Ralph Bakshi: Meeting my Cartoon Hero!

Ralph Bakshi, Q+A'ing after a screening of his film Wizards. Drawn by me, signed by Ralph!
Wondercon, 03/17/2012

“When it comes to art, if you question yourself, it could go either way. So don’t question yourself, I’m a great believer in that. All the second-guessing’ll kill you. When you start wondering about what it is that they want to hear, that’ll kill you. As for the vulgarity in Coonskin—the art of cartooning is vulgarity. The only reason for cartooning to exist is to be on the edge. If you only take apart of what they allow to take apart, you’re Disney, you’re doing illustrations, or children’s books.”- Ralph Bakshi, from an interview w/ Metroactive.

There's a saying that goes, "Never meet your heroes". All too often, if you are lucky enough to meet 'em, you'll just be bound for Disappointment Hotel: reservation for one. Sure it's happened to me a few times...

But not in the case of Ralph Bakshi.

I can go on and on about Ralph, his films, how much of an influence he/they have had on me and my own cartooning... but I don't want to bore you. Rather, why don't you check out my various Bakshi inspired blog postings, or read my CNN interview about Ralph? You'll find out how much of a deep and profound impact and inspiration this man, his films, cartoons, paintings, and art has and continues to hold on me for 30 years! I am NOT Kidding.

My beautiful girlfriend, Ava, has a great write up on her blog about our Wondercon 2012 encounter w/ Ralph. You can check that out at her blog.

Ralph was gracious, gentle, hilarious, witty, charming, and well... Ralph!

I felt like I was meeting a no-holds barred Santa Claus. And on my birthday, no less!

Best birthday ever!

It's no secret that one of my ultimate dream goals in life to work & collab w/, or to be mentored by Ralph someday. He's one of the last, true, DIY originals, and it would be an honor!
Hell, I'd even settle for an art studio visit!

Ralph- I'm ready when you are. ;)

Thank you Ralph!
-Jeaux Janovsky