Stripped (film)

Stripped is a 2014 American documentary film directed by Dave Attell and produced by Barry Katz. The film explores the impact of digital media on the world of cartooning by challenging notable cartoonists to create new work without the use of any digital tools.

The premise involves Attell, a stand-up comedian, challenging a group of prominent comic strip and comic book artists to create a comic strip using only traditional, analog methods – pencils, pens, ink, paper – and then releasing it online. The film documents the challenges and insights the artists face as they adapt to this restriction after years of working primarily with digital technology.

Featured cartoonists in Stripped include Bill Amend (FoxTrot), Cathy Guisewite (Cathy), Jeff Keane (The Family Circus), Jim Borgman (Zits), Patrick McDonnell (Mutts), Stephan Pastis (Pearls Before Swine), and many others.

The documentary addresses themes such as the evolving nature of creativity in the digital age, the importance of traditional skills, the connection between artists and their work, and the future of comics and print media. It offers a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process and the changing landscape of the comics industry.

The film was generally well-received and praised for its insightful look into the lives and perspectives of cartoonists.