Picture a sharp-witted cartoonist who’s been skewering politics with a penguin named Sparky for over three decades—meet Dan Perkins, better known as Tom Tomorrow! His weekly comic strip, This Modern World, blends biting satire with a retro 1950s vibe, offering a hilarious yet poignant take on American culture and politics. From newspapers to album covers, Tomorrow’s work has left an indelible mark.
Born in Wichita, Kansas, in 1961, Perkins grew up in an era buzzing with utopian dreams and sci-fi fantasies. His unique lens on society has made him a standout voice, earning accolades from the likes of Kurt Vonnegut and a loyal following across alternative weeklies.
The Making of Tom Tomorrow
Dan Perkins spent his formative years in Iowa City, immersing himself in the vibrant zine scene of the 1980s. Influenced by Mad magazine and alternative cartoonists like Jules Feiffer and Matt Groening, he began crafting collages and gag cartoons. His early work appeared in the anarchist magazine Processed World, where he adopted the pen name Tom Tomorrow. By 1988, he launched This Modern World, initially a satire on consumerism, which soon pivoted to political commentary as his audience grew.
Self-syndicating his strip in the 1990s, Perkins built a network of over 90 newspapers, from the Village Voice to the San Francisco Examiner. His determination to carve his own path set the stage for a career defined by fearless critique and creative independence.
Tom Tomorrow’s Unforgettable Stories
This Modern World is Perkins’ crown jewel, a weekly strip that uses a retro aesthetic to lampoon modern absurdities. Featuring Sparky, a sunglasses-wearing penguin, and characters like Biff, a clueless conservative, the strip tackles issues from gun control to corporate greed. Its wordy, sequential style—reminiscent of Mad magazine—delivers sharp arguments through absurd scenarios, like aliens debating austerity on planet Glox.
Beyond the strip, Perkins has published ten anthologies, including Penguin Soup for the Soul and 25 Years of Tomorrow, a massive retrospective funded by a record-breaking $310,357 Kickstarter in 2015. He also ventured into children’s literature with The Very Silly Mayor and designed the cover for Pearl Jam’s 2009 album Backspacer. His animated web cartoons from 1999–2001, voiced by stars like Jeopardy! contestants, showcased his versatility.
Perkins’ style is instantly recognizable: bright, clip-art-inspired visuals paired with verbose dialogue that mocks naive optimism. His ability to predict cultural trends—like QAnon’s rise in a 2017 strip—underscores his knack for capturing society’s strangeness.
Why Tom Tomorrow Matters
Tom Tomorrow’s work is a masterclass in using humor to confront power. His fearless critiques of politicians and media have earned him two Robert F. Kennedy Journalism Awards, the 2013 Herblock Prize, and a 2015 Pulitzer Prize finalist nod. By blending sci-fi and satire, he makes complex issues accessible, encouraging readers to question conventional wisdom.
Despite challenges like declining alt-weekly markets, Perkins has adapted through platforms like Daily Kos, where he curates comics, and Sparky’s List, a direct-support newsletter. His influence endures, inspiring a new generation of cartoonists to wield wit as a weapon.
- Born: April 5, 1961, Wichita, Kansas
- Key Works: This Modern World, Penguin Soup for the Soul, 25 Years of Tomorrow, The Very Silly Mayor
- Awards: Two Robert F. Kennedy Journalism Awards, 2013 Herblock Prize, 2024 Berryman Award
Grab a copy of 25 Years of Tomorrow and dive into Tom Tomorrow’s razor-sharp world of satire!