Today, we’re excited to showcase the latest creations from cartoonist Jonathan Ray Hawkins known for his witty and charming illustrations. If you haven’t seen his previous work now’s the perfect time to dive in. We asked Jonny to describe his cartoons in just three words and he summed them up as: Relatable, Punderful, Tasteful. I believe my comics are relatable because people can see a bit of themselves in the characters even if those characters happen to be shepherds shell collectors or sheep. They’re packed with playful puns that both kids and groan-ups can enjoy. And I strive to keep them tasteful, just in case I ever have to eat my words delivering humor that’s lighthearted and fun without the need for a guilty conscience afterward.
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We had the chance to learn more about the origins of the Zoolies comic series and what initially inspired its creator Jonathan Ray Hawkins. My mother was a painter, and both of my parents had a fantastic sense of humor. Their laughter was contagious and I always wanted to be the one to make them laugh. My dad’s face would turn bright red like a tomato when he found something really funny and my mom’s art was incredibly uplifting it sparked my love for drawing Hawkins shared. With his signature wit, he added Maybe my love for wordplay and drawing was fate after all I was born in Pencil-vania.
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- 20 Aging Moments Captured Perfectly in These Cartoons
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We were eager to find out which cartoonists and comedians have influenced Jonny’s work. He generously shared his inspirations. I’ve been inspired by so many artists. Disney, Dr. Seuss, and Charles Schulz were early influences, and in more recent years, I’ve admired the work of Gary Larson, Tom Cheney, Nurit Karlin, Harley Schwadron, Liz Climo, Liana Finck, Rex May aka Baloo Bob Vojtko and P.C. Vey. It’s hard to narrow it down because there are just so many great cartoonists out there. When it comes to comedy, he added, I’ve always appreciated Steven Wright’s clever deadpan humor. I also love the work of Mel Brooks, Woody Allen, Michael Junior, Jonathan Winters, and Jerry Seinfeld.
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The creator behind Zoolies recently opened up about some of his favorite cartoons from his collection. One, in particular, stands out to him a humorous take on an indecisive fruit seeking advice. The scene features a yellow fruit caught in a dilemma, expressing two conflicting desires: one to be paired with ice cream and another to remain independent. The clever title accompanying the cartoon plays on words in a way that resonates with many. This piece has become a fan favorite, making multiple sales and earning a spot in his latest 2025 Punny Cartoon a Day desktop calendar.
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