Jim Unger facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Jim Unger |
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| Born | James Frederick Unger 21 January 1937 London, England |
| Died | 26 May 2012 (aged 75) Saanich, British Columbia, Canada |
| Nationality | Canadian |
| Area(s) | Cartoonist |
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Notable works
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Herman |
| Awards | National Cartoonists Society Newspaper Panel Cartoon Award, 1982, 1987 |
James Frederick Unger (born January 21, 1937 – died May 26, 2012) was a famous cartoonist. He was born in Britain but became Canadian. He is best known for creating the popular comic strip called Herman. This comic strip appeared in 600 newspapers around the world for 18 years.
Contents
The Early Life of a Cartoonist
James Unger was born in London, England. His parents were Lillian Maud and James Unger. Before he became a cartoonist, he had many different jobs. He served in the British Army. He was also a police officer, or "bobby," in London. He worked as an insurance clerk and even as a "repo man." A repo man takes back items when people can't pay for them.
In 1968, one of his sisters suggested he move to Canada. He took her advice and moved there. In Mississauga, Ontario, he started his career as a cartoonist. He worked for the Mississauga Times newspaper. As his Herman comic strip became popular, he moved to Ottawa, Ontario in 1974. He also brought his parents and brother to Canada from Britain.
Retirement and a Big Comeback
In 1984, James Unger moved to the Bahamas. He decided to retire from cartooning in 1992. However, his friends encouraged him to start drawing again. He liked the idea of bringing Herman back.
On June 2, 1997, Herman made a big comeback. It was released by a company called United Media. Unger said this was a chance to update the comics. It also let him introduce Herman to a new generation of readers. He didn't plan to draw full-time again. Instead, he wanted to add new material to the classic comics. He signed a long contract to bring ten years of old Herman comics back to newspapers. In his later years, Unger moved back to Canada. He settled in Saanich, British Columbia.
Intraca: Cartoons for the Workplace
James Unger also helped start a company called Intraca. He co-founded it with David Waisglass, who created the Farcus comic strip. Intraca uses funny cartoons and inspiring quotes. These are used to share "positive daily business messages" with employees. The messages appear on their computers. You can also find Herman characters on posters in workplaces. These posters help promote safety and better production.
Herman Goes Global
In 1990, Herman became the first newspaper cartoon to be shared in East Germany. Soon after, Unger released a new book. It was called Herman: Over the Wall. He joked that the Berlin Wall came down six months later. He thought his book might have helped!
Awards for His Work
James Unger won an important award twice. He received the National Cartoonists Society's Newspaper Panel Cartoon Award. He won it in 1982 and again in 1987.
His Final Years
James Unger passed away in his sleep. He died at his home in Saanich, British Columbia. He had been ill for some time. His brother Bob had passed away before him. Bob was a big inspiration for the Herman comic strip. James Unger was survived by his two daughters, Karen Gooda and Jenny Hopkins. He also had four grandchildren. His two sisters, Deborah and Shirley, lived in Canada. His brother Steve lived in the UK.
