Vermont names Cartoonist Laureate

The state of Vermont has named James Kochalka as its first Cartoonist Laureate.

Best known as the creator of American Elf, the artist and writer has also produced various Top Shelf works including SuperF**kers, Johnny Boo and Dragon Puncher.

Kochalka is a faculty member of the Centre for Cartoon Studies and runs an annual school cartoonist workshop in his home town of Burlington.

"By establishing the nation's first cartoonist laureate, Vermont adds an illustrious (pun intended) honour to its long lists of state 'firsts'," said Vermont Arts Council executive director Alex Aldrich.

"In recognising the literary and artistic merit of a medium that has truly come-of-age, Vermont is the first to affirm cartoonists' international impact on social, cultural and political issues. In doing so, it has also become a safe haven, if not a Mecca of sorts, for all who are passionate about the art form."

Kochalka's appointment will be celebrated by a day of events scheduled for early March.