Reviews

Unless you're very young, you have to be familiar with the Lone Ranger. White hat, black mask, and a beautiful white horse named Silver. And his faithful sidekick, Tonto.

I remember both the comics and a TV show from the past, but I never thought about the man writing the comic or creating the Lone Ranger. Reading this book straightened that out.

Tom Gill was self-taught in art. He actually got his start in making maps when the war broke out in Pearl Harbor. He also visited the troops several times and made sketches of the boys in the service overseas. He had a few adventures of his own on those travels, too.

He drew more than 135 Lone Ranger comic books. He also taught at the Cartoonists and Illustrators School in New York City.

Tom's memories are filled with fun and show you the nature of this good steady man. I enjoyed reading this book.

There is also a section at the back with information about the other cartoonists on the USO tours or that he worked with through the years. For me, it was like a trip down memory lane.

Jo Ann Hakola 4225 Harrison St
Las Cruces, NM 88005
http://bookfaerie.com
http://bkfaerie.blogspot.com
Proud Member of IOBA, Independent Online Booksellers Association

This is the posthumously-published autobiography of Tom Gill, who created 135 of the 145 Lone Ranger comic books launched by Dell in 1948. The book does not focus solely on the Lone Ranger, as it is a firsthand account of an artist who toured military bases and hospitals all over the world as part of a troupe of comic creators (including Mort Walker of Beetle Bailey and Al Capp of Li’l Abner). A curious and mildly adventurous man, Bill took delight in some of the more risqué episodes in his travels. The book is light, but it’s charming and entertaining. And it includes some extra material on the various artists mentioned that is written by Gill’s collaborator, Tim Lasiuta.

Henry Cabot Beck
True West Magazine

This book is so appropriately titled. One would never guess a cartoonist would be seeing so much of the world, but reading about Tom Gill's travels in addition to his wonderful escapades as a cartoonist is a fun and enlightening read...

The camaraderie Gill shared with other cartoonists such as Mad Magazine's Jack Menelsohn, Teena's Hilda Terry, Mort Walker of Beetle Baily fame, and Ham Fisher's Joe Palooka and others make up a fascinating part of book.

Diana Saenger
ClassicMovieGuide.com

"What could be so interesting about the life of a cartoonist? He sits at his drawing board every day, pressed to meet deadlines, etc. It's a job. But Tom Gill's life went far beyond his studio. He was also a teacher, a mentor, a friend to many. And he had loads of tales to tell about his adventures while working with teams of famous cartoonists, traveling extensively to entertain troops on USO tours after WW II and the Korean War."

O.J. Sikes
Sept-Oct 2008
Rope Burns Magazine

"...if you eagerly grabbed the newspaper to read the daily comics; think only of the Lone Ranger when you hear the William Tell Overture; remember the decades after World War II and hearing about USO tours; or are a comic book aficionado that knows no limits -- then this is a book for you and one that you'll enjoy reading."

About.com
Collectibles
Barbara Crews

"Worthwhile things take time". This is something the dedicated folk at "Five Star" know and practice.
The fulfilling of Tom's desire to make known his experiences in a book telling of his USO / NCS travels was much like one of the trips themselves.
While there were no nose diving planes or potential snippers in the path , Linda Radke and her crew sweated out many delays. The journey took two and one half years, but now the fruits of their labors can be shared.
"The Misadventures of a Roving Cartoonist" has been part of my life with Tom since our union in 1996 . Now his dream is a reality and it is a joy to hold the book in my hands. Many thanks to all involved, past , present and future.

As ever,
'trish' Gill

The Misadventures of a Roving Cartoonist is a wonderful way for future generations of artists and fans to relive the adventures of some of America's best cartoonists.

I loved the mini-bios at the end of the book honoring the memory and achievments of these artists.

As a writer, Tom Gill is fun and easy to read. He knows how to capture his past in a way that brings it to life for today's reader. I wish I could have met him!

I recommend The Misadventures of a Roving Cartoonist to all artists, writers, teachers, librarians, and fans. Misadventures introduces you to the world of cartoonists in a way that everyone can enjoy and appreciate, myself included!"

Phillip Yeh, Founder
Cartoonists Across America & The World

After having read only snippets from an advance e-mailing of THE MISADVENTURES OF A ROVING CARTOONIST, I am already hooked. Having the unique opportunity to own and read the late Tom Gill's own glowing remembrances, I truly anticipate with excitement ... print this book, quickly ! So many major cartoonists from the Golden era of this field never left clear or detailed documentation of their professional journeys or exploits with fellow ink slingers, outside of silent black and white photos that cry for a voice ... and that's exactly what Tom Gill DID do, here in this magnificent memoir. For too long the comic artwork that has entertained millions for generations has been consumed without any regard for the varied and colorful people that created them in their private studios, virtually anonymously. Now, the wise foresight of the late Tom Gill has shattered that, with a real ' page turner' of an autobiography, of not only his own life but of those fellow creators who shared it with him. Having known Tom personally as a friend, plus a number of those also featured in this book, this work will resonate strongly and will remain a ' must have', for both those who knew Tom and those who wish to meet him now ... thanks to his treasured written words.

Thank you Tom and Tim, for finally making this manuscript a valuable part of our nations' archive on the history of the American comic book and comic strip. Hi - Yo readers !!

Bill Janocha
Cartoonist and BEETLE BAILEY assistant,
Feb. 15, 2008

Published by Five Star Legends,
a division of Five Star Publications, Inc.
Publish Date: May 2008
Price: $29.95 / Hardcover / Non-fiction
ISBN: 978-1-58985-021-7