• FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    Dogs of C-Kennel
    John Hart Studios
    Nineveh, NY

    Facebook censors nationally syndicated comic strip as algorithms misidentify cartoon dog as “sexually inappropriate”

    “Dogs of C-Kennel” creator and writer Mick Mastroianni was confused, frustrated and mildly entertained at the idea that his ragtag ensemble of illustrated canine misfits would be singled out and removed from Facebook for being “sexually inappropriate.”

    The New York native first conceptualized the comic in 2006. In 2007, Mastroianni’s brother, Mason Mastroianni, joined the strip as cartoonist when he returned to John Hart Studios to draw renowned caveman strip “B.C.” following the passing of Mastroiannis’ grandfather, cartoonist Johnny Hart. “Dogs of C-Kennel” joined Creators Syndicate in 2010 as an offering for newspapers around the country.

    In 11 years of syndication, it has never been suggested that ‘the dogs’ are anything other than available for adoption; however, thanks to what seems to be misfiring Facebook algorithms, Mastroianni has received a 24-hour ban, followed by a 3-day ban, from posting content to the popular social media platform. Mastroianni has temporarily unpublished the official page for the comic strip to avoid being permanently banned from the platform. Mastroianni hopes to republish the page in the near future. Until such time, he asks that fans write their local papers to request the addition of “Dogs of C-Kennel,” or subscribe to view the strip on GoComics.com/DogsofCKennel.

    “Dogs of C-Kennel” is one of three syndicated strips Mastroianni writes and publishes with his cartoonist brother Mason Mastroianni, mom Patti Hart, and aunt Perri Hart. The family team is also responsible for legacy strips “B.C.” and “Wizard of Id.” “Dogs of C-Kennel,” which promotes adopting from your local animal shelter, can be found in 30 newspapers around the country, as well as on GoComics.com by subscription. It has never before been flagged for sexually explicit content by any editorial process.

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  • B.C. comic strip’s ‘Cute Chick’ and ‘Fat Broad’ are now ‘Grace’ and ‘Jane’ !

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    Nineveh, NY – John Hart Studios Inc. announces the names Grace and Jane will replace ‘Cute Chick’ and ‘Fat Broad’ in their “B.C.” comic strip, effective immediately. “We work hard to keep the strip fresh and relevant for all fans and audiences,” says Perri Hart, the strip’s letterer and colorist. “And it just seems like the right time for ‘the girls’ to have names.”

    The Hart’s comic strip business, which includes perennial classics “B.C.” and “Wizard of Id,” is run by the daughters of the late Johnny Hart, Patti and Perri. “B.C.” is written and drawn by Hart’s grandsons, Mason Mastroianni and Mick Mastroianni.

    “Since my grandfather’s death, we’ve strived to be culturally inclusive and preserve the timeless appeal of the strip by focusing on universal human themes. We’re all in this together, and we want ‘B.C’ to connect with every audience,” says Mason, “B.C.” cartoonist. “By doing nothing, we’d perpetuate pejorative descriptions of these two important lead characters, and that’s not what we’re about.”

    “While we poke fun at everything, at its core the ‘B.C.’ comic strip is about respect and inclusivity,” adds Mick, “Wizard of Id” writer. “It’s a big tent where everyone should feel at home.”

    “Our family has always had a deep desire to give these two women names,” adds Patti Hart. “It’s not about political correctness or to placate any social pressure, it’s simply something we’ve always wanted to do. Here’s to Grace and Jane!”

    “It’s about time!” exclaims Grace.

    “I can’t wait to officially introduce myself to the snake.” says Jane.

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    EDITOR’S NOTE: For more information from John Hart Studios:

    Contact Patti Hart: patti@johnhartstudios.com

    “B.C.” Facebook fan page: https://facebook.com/BCcomic

    John Hart Studios website: https://johnhartstudios.com/

    B.C. Copyright and Trademark: © & TM John Hart Studios Inc. All Rights Reserved.

      # # #

  • We have extended this special SALE!

    Buy one “B.C. Reinvents the Wheel” book, and get a second book FREE!
    Two for $12. AND FREE shipping!
    Both signed by Mason.

    Click HERE to purchase one (two, actually) today!

  • Remember that survey we had up?? If you happened upon it and filled one out for us, your name was put into a drawing for a chance to be one of 12 lucky winners of a “Clams Got Legs” B.C. print! Over 250 of you responded. (Thank you!) Watch as Mason and Mick announce the winners.

  • Remember 1969? Yep… many moons ago!
    Johnny Hart and Jim Henson worked together on a Muppets/Wizard of Id TV idea.
    It was an exciting time for us but, alas… it wasn’t meant to be.
    Shortly after the project bit the dust,
    Henson came out with a new TV show called Sesame Street.
    Cool, huh?

    Check out the pilot here!

     

  • In November 2016, after years of putting it off, Mason finally started an artist page on Facebook.

    Mason says, “For whatever reason, I hadn’t thought much about having a social media presence; it seemed a bit redundant since we already have pages for B.C., Wizard of Id and Dogs of C-Kennel. Besides, I wasn’t sure if anyone would care to follow it; people who read newspapers today probably don’t spend a ton of time on social media. On top of that, I hadn’t exactly known how to use Facebook for anything other than goofy anecdotes and political rants – to be honest, I still kinda don’t.”

    Mason's Art!

    Some samples of art from Mason’s page.

    Despite his hesitation, Mason’s page has crossed 40,000 likes. He tried some ads and they helped. But mostly, it seems to be driven the old-fashioned way.

    “I post almost daily, mainly items related to the strips with interspersed behind-the-scenes type stuff, along with other art, writing, and (presumably) pithy witticisms. I throw in a strip itself from time to time, careful not to compete with our other public pages. It all seems to be working. At least, I think it is; I have no clue what sort of growth is considered ‘good.’ If the current rate continues, I’m likely to have over 100K followers by the end of the year. I have several friends who have millions so I’m not sure if this is a huge deal yet. I guess I’m excited to learn. The lesson: try new stuff. I guess. Or maybe the lesson is that social media is the future. Whatever. I’m just happy I’m able to do something on social media that doesn’t involve politics or kitten videos.”

    Check out Mason’s page!