About the Book
Robb Armstrong has been described by People Magazine as "one of the hottest young cartoonists in America." His award-winning comic strip, JumpStart, is syndicated in more than 300 newspapers in eight countries. Fearless is both a compelling read and an inspirational lesson on life. Robb Armstrong is one of the lucky ones. One of a handful of African-American artists to have a comic strip nationally syndicated in more than 300 publications, he gets to draw for a living. He works at home, so he can spend more time with his wife and two kids. He travels around the country, teaching drawing and sharing stories about his life with young people. He's even met his share of famous people, including his idol, Charles Schulz.
But his life wasn't always so charmed. Born and raised in a rough neighborhood in West Philadelphia, Robb was one of five fatherless kids living in a cramped apartment where the electric bill didn't always get paid. When he was six, his older brother was killed in a gruesome subway accident. Soon after, his remaining brother was severely beaten by the police for being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Then, his mother died of cancer.
How did he get through all of these tragedies to the happy life? By drawing funnies. Life is not so different from the comics--the challenges, tragedies, and triumphs. Comics poke fun at our everyday routines and our universal motivations. They show us a lot about ourselves and the people around us. So as a cartoonist, Robb Armstrong has drawn a few lessons from life that he shares in this moving memoir. Weaving together his personal stories with simple drawing tutorials and original illustrations, Fearless is both a compelling read and an inspirational lesson on how to live well, through the good times and the bad.
About the Author :
Robb Armstrong has been described by People Magazine as "one of the hottest young cartoonists in America." His
award winning comic strip, JumpStart, reaches 80 million readers, and is syndicated in more than 300 newspapers
in eight countries, including The Los Angeles Times, The New York Daily News, The Boston Globe, The Atlanta
Constitution, The Philadelphia Inquirer and The Chicago Sun Times. JumpStart can be found on the Internet at
www.gocomics.com. Robb's cartoons have also been published in The New Yorker. In addition, Robb speaks frequently at schools and corporations around the country and has been featured on Good Morning America, MSNBC, CNN, BET, and Good Day Philadelphia and in Time, People, Ebony, Black Enterprise, and The New York Times. Robb and his wife live in Burbank, California.
Review :
To read this book is to know my friend: honest, passionate, truthful. With this book you're holding Robb's heart in your hands."--Tommy Davidson, actor, comedian
"Every so often a book comes along and changes your life forever. I am just pissed Fearless didn't come out when I was 17. Life would have been a hell of a lot better. And so would my drawing."--Bryan Buckley, director
"Robb Armstrong populates his comic strip with great, well-drawn characters...and that's the whole thing."--Charles Schulz, creator of the nationally syndicated comic strip Peanuts
"The book is an inspiration and a true pleasure, with some of the most insightful cartooning advice you will ever read."--Scott Adams, creator of the nationally syndicated comic strip Dilbert
"Fearless jumps off the page and shakes you up, man! Sensational! I love the passion, the tribute to his family and the love of the art. This is what it's all about!"--Quincy Jones, music producer, composer, and arranger
"I haven't read comics since I was a girl, I skip graphic novels in the bookstores, and I have no artistic talent. So, why am I on my way to buy art supplies? It's all because of Fearless. Robb Armstrong tells the truth, draws the truth, and inspires you to do the same. His memoir is a tribute to his late mother. A pleasure to read, it celebrates relationships, shows us what's important in life, and at the same time offers easy-to-follow art lessons."--Roberta Temes, PhD, author of How to Write a Memoir in 30 Days
"I've never read a book quite like this. I laughed some and cried some, but mostly I marveled at the courage of the author. Cartoonists are rare birds, their backgrounds and motivations are almost never put on display. I've always liked JumpStart, but will now see it differently, as a triumph. Robb Armstrong has dealt with adversity with moxie and a wonderful sense of humor. This is more than a self-help book. It's a literary masterwork. I wouldn't be surprised if someday his comic strip becomes as successful as mine."--Vic Van Streck, creator of the world's best comic strip Klondike Ike
"Robb Armstrong has pulled off a dazzling feat of artistry. His memoir, Fearless is really three books--a drama-filled rags-to-riches story; an inspirational guide to finding happiness; and an easy-to-follow drawing tutorial--all wrapped up in one perfect package."--Anson Williams, award-winning television director, writer, actor, singer, producer, entrepreneur, and author of Singing to a Bulldog
