Jeff Nicholson

Jeff Nicholson, born October 5, 1962, is an American cartoonist who built a devoted following through self-published, offbeat humor comics. He is best known for his long-running series *Ultra Klutz*, a slapstick superhero parody, and the surreal, wordless fantasy *Through the Habitrails*. Nicholson also produced the autobiographical *Father & Son* and the absurdist newspaper strip *Colonia*. Over a 25-year career, he earned six Eisner Award nominations and was among the first four recipients of the Xeric Grant for self-publishers in 1992. His style blends clean, expressive cartooning with a delight in awkward physical comedy and deadpan absurdity. He frequently worked as his own writer, artist, letterer, and colorist, maintaining full creative control. Nicholson’s work appeared in *Comics Buyer’s Guide* and in collections like *Ultra Klutz and Other Tales* and *Lost Laughter*. He also produced the fanzine *Nicholson’s Small Press Tirade*, chronicling the challenges of independent comics. Active from 1981 into the 2020s, his influence persists among self-publishers who admire his stubbornly personal, low-fi approach.