Marmaduke
By Brad Anderson | 13.6K FollowersAbout Marmaduke
Marmaduke is America's most lovable Great Dane. Created by Brad Anderson, the classic comic canine has delighted newspaper readers since 1954. Marmaduke lives with the Winslow family, who, try as they might, just can't seem to get him to obey. Despite his antics, the playful pooch is top dog in the neighborhood and on the comics page, where he has endeared himself to readers in more than 20 countries.
The daily panel also strikes a chord with pet owners, many of whom write to Anderson to comment on Marmaduke as if he were a real dog. “People who’ve had a pet in their lives, or wish they had, will identify with the antics of this loving dog,” said Paul Anderson, who now creates “Marmaduke” with his father. “He doesn’t lecture or get political. He’s good-natured and kind, lives a dog’s life, gets into mischief and takes care of his family, generating smiles along the way.”
The Andersons also regularly hear about how “Marmaduke” has taught children how to read for generations through its approachable tone and messages.
Meet Brad Anderson
Brad and Paul Anderson are the father-and-son cartoonists behind the acclaimed comic “Marmaduke.” The classic canine Brad created has delighted comics readers for nearly six decades.
A canine with a conscience, Marmaduke was the official "spokesdog" for the Delta Society’s Pet Partners animal-assisted therapy program, led the American Cancer Society’s "Paws for a Cause" dog walk-a-thon, and starred in PSAs for The American Association of Blood Banks.
Born in Jamestown, New York, Brad drew popular cartoon characters in childhood to amuse himself. A graduate of Syracuse University, he drew freelance cartoons for magazines including The Saturday Evening Post and Collier’s before creating “Marmaduke” in 1954. Brad won the National Cartoonists Society awards for Best Comic Panel in 1976 and Lifetime Achievement in 2012. He remains an active part of the creative team 59 years (or more aptly, 413 dog years) later.
Paul was born in San Fernando, California, and received his undergraduate degree from Brigham Young University and his graduate degree from Troy State University. Paul grew up with “Marmaduke”—hanging out in his father’s studio, poring over the comic, contributing gag ideas, and assisting Brad. After a 20-year career with the Air Force as a helicopter pilot and overseeing financial operations, Paul retired as a lieutenant colonel and resumed work with Brad in 2003. Paul has since become a full-time “Marmaduke” creator.