• 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 Mastroianni has temporarily unpublished the official page for the comic strip to avoid being permanently banned from the platform.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.

    ###

  • 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.

    # # #

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

    Contact Patti Hart: patti@johnhartstudios.com

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

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

      # # #

  • 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!

     

  • NINEVEH, N.Y., April 27, 2017 — During the week of May 15, 2017, the internationally syndicated comic strip B.C. will honor April the giraffe, resident of the neighboring Animal Adventure Park in Harpursville, New York. The park became an international sensation as millions followed April’s pregnancy and subsequent birth of a male calf on its live “giraffe cam.”
    Mason Mastroianni, B.C. cartoonist, with co-author Mick Mastroianni, produced a weeklong series of strips scheduled to coincide with the May 13 opening of the park. The strips will be published in more than 1,000 papers domestically and overseas.
    Mason and Mick, grandsons of B.C. creator Johnny Hart, became acquainted with Jordan Patch, the Animal Adventure Park proprietor, upon discovering that they were neighbors. “We decided to honor this local event in keeping with the tradition, started by our grandfather, of supporting our community,” says Mason.
    The Hart family business includes daughter Perri, letterer and colorist, and daughter Patti, office manager. Bobby Hart, Johnny’s widow, continues to work tirelessly keeping them all in line.
    John Hart Studios produces two other daily comic strips, Wizard of Id and Dogs of C-Kennel. All three are distributed by Creators Syndicate.
    B.C., Wizard of Id and Dogs of C-Kennel can be followed on the websites http://www.johnhartstudios.com and http://www.gocomics.com. All three strips can also be seen on Facebook.
    “Be sure to look for our ‘shoutout’ to April the giraffe, her new calf and our neighbor up the hill, Animal Adventure Park, in your local newspaper beginning on May 15.” — John Hart Studios

  • B.C. turns 59 this year.
    To celebrate, a new hard-cover is available from Titan Publishing.
    “Featuring 627 of the very best daily and Sunday B.C. comic strips
    specially selected by the Hart family
    and a foreword from Jim Davis – creator of Garfield.”

    click here to purchase your copy!