Kitz ‘n’ Katz by Bob Laughlin Collected for New Audience

Which one is Kitz? Which one is Katz? Nobody knows—not even Kitz and Katz themselves!

Bob Laughlin’s cult-favorite indie comic from the 1980s is back in print for the first time in nearly forty years! This long-awaited collection reintroduces Kitz ‘n’ Katz, a delightfully surreal comic strip about two feline friends—one black, one white—who are constantly confused about who’s who. Their charming identity crisis unfolds in a whimsical world full of wordplay, puns, and offbeat humor, reminiscent of George Herriman’s legendary Krazy Kat, though with a more lighthearted, kid-friendly touch.

Discovering gems like this always excites me. I first became familiar with Bob Laughlin’s work through Heathcliff—I still have a few of those classic paperbacks on my shelf. From 1978 to 1988, Laughlin served as the inker for George Gately’s Heathcliff daily strips, contributing his clean, expressive linework to one of the most beloved comic cats of the era.

While his contributions to Heathcliff earned him recognition in mainstream syndicated comics, Laughlin’s most personal and distinctive work came in the form of Kitz ‘n’ Katz, a quirky and surreal comic book series he created in the mid-1980s. Published by Eclipse Comics, Kitz ‘n’ Katz showcased his unique voice—offbeat, playful, and filled with whimsical charm. It’s a joy to see this long-overlooked indie treasure return to print, reminding us just how much creative spirit lived in the margins of the comics scene back then.

Kitz ‘n’ Katz quickly earned cult status for its quirky tone, old-school cartooning style, and a memorable supporting cast that includes Wowbow the dog, SnakeEyes the snake, Bloon the big cat, Whiffle the bird, Bootie the bug, Kozy the pretty cat, and Nootin the squirrel.

In addition to his work in comics, Bob Laughlin brought his creative flair to other artistic pursuits. He designed several collector series baseball cards for the Fleer Gum Corporation, blending his love of illustration with his passion for the game. His talents weren’t limited to the page—Bob was also an accomplished watercolorist and enjoyed working with wood, crafting pieces with the same care and attention he brought to his cartoons.

Bob’s deep appreciation for the art of cartooning was evident in his lifelong admiration for George Herriman’s Krazy Kat, a strip he both collected and revered. He approached his work with that same devotion and joy. A true Yankees fan, Bob balanced his artistic pursuits with a love for the simple pleasures in life—family, creativity, and baseball.

Charles Brubaker, the creative mind behind the Smallbug Press imprint, has unearthed a forgotten treasure from the world of classic comic strips with the release of a new Kitz ‘n’ Katz collection, created by cartoonist Bob Laughlin. This lovingly curated compilation breathes new life into the whimsical adventures and quirky humor of the mischievous feline duo. Fans of vintage comics and newcomers alike will appreciate the charm, wit, and timeless appeal that made Kitz ‘n’ Katz a hidden gem in comic history.

Packed with playful antics, quirky humor, and that nostalgic newspaper-strip vibe, this lovingly assembled collection is a must-have for fans of vintage comics and curious newcomers alike. Brubaker’s dedication to preserving and celebrating lesser-known cartoon gems makes this a delightful addition to any comic lover’s shelf.

This new volume collects the entire run of Kitz ‘n’ Katz, including:

• All the original comic strips that ran in Comics Buyers’ Guide (1981–1985)
• All the comic book pages published between 1984 and 1987
• An insightful introduction by Patrick McDonnell, creator of Mutts, who also shares a rare spin-off strip he made in homage, titled Tik ‘n’ Tak
• A comprehensive biography of Bob Laughlin, featuring previously unpublished material and unsold strips
• Selections from Bob’s syndicated strip Cuffy
• Panels from The Collectors, a one-panel cartoon he created for Sports Collectors News

Patrick McDonnell writes:

“Bob’s daydream was Kitz ‘n’ Katz—two cats, one white, one black, who weren’t always sure who was who. Bob was a kind, gentle, old-school cartoonist, and that warmth shone through in his strip. His work was filled with puns and silly gags. Kitz ‘n’ Katz echoed Krazy Kat in its shifting logic and identity themes, though unlike Herriman’s layered subtext, Bob’s version was pure, joyous nonsense.”

Part nostalgic tribute, part deep dive into a forgotten gem of indie comics history, this collection is a must-have for fans of offbeat humor, vintage cartooning, and surreal storytelling.