Almost fell off the sofa laughing at the 7-27 strip with Wolf's tongue in all three frames. My Border collies have been looking like that in this heat. Please keep Wolf in the BC strip.
I have saved them all.
Thanks for the laughs.
Jacqueline: Bainbridge, Pennsylvania

You're welcome! Thanks for reading,
Mason and Mick

About the character, Wolf. Do you own a siberian husky? Where does the inspiration come from? He is so much like our husky,(named "Wolf", oddly enough) it's uncanny!
Thanks,
Joe: Statesville, North Carolina

Mason and Mick created the Wolf character... "I grew up loving dogs. We had a pit/lab mix, a German Shepard and a golden and we were influenced by other family members mutts along the way", says Mick.
We're glad you like him!
Mason and Mick

Check out the 'Dogs of C-Kennel' as well. During a volunteering stint at the Orlando SPCA, Mick came up with the idea for the strip. With Mason as co-producer and illustrator, 'C-Kennel' is currently in development with Creators Syndicate.

Mason just returned from a visit to Ramstein Air Force Base and Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany. He and the following group of cartoonists brought smiles to the faces of the troops with their charm and artistic talent!

Tom Stiglich: His cartoons have appeared in the USA Today, The New York Times, The Philadelphia Inquirer, The Philadelphia Daily News, The Washington Post, Newsweek, Newsweek Japan, TIME magazine, TIME.com, Chicago Sun-Times, The Los Angeles Times, Mad Kids magazine and in the annual book series 'Best Editorial Cartoons of the Year.'
He is a three-time recipient for the Citation of Excellence award from the United Nations.

Bruce Higdon: A retired U.S. Army Cavalry officer, is known among his fellow soldiers as the creator of El Tee, a strip which ran in Army Times for eight years. He also drew comics for a variety of Army post newspapers in the U.S. and Europe for over twenty-five years. Today, Bruce continues to draw his military cartoons for a variety of units stationed in Iraq and Afghanistan. He provides civilian humor, also, to financial, marketing, and fitness companies in the U.S. and Canada. Besides his strips, Bruce is a caricature artist who has entertained a variety of clients with his drawings, including Ronald Reagan, Bob Hope, and a whole bunch of soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines.

Chad Carpenter: Chad Carpenter's comic strip, TUNDRA first appeared in newspapers throughout his home state of Alaska, but has since been picked up by more than 350 newspapers around the world. These papers include the L.A. Times, the New York Daily News, the Chicago Tribune, the Denver Post as well as newspapers throughout Europe, Jamaica & Trinidad. Consisting of anything animal, vegetable or mineral, but with a decidedly outdoorsy slant, TUNDRA takes an offbeat view of the woodsy side of life. Whether it’s outhouses, chainsaws, fishing or even something a bit more metropolitan, everything is always in season. In 2008, TUNDRA was awarded "Best Newspaper Panel" by the National Cartoonists Society - a fact Chad continues to milk for all it's worth.

Dave Mowder: Licensing Artist/Illustrator for Warner Bros., Disney and Peanuts. Currently illustrates children's books, magazine, greeting cards and Christmas ornaments with the likes of Mickey Mouse, Bugs Bunny and Snoopy. Has worked for Hallmark Cards, Warner Bros. Worldwide Publishing and Disney Publishers. Was awarded the Reuben Award in 2008 for Best Greeting Card Cartoonist by the National Cartoonist Society. urrently lives in Kansas City, Missouri with his wife of 16 years and two lil strawberry blonde girls (7&5). Oh- and a Bordie Collie named Harley.

Ed Steckley: Ed is a humorous illustrator living in NY. His work has been seen in numerous nationwide publications, including Cracked and more recently Mad magazines for DC comics. He specializes in caricature and editorial illustration, but has been known to draw really boring pictures of really boring things in order to pay the bills. He also does a lot of work is in the advertising industry, but advertising campaigns and storyboards for TV commercials aren't nearly as much fun as Mad and Cracked. He's also shown in galleries in and around the NYC area.

