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Fearless: A Cartoonist's Guide to Life
Robb Armstrong has been described by People Magazine as “one of the hottest young cartoonists in America.” His award-winning comic strip, JumpStart, is syndicated in more than 300 newspapers in eight countries. Fearless is both a compelling read and an inspirational lesson on life.
Robb Armstrong is one of the lucky ones. One of a handful of African-American artists to have a comic strip nationally syndicated in more than 300 publications, he gets to draw for a living. He works at home, so he can spend more time with his wife and two kids. He travels around the country, teaching drawing and sharing stories about his life with young people. He’s even met his share of famous people, including his idol, Charles Schulz.
But his life wasn’t always so charmed. Born and raised in a rough neighborhood in West Philadelphia, Robb was one of five fatherless kids living in a cramped apartment where the electric bill didn’t always get paid. When he was six, his older brother was killed in a gruesome subway accident. Soon after, his remaining brother was severely beaten by the police for being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Then, his mother died of cancer.
How did he get through all of these tragedies to the happy life? By drawing funnies. Life is not so different from the comics—the challenges, tragedies, and triumphs. Comics poke fun at our everyday routines and our universal motivations. They show us a lot about ourselves and the people around us. So as a cartoonist, Robb Armstrong has drawn a few lessons from life that he shares in this moving memoir. Weaving together his personal stories with simple drawing tutorials and original illustrations, Fearless is both a compelling read and an inspirational lesson on how to live well, through the good times and the bad.
Robb Armstrong is one of the lucky ones. One of a handful of African-American artists to have a comic strip nationally syndicated in more than 300 publications, he gets to draw for a living. He works at home, so he can spend more time with his wife and two kids. He travels around the country, teaching drawing and sharing stories about his life with young people. He’s even met his share of famous people, including his idol, Charles Schulz.
But his life wasn’t always so charmed. Born and raised in a rough neighborhood in West Philadelphia, Robb was one of five fatherless kids living in a cramped apartment where the electric bill didn’t always get paid. When he was six, his older brother was killed in a gruesome subway accident. Soon after, his remaining brother was severely beaten by the police for being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Then, his mother died of cancer.
How did he get through all of these tragedies to the happy life? By drawing funnies. Life is not so different from the comics—the challenges, tragedies, and triumphs. Comics poke fun at our everyday routines and our universal motivations. They show us a lot about ourselves and the people around us. So as a cartoonist, Robb Armstrong has drawn a few lessons from life that he shares in this moving memoir. Weaving together his personal stories with simple drawing tutorials and original illustrations, Fearless is both a compelling read and an inspirational lesson on how to live well, through the good times and the bad.
240 pages, Hardcover
First published April 12, 2016
1 person is currently reading
53 people want to read
About the author
Robb Armstrong
19 books6 followersRobb Armstrong is an American cartoonist, best known for creating the comic strip Jump Start, as well some of his motivational speeches. He was on March 4, 1962 born in Philadelphia and now lives near the city in Conshohocken with his wife and two children. He graduated from Syracuse University with a bachelor's degree in Fine Arts.
On May 19, 2012, Robb Armstrong received an honorary “Doctor of Humane Letters”, Honoris causa degree from Holy Family University in Pennsylvania.
On May 19, 2012, Robb Armstrong received an honorary “Doctor of Humane Letters”, Honoris causa degree from Holy Family University in Pennsylvania.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
June 14, 2022
2022 bk 180. This book is needed on the shelves of every high school library and YA public library - and even on adult shelves. Robb Armstrong writes a comic strip series "Jumpstart". I've enjoyed reading the strip over the past years, but did not know anything about the cartoonist. His life is a story of tragic circumstances, golden opportunities, and home truths. One tidbit to share. Charles Schulz thought highly enough of Armstrong's work, that when he needed to give his character Franklin a last name, Schulz called this cartoonist and asked for permission - and that is the story behind how Franklin Armstrong acquired a last name. A definite read for anyone interested in the world of cartooning, art, growing up in a largely white world, and overcoming life's trials.
