M2Bulls

“The Heyoka in Lakota culture is a 'contrary'; a man who does everything backward … walking backward or saying things that mean the opposite of what he says. He brings humor to the band, which is important, especially in the closeness of the village during the winter. He is often a holy man and a person who will, through humor and ridicule, put down a bully or someone trying to be bossy.

An editorial cartoonist must have the mind and soul of a Heyoka, and the trickster spirit of Iktomi, or coyote, or any of those wonderful critters that Indian cultures have used throughout the centuries to puncture egos and bigotry with humor. And he must have the courage of Crazy Horse to stand up to the bigots and bullies he has vanquished with humor and ridicule.

Such a talent … is Marty Two Bulls, Oglala Lakota artist featured in Indian Country Today. He’s a keen observer, well-informed in current Indian policy and politics, politically astute and sophisticated. His draftsmanship is second to none, his wit is sharp. There is never meanness in his cartoons but, metaphorically speaking, he hits as hard as Mohammed Ali. And he is Indian—Lakota, through and through, and that comes through.

Two Bulls’ fan base is widespread across Indian Country. [He draws] specifically for Indians and others involved in Indian affairs … a reader must be familiar with the political, cultural, or humorous situation he is commenting on to fully appreciate his work.” — Charles E. Trimble