Picture a cartoonist who turned suburban squirrels and raccoons into global superstars—meet Michael Fry! This American artist, writer, and entrepreneur has tickled funny bones worldwide with his syndicated comic strips like Over the Hedge and his innovative work in animation through RingTales. With a knack for witty storytelling and a career spanning print, film, and digital media, Fry’s creative spark continues to light up the world of comics.
The Making of Michael Fry
Born on August 16, 1959, in Minneapolis, Michael Fry grew up with a pencil in hand and a penchant for humor. He studied history at the University of Texas at Austin, but his true calling emerged through editorial cartoons for student newspapers. After college, Fry dove into professional cartooning at The Houston Post, creating the local strip Scotty. His early work, marked by sharp wit and relatable characters, set the stage for a prolific career in comics and beyond.
Michael Fry’s Unforgettable Stories
Fry’s comic strip Over the Hedge, co-created with illustrator T. Lewis, is a hilarious take on suburban life through the eyes of animals like RJ the raccoon and Verne the turtle. Launched in 1995, it became a global hit, inspiring a 2006 DreamWorks Animation film featuring voices by Bruce Willis and Steve Carell. The strip’s clever social commentary and quirky humor earned a 2006 National Cartoonists Society nomination. Another gem, Committed, ran from 1994 to 2006, exploring marriage and family life with an animated series adaptation in 2001. Fry also penned middle-grade novels like The Odd Squad series, blending humor and heart for young readers, and How to Be a Supervillain, a bestselling romp about a reluctant bad guy. His style—playful, insightful, and packed with visual gags—makes his work endlessly re-readable.
As co-founder and president of RingTales, Fry pioneered the animation of print comics for digital platforms. RingTales brought strips like Dilbert, Pearls Before Swine, and The New Yorker cartoons to life in short, ad-supported videos, amassing over 260 million views since 2007. His ability to bridge traditional comics with modern media showcases his forward-thinking creativity.
Why Michael Fry Matters
Michael Fry’s impact lies in his ability to make us laugh at ourselves. His comics and novels capture the absurdities of everyday life, from suburban sprawl to family dynamics, with a warmth that resonates across generations. Through RingTales, he’s reshaped how comics reach audiences, proving that humor can thrive in any medium. Fry’s work reminds us that a good laugh is timeless, whether delivered on newsprint or a smartphone screen.
About Michael Fry
- Born: August 16, 1959, Minneapolis, Minnesota
- Key Works: Over the Hedge, Committed, The Odd Squad, How to Be a Supervillain
- Awards: Denise McCoy Legacy Award (2015) for The Odd Squad: King Karl
- Fun Fact: He lives near Austin, Texas, with his wife, dog, and shrub-eating cows!
Ready to chuckle? Grab Over the Hedge or The Odd Squad and dive into Michael Fry’s hilarious world of wit and whimsy!