from the industry. The YouTube show has garnered over 1,800+ videos in its library since its creation. One of the achievements of the series was bringing together [[Kevin Eastman]] and [[Peter Laird]] for commentaries<ref>{{Cite web |last=Popkin |date=January 26, 2023 |title=Peter Laird does a once-in-a-lifetime interview about Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles on the Cartoonist Kayfabe youtube channel |url=https://boingboing.net/2023/01/26/peter-laird-does-a-once-in-a-lifetime-interview-about-teenage-mutant-ninja-turtles-on-the-cartoonist-kayfabe-youtube-channel.html |website=Boing Boing}}</ref> on their ''[[Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles]]'' comics. Eastman and Laird, who had not collaborated in years, were invited to discuss their original TMNT comics, providing insights into their creation and evolution of the series. This reunion was particularly special for fans and scholars of comics, as it not only highlighted the creative synergy between the two but also explored the cultural impact of TMNT. The episodes served as a deep dive into the artistic and narrative choices that shaped the TMNT universe, offering fans a rare behind-the-scenes look at the making of a franchise that has remained popular across decades.
== Awards ==
Rugg was nominated for a 2010 [[Ignatz Award]] for Outstanding Minicomic for ''[[Rambo (film series)|Rambo]]'' 3.5. In 2011, ''Afrodisiac'' was nominated for an Eisner Award in the humor category, and in 2015, Rugg won the Eisner for best publication design for ''Little Nemo: Dream Another Dream.''<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.post-gazette.com/ae/books/2015/07/13/Pittsburgh-cartoonists-Ed-Piskor-Jim-Rugg-win-Eisner-Awards/stories/201507130112|title=Pittsburgh cartoonists Ed Piskor, Jim Rugg win Eisner Awards|website=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette}}</ref>
Jim Rugg (born February 1, 1977) is an American cartoonist and illustrator from Pittsburgh, renowned for his playful, retro-inspired exploration of 1970s comics and pop culture. His graphic novels and comics collections include Street Angel, Afrodisiac, The P.L.A.I.N. Janes, Janes in Love, One Model Nation, and The Guild. Rugg has also contributed short comics to various publications, including VH1, New York Magazine, True Porn, Meathaus, Cinema Sewer, Strange Tales, the SPX Annual, Project: Superior, Dark Horse Presents, and the Next Issue Project.
Rugg co-hosted the popular YouTube channel Cartoonist Kayfabe with fellow Pittsburgh-based cartoonist Ed Piskor, where they explored the history of comics and examined classic comic book processes, often featuring interviews with notable industry figures.
Early Life and Career
Born in Connellsville, Pennsylvania, and later moving to Pittsburgh, Jim Rugg was influenced by a wide range of artists and media, including Frank Miller, Jack Kirby, Robert Crumb, and David Mazzucchelli, as well as TV shows like The Office and Arrested Development. Rugg holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in graphic design and painting from a small liberal arts college.
While working as a graphic designer, Rugg collaborated with writer Brian Maruca on Street Angel, a self-published mini-comic that eventually found a home with Slave Labor Graphics. The first five issues of Street Angel were collected into a trade paperback by SLG Publishing in 2005. After a difficult period in 2008, which saw the cancellation of a video game project and the end of The P.L.A.I.N. Janes series, Rugg considered leaving the comics industry. However, his career gained momentum in 2009 when he began working on One Model Nation (Image Comics) and The Guild (Dark Horse Comics).
Major Works
In 2010, Rugg, alongside co-writer Maruca, released Afrodisiac, a graphic novel that is a vibrant homage to 1970s “trash” culture, especially the blaxploitation genre. The titular character, Afrodisiac, is a larger-than-life, kung-fu-fighting antihero who embarks on absurd, genre-bending adventures. The book mimics the look of old comic books, using faded colors and weathered pages to evoke the feel of vintage comics.
Cartoonist Kayfabe and Comic History
The Cartoonist Kayfabe series, created by Rugg and Piskor, made a significant impact on the comic book community by revisiting classic comics, discussing their historical context, and featuring deep dives into the creative processes behind them. The channel boasts over 1,800 videos, including a landmark episode featuring a reunion of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles creators Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird, who had not collaborated in years. This special episode provided fans with an in-depth look at the creation and lasting influence of the TMNT series.
Recent Developments
In March 2024, Rugg announced that he had ended his professional relationship with Ed Piskor due to serious allegations against Piskor. Sadly, Piskor passed away shortly thereafter.
Awards and Recognition
Rugg has been recognized for his contributions to the comic industry. He was nominated for a 2010 Ignatz Award for Outstanding Minicomic for Rambo 3.5, and his work on Afrodisiac was nominated for an Eisner Award in 2011 in the humor category. In 2015, Rugg won an Eisner Award for Best Publication Design for his work on Little Nemo: Dream Another Dream. He also served on the Ignatz Award jury in 2006.
Bibliography
Street Angel (SLG Publishing, 2005) – co-written with Brian Maruca
The P.L.A.I.N. Janes (DC Comics/Minx, 2007) – written by Cecil Castellucci
Janes in Love (DC/Minx, 2008) – written by Cecil Castellucci
Afrodisiac (Adhouse Books, 2010) – co-written with Brian Maruca
One Model Nation (Image Comics, 2010) – written by Courtney Taylor
The Guild (3-issue limited series, Dark Horse Comics, 2010) – written by Felicia Day
Jim Rugg currently teaches in the MFA Visual Narrative program at the School of Visual Arts, where he shares his knowledge and passion for comics with the next generation of creators.
.jpg)