July 7, 2024
Although I’m not a comic book reader and have never heard of this author, Robb Armstrong, this book was GREAT.
The author has a very relatable story and he wrote the book in a conversational way.
He was also very inspirational. He grew up through humble beginnings, with an active mother who became very successful. I really enjoyed reading how he overcame many odds to achieve success.
I really enjoyed this book.
The author has a very relatable story and he wrote the book in a conversational way.
He was also very inspirational. He grew up through humble beginnings, with an active mother who became very successful. I really enjoyed reading how he overcame many odds to achieve success.
I really enjoyed this book.
October 7, 2021
An interesting life story.
June 24, 2016
What a life he has led. Forget feeling sorry for yourself or being bitter! What an inspiring man.
March 3, 2017
Robb Armstrong has been a content creator for decades, from artistic ventures to comics, being especially well known for his syndicated strip Jump Start since 1989. No stranger to exploring other endeavors, Fearless: A Cartoonist’s Guide to Life marks Armstrong’s first foray into the literary realm. First and foremost, Fearless is a motivational book with a healthy dosage of autobiographical content to help underscore Armstrong’s wisdom. The book also flirts with other genres as well as it contains art lessons and comic strips as well.
For the book’s twenty chapters, Armstrong uses a consistent yet unique structure: each chapter begins with an artistic exercise (from drawing to painting to working with clay) which Armstrong uses as foundation for the autobiographical content that makes of up the bulk of the chapter before book-ending it with his life lesson proper. Peppered in each chapter are comics from Armstrong’s archives (both from Jump Start and earlier fare), and exclusive drawings to compliment the narrative.
The first half of Fearless focuses on Armstrong’s youth; growing up in the different neighborhoods of Philadelphia, the tremendous influence of his mother Dot, losing his brother Billy due to a freak subway accident, attending The Shipley School, losing his mother to cancer, and attending Syracuse University. The midpoint of Fearless shifts focus to Armstrong’s comic strip Jump Start, elaborating on its characters and where he drew inspiration of them from. The latter half of the book is more contemporary, with Armstrong musing over his first marriage that ended in divorce, meeting his second wife, his children, and exploring the possibilities of adopting Jump Start into other media, such as films and television, which necessitated having Armstrong relocate to the Los Angeles area and integrate himself into the entertainment industry.
Armstrong’s purpose for Fearless is convey the struggles and adversity he had faced in his life, coupled with the people that supported and made him stronger, so that the reader can re-purpose these lessons to themselves. While a cartoonist himself, Armstrong goes to great lengths to make sure his text is accessible to all, regardless of proficiency, trade, or profession. The art lessons are more like guidelines than what would be found in a proper “how-to” art book, but they too are accessible enough to entice the non-artist to try. While many of the situations Armstrong faces during his life are quite solemn and serious (the death of members of his family, childhood friends being sent to jail, marriage woes, and coping with the Hollywood beast), Armstrong’s optimism remains dominate, and his humour can be found throughout. Armstrong does draw on religious views for portions of his book, but never becomes heavy-handed for readers of other denominations. Fearless is truly geared to be a book for anyone.
The end result is a fun book. Fearless gives insight into both Armstrong, his life and career, and helps provide additional context to his comics as well. As a motivational book, it also succeeds in this endeavor, supplying life lessons and advice on how to turn adversity into strength.
For the book’s twenty chapters, Armstrong uses a consistent yet unique structure: each chapter begins with an artistic exercise (from drawing to painting to working with clay) which Armstrong uses as foundation for the autobiographical content that makes of up the bulk of the chapter before book-ending it with his life lesson proper. Peppered in each chapter are comics from Armstrong’s archives (both from Jump Start and earlier fare), and exclusive drawings to compliment the narrative.