Ray Alma: A graduate of the School of Visual Arts where he majored in Cartooning. A caricaturist and humorous illustrator, Ray's work has appeared in magazines, newspapers, books and on TV. Ray is a contributor to Mad magazine, earning him the status of one of "The Usual Gang of Idiots". The last few years have seen Ray venture into the world of animation and storyboarding where he worked on an updated version of "Speed Racer". Ray is currently a nominee for the NCS Reuben award for best Magazine Illustration.

Rob Harrell: For the past twelve years, Rob has worked as a fine artist, cartoonist, and freelance illustrator. His figurative paintings are currently represented by the Wally Workman Gallery in Austin, TX, and the Hespe Gallery in San Francisco, CA. He created, wrote and drew the daily syndicated comic strip Big Top from April 2002 through March 2007. It appeared in more than fifty newspapers world-wide. A Big Top book was published in 2005. As a freelance illustrator, he has worked with clients including Mad, Simon and Schuster, American Greetings, Time, Inc. and Volkswagen. He currently is working on Brian Basset’s Adam@Home as the artist and production assistant. He resides in Austin, Texas with his wife, Amber and their dog, Cooper.

Stephen Silver: Stephen Silver was born in London, England on August 30th 1972. In 1993 he went he established his own illustration company called Silvertoons. By 1997 Silver was hired by Warner Bros. Television Animation as a character designer, and has been working in the animation industry ever since. He has worked as Character Designer and Supervisor for Disney Television Animation, Sony Feature Animation and Nickelodeon Animation, designing characters such as "Kim Possible", "Danny Phantom" and Kevin Smith's "Clerks" the animated series, to name a few. Silver is the author and artist of five self-published books on the art of sketching, caricature and life drawing. In addition to working freelance full time, he also teaches an online character design course at www.schoolism.com, a character design course at CalArts (California Institute of the Arts) in Valencia, California, and a quick gesture figure class at the Los Angeles Academy of Figuritive Arts. In 2000 he received the Golden Nosey award from the National Caricaturist Network for caricaturist of the year. In 2007 he was awarded the National Cartoonists Society's television animation award for the designs on Disney's Kim Possible. Silver names three treasures to success in life that give him what it takes to keep on drawing: passion, desire and determination.

Nice job, guys! Thanks!

The first "new" character in B.C. since Grog was introduced in 1964.
Here's what fans have had to say about Wolf:

“Just to let you know that your Wolf is the most endearing* comic character I have seen since Calvin. Keep him coming.�
Anonymous
* Thanks for the correction, RJ!
“My wife and I have fallen in love with Wolf!�
Neal, Florida
“I really enjoy the wolf character. As a dog owner, I like the bond between the two, and hope Wolf will become a regular character.
He adds a new angle to the strip.�
Timothy, Pennsylvania
“I love the wolf series. Do more sometime in the future, please!�
Charles, Saskatchewan
"I hope to see Wolf often!"
Paul, Ohio

"Ever since I could read the Sunday Funnies I have always loved BC and Wiz. I have been trucking this great nation for 20 odd years now, and the Sunday paper at truck stops was a highlight. Now I am modern and enjoy the gang everyday via internet. I have always enjoyed the critters in B.C. and the new "Wolf" is fantastic! Being a dog lover and owner, he is true to heart. Keep him sniffing."
Bill, Trucker-USA
"Did the canine in the gag for "BC" on Monday, the 24th of August, escape from the [Dogs of C-]Kennel? Or, will some of his distant progeny end up in the Kennel?"
Paul, Ohio
"B.C. has been one of my favorite comic strips since it began. Your addition of the wolf is GREAT! I LOVE that little fanged character. He is another "Snoopy", whom I have always loved.
Keep up the good work!"
LP
"About your comic printed on February 28: It's very creepy how closely that wolf is like our own, Pandora. I can see her whole day in that one strip: Wake up with us, watch us go to school, then dash off once she gets outside to jump in the pond, shake on my mom and everyone else, chase the llamas and cats, steal our food, and then look innocent when we get home. It's just...scary, and I had to mention it. It's like you watched us.
Harlie, Turner, Oregon
"I just love your new 'dog'. Especially his two fangs and the skinny legs with the fluffy body. Keep up this wonderful addition. I especially like the neutered scene. You must be a dog lover to understand these points. I look for your comic every day in the Marietta Daily Journal."
Judy, Woodstock, Georgia

The new year brought with it a new byline for B.C.!

