James Kochalka (kah-chall-ka) has been creating iconic indie comics and bizzarely catchy punk rock since the early 80s. Largely autobiographical, Kochalka's cartoon expression of the world around him includes such real-life characters as his wife, children, cat, friends and colleagues, but always filtered through his own observations and flights of whimsy. In March 2011 he was declared the cartoonist laureate of Vermont, serving a term of three years. He is a two-time winner of the prestigious Eisner Award, four-time Ignatz Award, and a Harvey Award winner.