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32 - The Oakville Beaver, Friday January 25, 2008 www.oakvillebeaver.com Artscene Oakville Beaver · FRIDAY, JANUARY 25, 2008 Cartoonist Nease among the best of the best By Krissie Rutherford OAKVILLE BEAVER STAFF I t's a book of the best cartoons in the world, and The Oakville Beaver's resident cartoonist cracked it not once, not twice, but five times. Steve Nease's cartoons on the Virginia Tech massacre, the massive toy recall, Britney Spears, Harry Potter and crumbling infrastructure were selected for The Best Political Cartoons of the Year, 2008 Edition. He's among just a handful of Canadians included in the book, which features cartoonists from the United States, as well as Germany, Bulgaria, Ireland, Sweden, Australia and more. Of course, being included among the world's best is nothing new for Nease. The more than 25year cartoon veteran's work has been selected for the book three years running, though it's always an honour. RIZIERO VERTOLLI / OAKVILLE BEAVER AMONG THE BEST: Oakville Beaver artistic director and cartoonist Steve Nease is among a few Canadians whose work is included in The Best Political Cartoons of the Year, 2008 Edition. "The best cartoonists in the world are all in this book, and what makes it unique is the global participation," said Nease, who is also included yearly in Canadian and American books featuring the best cartoons of the year. "I consider this the best collection of cartoons out there. It certainly has the widest range of cartoons and cartoonists to choose from." The Best Political Cartoons of the Year is assembled by Daryl Cagle, who runs the Internet's most popular cartoon site at www.cagle.com, where Nease, a multi award-winning cartoonist and author of the popular family comic strip, Pud, is often featured. He heard about Cagle's website about five years ago, and sent in some work. Cagle told him to keep it coming. The site mainly includes the work of American cartoonists, but also features cartoonists from across the globe. "It's good exposure," Nease explained. "I've had emails from people all over the world because of this site. Australia, Germany, and all over the U.S." Generating the most emails are his cartoons on the infamous George W. Bush. "If I do a cartoon on Bush, I'll get emails ­ lots of emails," said Nease, smiling. "Half will be from Republicans saying I'm a jerk, and half will be from Democrats saying it was the best cartoon they saw." This debate is something Nease seeks to create with his cartoons ­ to push the envelope, to get his readers thinking critically. There was certainly no shortage of topics to comment on in 2007. "The Ontario election was ripe for comment," said Nease. "Stephane Dion's trials and tribulations as Liberal leader, the toy recall, the pet food recall ­ there was lots of stuff." He says his favourite cartoon to See Among page 33 BUSINESS WEBSITE VIDEO TALKING CHARACTER $69/00 . MONTH* Showcase Your Business. Reach New Customers. Links to Local Sales & Specials Local Video Guide Complete Local Business Directory Shopping Mall Guide Local Web Guide For more information call 310-GOLD or email sales@goldbook.ca *with the purchase of any Gold Book product.