The first half of Fearless focuses on Armstrong’s youth; growing up in the different neighborhoods of Philadelphia, the tremendous influence of his mother Dot, losing his brother Billy due to a freak subway accident, attending The Shipley School, losing his mother to cancer, and attending Syracuse University. The midpoint of Fearless shifts focus to Armstrong’s comic strip Jump Start, elaborating on its characters and where he drew inspiration of them from. The latter half of the book is more contemporary, with Armstrong musing over his first marriage that ended in divorce, meeting his second wife, his children, and exploring the possibilities of adopting Jump Start into other media, such as films and television, which necessitated having Armstrong relocate to the Los Angeles area and integrate himself into the entertainment industry.
Armstrong’s purpose for Fearless is convey the struggles and adversity he had faced in his life, coupled with the people that supported and made him stronger, so that the reader can re-purpose these lessons to themselves. While a cartoonist himself, Armstrong goes to great lengths to make sure his text is accessible to all, regardless of proficiency, trade, or profession. The art lessons are more like guidelines than what would be found in a proper “how-to” art book, but they too are accessible enough to entice the non-artist to try. While many of the situations Armstrong faces during his life are quite solemn and serious (the death of members of his family, childhood friends being sent to jail, marriage woes, and coping with the Hollywood beast), Armstrong’s optimism remains dominate, and his humour can be found throughout. Armstrong does draw on religious views for portions of his book, but never becomes heavy-handed for readers of other denominations. Fearless is truly geared to be a book for anyone.
The end result is a fun book. Fearless gives insight into both Armstrong, his life and career, and helps provide additional context to his comics as well. As a motivational book, it also succeeds in this endeavor, supplying life lessons and advice on how to turn adversity into strength.
May 17, 2023
A memoir by the author of the Jumpstart comic, which I have read for years. Robb Armstrong grew up in what he calls the ghetto in West Philadelphia without an active father, but he was helped by other people to push for success in his life. There were tragic events, but he persevered. It took a whole community for him to get where he is today. This is a motivational book. Two main things needed, be fearless (confident) and have perseverance. His Christian faith is also important to him.
There is an art lesson at the beginning of each of the short chapters, each related to the topic of that chapter. I read through the description of the lessons, but did not invest in the art supplies to do them.
The early part of the book is the best, showing Robb's drive to succeed. After he moved to California, it seems like he got more caught up in the Hollywood lifestyle and is doing more name dropping. But overall, this book is a good reminder of what can happen after a difficult beginning in life.
There is an art lesson at the beginning of each of the short chapters, each related to the topic of that chapter. I read through the description of the lessons, but did not invest in the art supplies to do them.
The early part of the book is the best, showing Robb's drive to succeed. After he moved to California, it seems like he got more caught up in the Hollywood lifestyle and is doing more name dropping. But overall, this book is a good reminder of what can happen after a difficult beginning in life.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 30, 2025
As expected, the book is comical- but it was very inspiring too! I love Jumpstart, and it was great to read the author's story. I like how grounded the comic is, and this book explains why.
Robbin Armstrong had a rough childhood without a father, in the ghettos of Philadelphia in the 1960s-70s. He went through traumatic family deaths, a divorce, children born with disabilities; fear, and many rejections. Instead of bitterness, he gleaned lessons. He gives the most credit to his mom and his Christian faith, among many other people who helped him along the way. I enjoyed his positive view.
And of course he details his hard work in creating Jumpstart and getting it syndicated!
As one of my favorite comics Savage Chickens puts it, 'Lots of people tell you how difficult it is to be an artist, but nobody tells you how difficult it is *not* to be an artist.'
The book is full of quotable lessons. It also comes with art lessons.
Robbin Armstrong had a rough childhood without a father, in the ghettos of Philadelphia in the 1960s-70s. He went through traumatic family deaths, a divorce, children born with disabilities; fear, and many rejections. Instead of bitterness, he gleaned lessons. He gives the most credit to his mom and his Christian faith, among many other people who helped him along the way. I enjoyed his positive view.
And of course he details his hard work in creating Jumpstart and getting it syndicated!
