Gary Brookins

Gary Brookins has been the editorial cartoonist for the Richmond Times-Dispatch since 1979. His cartoons are distributed by King Features Syndicate to over 400 newspapers, and are frequently reprinted in periodicals, books and websites worldwide. In February of 1997, Brookins took over the cartoon panel Pluggers from Jeff MacNelly. Pluggers has the distinction of being the only major comic feature "written" by the readers who annually send in thousands of ideas. it is syndicated by Tribune Media Syndicate to approximately 85 newspapers, including the Boston Globe, Saint Paul Pioneer Press, Seattle Times, Dallas Morning News, Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel, and Richmond Times-Dispatch. In June, 1999, Brookins began working with Jeff MacNelly, Chris Cassatt and Susie MacNelly on Shoe and following the death of Jeff in June, 2000, Gary, Chris and Susie continued with production of the strip.

When not working, Brookins enjoys plein air painting and playing the saxophone and bass clarinet. He also tries to do as little yard work as possible.

He and his wife, Janet have four sons, two daughters-in-law, one grandson, two spoiled Bichons and a blind 35 year-old Amazon parrot.