Ziggy
By Tom Wilson & Tom II | 18.9K FollowersAbout Ziggy
Poor Ziggy. He’s perpetually one step behind, one nickel short, one lane away from the fast lane. But we love him for it, because everyone feels like Ziggy now and then.
Known as America's lovable loser, Ziggy has inspired readers for decades. Serving as an island of humor in a sea of trouble, "Ziggy" appeals to a basic and universal need to take things less seriously and have a little laugh at ourselves. “To truly know Ziggy ... is to truly love Ziggy,” said creator Tom Wilson II.
Meet Tom Wilson & Tom II
Tom Wilson II has been drawing the comic panel "Ziggy" since 1987. It seems to come naturally to Wilson, whose father created the cartoon in 1971.
After studying graphic design at Miami University and fine art and illustration at Boston University, Wilson graduated in 1981. Wilson worked as director of new project development for Amtoy, a New York City toy company, and developed the internationally syndicated children's comic strip "UG" before becoming president of Ziggy and Friends, Inc. He has also served as a conceptual creative consultant for world-renowned think thank Richard Saunders International and created Character Matters, which develops world-class characters for branding and licensing. He lives in Cincinnati, Ohio.
The senior Tom Wilson is the founder and creator of "Ziggy." He is no longer involved in the day-to-day operation, but his heart and soul will always be a part of the lovable character.
During his career, Wilson demonstrated his ability to anticipate future trends in the marketplace. For more than 35 years, he served as a creative head at American Greetings. A veteran of the licensing business, he headed up the creative team that developed such blockbusters as Strawberry Shortcake and Care Bears.
Wilson is a talented painter whose works have appeared in exhibitions throughout the United States. His Emmy Award-winning special, "Ziggy's Gift," was re-released in 2005.
Cast of Characters
Ziggy
He is Everyperson, the part of us that harbors warm feelings and good intentions that sometimes get stepped on by a reckless world. Ziggy may not always win, but he's always trying and he knows we're in this together.
Fuzz
He is Ziggy's look-alike, bark-is-worse-than-his-bite dog. He is a loyal companion and often is more aware than Ziggy of what's going on.
Josh
He is the outspoken parrot who sometimes gets Ziggy in trouble by ordering things for himself over the phone. Unlike Ziggy, Josh takes a position on current issues that effect him.
Sid
He is Ziggy's originally misnamed cat. (The truth came out when she presented him with a basket of kittens.) Not much of a mouser, Sid is actually intimidated by mice. We also suspect she has a wild night life when we see her the morning after.
Wack
He was so named because of the sound he makes. Ziggy bought him on a street corner from a man who quacked, "Want to buy a duck?"