As one of my favorite comics Savage Chickens puts it, 'Lots of people tell you how difficult it is to be an artist, but nobody tells you how difficult it is *not* to be an artist.'
The book is full of quotable lessons. It also comes with art lessons.
March 31, 2019
I admire Robb’s drawing ability, and have always enjoyed the upbeat nature and likeable drawings & characters of JumpStart. All good stuff. His early life story is very compelling as well, but starting with his first marriage, and beyond, he became a little too self centered for me... enough so that I began to dislike him a little and found it difficult to stick with the narration.
Then the late focus on the hoped-for TV program adventure clinched only the 3rd star, no more.
Too much Hollywood hoped-for info dealing with pretty shallow sounding people that I could have done without. And so also could Robb: he has a better story to tell than that.
I would have liked to hear more about the speaking engagements, who he spoke to, what he tried to share with them, what he learned from those experiences, if he volunteered that time (or not)
Then the late focus on the hoped-for TV program adventure clinched only the 3rd star, no more.
Too much Hollywood hoped-for info dealing with pretty shallow sounding people that I could have done without. And so also could Robb: he has a better story to tell than that.
I would have liked to hear more about the speaking engagements, who he spoke to, what he tried to share with them, what he learned from those experiences, if he volunteered that time (or not)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 13, 2023
I've seen JumpStart in the Los Angeles Times. I'm surprised at how often Robb Armstrong refers to his faith. He started life in the Philadelphia ghetto with a single mother and 4 siblings. (He's the youngest.) His mother, Dot, had such an effervescent personality that her friends looked out for him after her passing. Her friends happened to be wealthy and high-powered. He expresses gratitude for his angels and champions that family is determined by love, not solely by blood. I choose to embrace the lessons Mr. Armstrong shares. He has generosity of spirit, truly his mother's son.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 27, 2023
A pretty cool book, part autobiography--what a tough early life this fellow had, which he overcame by God's grace and through the help of many lovely people--and part art lesson. Having very recently discovered his super comic strip, Jumpstart, I am happy to learn more about this brother, who is almost exactly my age!
February 27, 2024
What an Interesting life Mr Armstrong has lived. Great advice and tips on being an artist. A true peek behind the curtain.
August 6, 2025
Awe-inspiring relatable artistic treat that will tug at your heart strings.
December 30, 2017
Armstrong intertwines drawing lessons with life-lessons. The dance that he plays between art and life show how he has preserved with a vision that is unyielding. He uses his memoir to reflect on the past and finds ways to inspire the reader to look towards the future.
August 23, 2016
This book is pretty much a mixed bag. I have enjoyed Armstrong's comic strip, Jump Start, for years. Part of this book is autobiographical, including the origin and inspirations behind the cartoon. Part of the book is art lessons, which I found rather strange. I understand he's an artist, but I personally was not going to run out and buy all these art supplies before reading the next chapter. That should have been a separate book.
And lastly and most weakly, it's an inspirational guide. Again, this did not really fit with his core story. The book was in the adult section of the library and his story may be okay for teens, but I wouldn't advise anyone younger to read it. Yet at the end of each chapter he has these little life lessons which seem aimed at children and are written in a very wooden, stilted manner.
The book definitely needed a co-writer to smooth out the writing and a good editor to tell him to cut all this stuff that did not fit. His life, his art - those are interesting. The art lessons and the life lessons are just painful to read.
And lastly and most weakly, it's an inspirational guide. Again, this did not really fit with his core story. The book was in the adult section of the library and his story may be okay for teens, but I wouldn't advise anyone younger to read it. Yet at the end of each chapter he has these little life lessons which seem aimed at children and are written in a very wooden, stilted manner.
The book definitely needed a co-writer to smooth out the writing and a good editor to tell him to cut all this stuff that did not fit. His life, his art - those are interesting. The art lessons and the life lessons are just painful to read.
June 10, 2016
An interesting mix of art assignments and autobiographical details. I had never thought about (though now it seems obvious) how racism effects the comics world.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews