Dave Sim (born May 17, 1956) is a Canadian cartoonist, writer, publisher, and self-publishing advocate best known for creating the groundbreaking independent comic book Cerebus. Spanning 300 issues from 1977 to 2004, Cerebus is regarded as one of the longest-running creator-owned works in comics history. Renowned for its artistic innovation, political commentary, and narrative experimentation, the 6,000-page work cemented Sim’s place as a pioneer of self-publishing. Alongside his artistic achievements, Sim is also known for his outspoken advocacy of creators’ rights, as well as for his highly controversial personal and philosophical views.
Infobox: Dave Sim
| Born | May 17, 1956, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada |
| Nationality | Canadian |
| Occupation | Cartoonist, Writer, Artist, Publisher, Letterer |
| Notable Works | Cerebus, Glamourpuss, Judenhass |
| Collaborators | Gerhard (artist, 1984–2004) |
| Years Active | 1977–present |
| Awards | Inkpot Award (1981) |
Early Life and Influences
Dave Sim was born in Hamilton, Ontario, in 1956. His father worked as a supervisor at Budd Automotive and later became a labor negotiator. From a young age, Sim developed a fascination with comic books. At just eight years old, he began reading Marvel and DC titles, eventually having a letter published in Iron Man #37 (1971). Influences such as Bernie Wrightson’s Badtime Stories, Harvey Kurtzman and Wally Wood’s Superduperman parody in Mad, and Jack Jackson’s satirical work shaped Sim’s early artistic voice.
By his teenage years, Sim was contributing articles to fanzines such as Rocket’s Blast Comicollector and editing the Now & Then Times newsletter for a local comics shop. His first published cartoon strip, The Beavers, appeared in 1976, influenced by Charles Schulz’s Peanuts and Canadian humor. During this period, he also submitted stories to underground and independent anthologies, building a reputation as a promising new voice in Canadian comics.
Career Beginnings
In the mid-1970s, Sim worked briefly for Charlton Comics and Warren Publishing while holding his only non-comics job at Now & Then Books. He continued freelancing, producing humor strips and short stories for small presses and anthologies. By 1977, he co-founded the small-press publisher Aardvark-Vanaheim with his partner Deni Loubert. This venture became the launching pad for Cerebus, a project that would define his career.
Cerebus: A 6,000-Page Epic
In December 1977, Sim released the first issue of Cerebus. Initially conceived as a parody of Conan the Barbarian mixed with satirical elements reminiscent of Howard the Duck, the series quickly evolved into a massive literary experiment. Early story arcs gave way to sprawling political satire, metaphysical explorations, and biting cultural critiques.
- High Society (1981–1983): Expanded Cerebus into a sophisticated political satire.
- Church & State (1983–1988): Examined power, religion, and corruption.
- Mothers & Daughters (1993–1996): Infamous for Sim’s polemical views on gender and feminism.
- Latter Arcs (1990s–2004): Became increasingly experimental, philosophical, and controversial.
In 1984, Sim began collaborating with Gerhard, whose meticulously detailed background art elevated the series’ visual depth. The two worked together until the series concluded with issue #300 in March 2004. Sim considers Cerebus a single, complete 6,000-page graphic novel, a perspective shared by many comics scholars.
Post-Cerebus Work
Following Cerebus, Sim continued to create ambitious and often provocative projects:
- Judenhass (2008): A stark 56-page reflection on the Holocaust, released into the public domain.
- Glamourpuss (2008–2012): A hybrid comic combining fashion-magazine parody with explorations of photorealistic comics history.
- Cerebus Archive (2009–2012): Collections and retrospectives on his earlier work.
- Cerebus TV (2009–2013): A web series featuring interviews, commentary, and behind-the-scenes footage.
- The Strange Death of Alex Raymond (2013–2020): An ambitious study of photorealist artists; completed by Carson Grubaugh after Sim’s withdrawal.
In addition, Sim has collaborated occasionally with other creators and supported independent publishing initiatives.
Advocacy and Creators’ Rights
Sim was a central figure in the late 1980s creators’ rights movement. In 1988, he co-drafted the Creators’ Bill of Rights with Scott McCloud, Kevin Eastman, and Peter Laird. He also authored The Cerebus Guide to Self-Publishing (1997), widely regarded as a seminal text for independent cartoonists. True to his principles, Sim has arranged for his work to fall into the public domain after his death, making him one of the few creators to actively renounce perpetual copyright.
Controversies and Criticism
Sim’s career has been marked by significant controversy. His essays in Cerebus—particularly in issue #186 (“Reads”)—and later in Tangent (2001) expressed views widely regarded as misogynistic. He argued that society had been corrupted by feminism, sparking outrage among peers. His statements alienated many fellow creators, with responses from Alan Moore, Neil Gaiman, and Jeff Smith, among others.
Additionally, his personal revelations—including a past relationship with a teenager and later involvement with Comicsgate—fueled further criticism. While Sim has repeatedly denied being misogynist, the controversies have often overshadowed his artistic legacy.
Health Challenges
In February 2015, Sim suffered a severe wrist injury that temporarily prevented him from drawing. By 2017, he had shown signs of recovery and resumed producing artwork, including new drawings of Cerebus. Despite health struggles, he has continued to participate in publishing and creative projects.
Influence and Legacy
Despite the controversies, Dave Sim’s influence on comics is undeniable. His pioneering model of self-publishing inspired countless creators, from Jeff Smith (Bone) to Terry Moore (Strangers in Paradise). Writers such as Neil Gaiman and J. Michael Straczynski have acknowledged Sim’s structural storytelling as a formative influence.
Cerebus stands as both a landmark in independent comics and a polarizing work—hailed for its ambition and artistry, criticized for its ideological content. Today, Sim remains a figure of debate: admired as a trailblazer of creator independence, yet criticized for views that many regard as extreme or troubling.
Selected Works
- Cerebus (1977–2004)
- Cerebus Guide to Self-Publishing (1997, rev. 2010)
- Collected Letters (2004, 2008)
- Judenhass (2008)
- Glamourpuss (2008–2012)
- The Strange Death of Alex Raymond (2021, completed by Carson Grubaugh)
Awards and Recognition
- Inkpot Award (1981)
- Howard E. Day Prize (co-founder, 2001)
- Multiple honors for his contribution to creators’ rights and independent publishing
FAQs about Dave Sim
Q: What is Dave Sim best known for?
A: He is best known as the creator of Cerebus, a 300-issue, 6,000-page independent comic series.
Q: What is unique about Cerebus?
A: It was the first self-published comic to run for 300 consecutive issues, blending parody, satire, politics, religion, and experimental storytelling.
Q: Who was Gerhard, and how did he collaborate with Sim?
A: Gerhard was Sim’s artistic partner from 1984 to 2004, responsible for the intricate background artwork in Cerebus.
Q: Why is Dave Sim controversial?
A: His essays in Cerebus and later writings expressed views on women and feminism that many critics and peers considered misogynistic. He also admitted to morally questionable relationships and has aligned with controversial movements.
Q: What are some of his post-Cerebus works?
A: Judenhass, Glamourpuss, Cerebus Archive, and The Strange Death of Alex Raymond.
Q: How has he influenced comics?
A: Sim’s self-publishing model and advocacy of creators’ rights directly influenced later independent cartoonists and helped shape the modern comics industry.
