Character Matters: A Ziggy Collection

by Tom Wilson

Touching the hearts and tickling the funny bones of readers since 1971, Ziggy is a cultural icon. Who knows how many yellowed and curling clippings of the cartoon are displayed on refrigerators, computers, doors, and bulletin boards across America? Some of the most cherished panels are ones that feature Ziggy performing small acts of kindness and good works. The best of these are collected in the latest Ziggy book, Character Matters .

The charm of Ziggy is that he lives a sweetly simple life. Things often don't go his way, but he always perseveres and maintains his sunny outlook. Ziggy is Everyperson, the part of us that harbors warm feelings and good intentions, but sometimes gets stepped on by a reckless world. In the great tradition of Ben Franklin, Roy Rogers, and Forrest Gump, Ziggy delivers his own homespun philosophy and retains his individualism and character, regardless of the transforming forces at work in a swiftly changing world.

Comforted and inspired by his steadfastness, his tenacity, and his gentle spirit, Ziggy fans have been intensely loyal for over three decades.

128 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2004

About the author

Tom Wilson is the author of the phenomenally popular cartoon Ziggy, which is syndicated internationally in more than 600 newspapers. He lives in Cincinnati, Ohio with his two sons and is president of Ziggy and Friends, Inc. Wilson is also founder of Character Matters, a branding and marketing firm.

Reviews

[Ramona · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ziggy is one of those cartoon characters that you love or hate. I think he is hilarious, cute, timeless, and educational. The time period, for the setting, of the comics, tells us a lot and you can still relate to that humor today. The illustrations jump out at you, with a point that is very obvious. You can take some of the humorous ideas in many ways. For any age group who needs a giggle, a chuckle or a deep belly laugh...this is for you. Enjoy!

[Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's been a very long time since I've read Ziggy, and when I write this review earlier I was kind of rough on this book. It's not so bad, really and most of the cartoons are the cute, inspiring ones that I remember. Every once in a while a character from another cartoon series is mentioned, which I've always found funny. The ones presented here are pretty relatable which is why I liked this book more than the other Ziggy books I've read. But sorry, Ziggy. I still prefer Peanuts. =)