Jim Lange's cartoons pub. by The Daily Oklahoman (1994)/ 204 pp./$20.00
Jim Lange has drawn more than 17,000 cartoons that most Oklahomans considered a "gem," but some outsiders may have considered propaganda. Of course, others outside of Oklahoma might not know the work of Lange, an editorial cartoonist who has worked since 1950 for the Daily Oklahoman, a newspaper published in Oklahoma City.
Those who would like to know more about Lange's work are able to purchase a 204-page sampling of more than 400 editorial cartoons in a book originally published in 1994 by the Daily Oklahoman.
A "gentle giant," Lange is able to firmly but quietly stand up for what he believes (and he is a conservative) without insulting those who disagree. He does so whether he is jabbing a U.S. President or some policy decision, ribbing a state official who is caught with his hand in the public cookie jar, or grinning at the mundane foolishness of life.
His work contains jibes at now historical figures like Barry Goldwater and Richard Nixon. And every one is recognizable; unlike a few editorial cartoonists, Lange is a master of caricature.
You also may recognize yourself as John Q. Public, Lange's "common man" dressed in a crumpled suit but with sensible black shoes. Partially balding and sporting a bit of a brush of a mustache, this figure consistently wears a befuddled or amused expression as he observes the follies of life--just like you.
Sometimes Lange's predictions fell short, like the time he took on the subject of gasoline prices. Pulitzer-prize winning editorial cartoonist, Joel Pett called attention to Lange's faux pas that 70-cent gas would "lead to the return of the roller skate."
Lange's minimalist style with each incredible smooth and visually attractive line also features a master's instinct regarding what is visually needed or not needed to make his point.
Commentary by Michael Vance
To order your copy of Lange's cartoons, send a note with a $20 check to The Daily Oklahoman, POB 25125, Oklahoma City, OK 73125.
Lange's work is on display at the Oklahoma Cartoonists' Collection. For more info, go here.
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