As a Red Sox fan, I check out the Boston Dirt Dogs web site (owned by Boston.com) pretty often. That site appears to have an exclusive agreement with cartoonist Frank Galasso. After ranting and raving about his cartoons for over a year, I snapped. His most recent cartoon pushed me over the edge and I decided to let him know about it. What follows is the unabridged transcript of our emails from this morning. Ladies and gentlemen, Frank Galasso is a master. He could be a hostage negotiator. He took all of my virtriol, absorbed it, and shot it back out at me in the form of sunshine, lollipops, and rainbows. Read on…
From: Cool Jesus
To: frankgalasso@frankgalasso.com
Date: Sep 14, 2006 9:40 AMSubject: Back to the drawing board…please
Mr. Galasso,
I thought Larry Johnson’s cartoons on weei.com were putrid, but this piece of dung makes Larry Johnson look like Norman Rockwell. Why does this person(?) have udders? Why is he(?) round? What the heck is that round object over his back? Why does the back foot look like a sack of potatoes? More importantly, why do you draw each and every person as a giant, round, fat load? Most of the cartoons you pawn off to bostondirtdogs.com are offensive to the eyes. I’m looking at your web site, however, and I’m baffled. You seem to be able to draw a good cartoon when you want to. I guess guys like you and Johnson are content with mailing it in to the likes of WEEI and Dirt Dogs. Please head back to the drawing board. Show some pride in your work and give Dirt Dogs the same quality you give other media outlets.
Sincerely,
[I used my Gmail screen name]
From: frankgalasso@frankgalasso.com
To: Cool Jesus
Date: Sep 14, 2006 9:55 AM
Subject: RE: Back to the drawing board…please
Hello [Cool Jesus]!
Normally I don’t respond to people who hide behind ‘tag names’ It would be more brave to state your real name and where you are from, but anyway, here goes.
The fat guy represents the team as a whole, not any one person in particular, cartoons are itneded at tiems to try and make light of situations when theya re not, that is why when the sox or any team is having the problems they are, I try and make light so at least the kids and ‘adult’ fans can chuckle….if you don’t like it, that’s your freedom. As for Larry Johnson, Larry is a fine cartoonist and a great colleague.
Obviously, over a million readers per day and dortdogs doesn’t see whatever you seem to have a problem with.
Why are you mentioning my curt schilling drawing? Or the patriots dynasty tribute? Carlton fisk Tribute?
Those are just some of my work that has been hailed as some of the finest tributes in the Nation…
So, for the fat guy…I’ don’t know, maybe I’ll have to put him on a diet.
Thanks for writing!
Frankie
From: Cool Jesus
To: frankgalasso@frankgalasso.com
Date: Sep 14, 2006 10:16 AM
Subject: RE: Back to the drawing board…please
Mr. Galasso,
You are quick. Not that you’d care after I trashed your work, but since you replied, you have my respect. Thank you for your explanation. Yes, the Schilling drawing looked good, as did the Patriots dynasty tribute, and the Beatles drawing, among others. As for Fisk, I happen to think he’s an awful person, so he is not deserving of any tributes. I’m looking forward to seeing more work on the Dirt Dog site that is indicative of what seems to be your true talent. Since your cartoons are so prominently featured there, I happen to believe you have the power to either elevate that site to a higher level of quality or allow it to linger in mediocrity.
Regards,
For the record, it’s [my real name] from Boston
From: frankgalasso@frankgalasso.com
To: Cool Jesus
Date: Sep 14, 2006 10:26 AM
Subject: RE: Back to the drawing board…please
Thanks [Real Name],
I have to do this sometimes, sometimes it’s just kids getting smart and I thought you were one of them…
I need your feedback.it keeps me thinking and helps make my future work better…
Write back again.
I’ll be starting up my lithograph giveaways again soon…free giveway! All we want is the fans opinion.
Thanks!
Sincerely,
Frankie