Mason has earned a bittersweet place of honor, the spot held by his grandfather for 50 years.
Here is the first Sunday featuring the new B.C. logo rock, hand drawn by Mason!



The evolution of the B.C. Sunday rocks.

The first rock was hand molded in clay by Johnny Hart in 1958.
He shaped it, carved the cracks and the letters, then photographed it for the newspapers.
It still exists today, in two pieces however. Broken at some point through the years.
I remember as a little girl, it always sat on my Dad's desk!



The interim rock was acheived by photoshoping the original!
One word describes this project... nightmare!



The new logo rock was hand drawn in pencil by Mason!
Scanned at a high resolution, it was then colored and digitized for the newspapers.
The kid's got talent! Literally, a chip off the old block! ;)

Happy 2010! Here's to a wonderful year!

The Wizard, Blanch, Rod, King, Bung and the whole "Id" gang turn 45!
Here's the first Wizard of Id strip from November 16, 1964.



Check out Amazon for the new hard cover Wizard of Id collection!

Here's the rest of the first week of the Wizard!

We goofed! And we received mail!



It's a left foot!
Peter
Carrying Place, Ontario

Interesting to note that Clumsy made a "left" foot when Wiley needed a "right" foot for his peg.
Kinda gives new meaning to the phrase "he has two left feet!"
Cinda
Charlotte, North Carolina

Mason Mastroianni, The foot you drew today was the wrong one - it shoulda been the right foot!
Regards,
Myke
Tallahassee, Florida

It was a nice gesture, the carved foot, but why was it a left foot, when it should have been a rightee?
Tim
Johnsonburg, Pennsylvania

Tim, Myke, Cinda and Peter, Okay... how about this.. Clumsy believes everyone has two left feet???
Thanks for your letters!
Patti

A few more letters:

Miss you and the guys!
Hurry back!
Marcia
Terre Haute, Indiana

Great strip. Hope to see it become a big hit in the papers. Need a good one at the Daily News in L.A. You need to add a dachshund in the mix.
Yeah, yeah... never say mixed to a mutt.
Ed
Castaic, California

Your comic "The Dogs of C Kennel" is great! I've been following it everyday since I first heard about it [in the fall of 2007]. I guess creativity runs in families. I've subscribed to the "Wizard of Id" for years since it doesn't come in my local paper. I have to feel a little sorry for your dogs, but I still hope they don't get adopted. They're family there and they also have Wheeler to keep them in touch with the outside world.
If you ever put this together into a book I would like to buy an autographed copy.
Thanks for the laughs!
Rick
Little Compton, Rhode Island

I adore your comic strip and it's sharp, intelligent humor! Keep up the amazing work!! You have a life long fan in me!!
Vickie
Woodbury, New York

When we asked Vickie for permission to post her letter, this was her response:

Absolutely!! It's an honor - thank you for asking!
I'm still a huge fan and I've made your strip mandatory reading for my students (I'm a Political Science professor -- your old strip about a kennel worker with a degree in Political Science who is shoveling dog poop hangs prominently over my desk!)
I can't wait to read more about Willy, Kenny (my FAVE), Tucker and the rest of the gang!!
Vickie



Just found the link to "Dogs of Kennel C" this past Saturday. (Dec., 2008) Read them all from the beginning in one sitting. Just wanted you to know that the development progression is spot on. Each "generation" is an improvement over the previous. Your drawing is really getting consistent and better at rendering expression and pedigree of the characters. The writing is much more even. And what you started out with was very good, much better than most of the [strips] already in syndication. The purpose of comics is to bring a bit of humor to the lives of the readers. Social commentary should be on the editorial page. Your work is in the great tradition of your Grandfather, a bit of light on a gloomy day. To qualify my remarks, I consider my favorite strips to be B.C., Id, Overboard, Cow and Boy, and Arlo and Janis.
I hope you have great success with the Dogs.
Michael
Cordova, Tennesee

When we asked Michael for permission to post his letter, this was his response:

Sure. I feel honored.
Having "Dogs" is better than having Lexapro.
Mick, you have done a great job developing the strip. It is distinct in style from the other Hart strips, not denigrating them as I read both of them daily, too. Do your best to keep the distinction apparent.
Michael

Since C Kennel began appearing on 2/13/07 as a comic strip in development on Creators Syndicate web site, we've been receiving mail from readers.

A big shout out to Creators for this incredible opportunity, "Thanks, gang!"

Here are a few excerpts from the many letters:

A few months ago I discovered your comic completely by accident on creators.com and have been hooked on it ever since. Dogs of C Kennel is one of the best I have read since Bloom County and Peanuts! Kenny reminds me of my German Shepherd, Zoe, she's just as mindless as he is.
Thank you for your creation and long live the Dogs of C Kennel.
Richard
Casa Grande, Arizona

Super comic! It makes me laugh out loud. That is rare. Most comics produce a smile, sometimes a giggle. With yours, I really laugh.
Keep up the good work!
Dollie
Brenham, Texas

[We] have enjoyed receiving the "Dogs of C Kennel" each day by email. Seeing how the characters appearances have changed slowly over time is amazing.
It's wonderfully funny and oh, so clever.
Thanks very much for the Dogs. I'll be sharing them with my vet.
Gil and Lorraine
Waterford, Wisconsin

Have been following the development of your C-Kennel. Very enjoyable, keep at it. You may have the next Dog Eat Doug there!
Good Luck.
Gary
Buffalo, New York

A simple word of encouragement to you - keep up the good work with your "Dogs of C-Kennel" comic. You're doing a great job developing it and I enjoy the humor. My family and I have owned Siberian Huskies for 8 years and you have some of the traits down well :) All you need now is a French poodle with an attitude or another fun breed to play with.
Keep up the great work!
Jim
Parma, Ohio

Dear Mick Mastroianni - So far I like this Dogs of C Kennel. Thanks for picking up B.C. I enjoy it as much as ever especially with humor that's current to "now". My condolences on the loss of your Granddad.
'Write' on brother. Sincerely,
Gweedo
Boulder, Colorado

Thanks, Gweedo, Actually, my brother, Mason, is doing B.C. now. I write for the strip.
We collaborate on C Kennel. I write it, he draws it. Glad you like what we're doing!
Thanks for the condolences, we sure miss our "Pops"...
Peace, Mick

Just wanted to say I enjoy your strip very much. You really capture the spirit of dogs and show the individual breed characteristics. Best of luck to you and I hope your strip is a huge success. As a proud father of an American Eskimo Dog (Shasta) I love seeing doggie antics played out!
Paul
Santa Cruz, California

I've been following the dogs since the beginning and I have to say that I love the direction they have taken. Kenny is terrific. All of the dogs are developing real personalities.
Keep up the great stuff!
Linda
Dunnville, Ontario, Canada

Many fans were offended by the BC strip which appeared in Tuesday, 7/21/09 newspapers. Upon further reflection, we agree. We do not condone the mistreatment of animals in any way and we're sorry that readers found the strip distasteful.

Here are a few excerpts from the letters we've received:

In addition to being in very poor taste, you need to remember that children read your cartoons and they are very impressionable.
Jessica
Perry, Georgia

I almost always enjoy your comic but Tues 7/21, NOT FUNNY!!!!!!!
Diane
Falls Church, Virginia

Thank you for the retraction and apology, although it's sad that this strip was ever submitted to be distributed.
John

I found your Tuesday, July 21, B.C. strip extremely distressing. How can a cartoon make light (no pun intended) of pouring kerosene on a dog?
Katherine
Shreveport, Louisiana

Dear Jessica, Diane, John, Katherine and everyone else who wrote to us,
Thank you for calling us out on this, we appreciate your feedback.
Patti

All of us here found today's 'kerosene' strip quite funny. Oh, and we're all animal lovers/owners and would never think of hurting one.
People need to just get over themselves.
Denny
Akron, Ohio