John Kricfalusi: 'I'll let you in on a secret: I can't stand Jay Ward. I hate being compared to Rocky and Bullwinkle. It's just a different style of humor.'

I'll let you in on a secret: I can't stand Jay Ward. I hate being compared to Rocky and Bullwinkle. It's just a different style of humor.

John Kricfalusi's quote about his feelings towards being compared to Jay Ward and specifically to Rocky and Bullwinkle reveals his strong dislike for such comparisons. He expresses that the humor in his work is fundamentally different from that of Jay Ward, and by extension, the iconic Rocky and Bullwinkle show. This quote is significant as it highlights the subjective nature of humor and creativity. Each individual artist has their unique style and vision, which may not always align with popular comparisons or expectations.However, delving deeper into this notion of differing styles of humor and artistic expression, we can bring an unexpected philosophical concept into the conversation - that of existentialism. Existentialism, as a philosophical movement, emphasizes individual freedom, choice, and the idea that each person is responsible for creating their own meaning and purpose in life. Drawing a parallel between Kricfalusi's assertion of his distinct style and the existentialist belief in personal authenticity, we can contemplate the idea that artists, much like individuals in existentialism, strive to assert their uniqueness and originality in their creations.In contrast to the comparisons that people often make between artists or works of art, existentialism reminds us that each artist is on a personal journey of self-discovery and self-expression. Just as existentialism encourages individuals to embrace their own uniqueness and reject conformity, Kricfalusi's aversion to being likened to Jay Ward can be seen as a defiance against being pigeonholed into a particular category or style that doesn't resonate with his true artistic identity.Ultimately, Kricfalusi's quote serves as a powerful reminder that creativity is a deeply personal and subjective endeavor, and artists should be free to explore their own creative paths without the constraints of external comparisons or expectations. By embracing the philosophy of existentialism and valuing personal authenticity, artists can find the courage to express themselves fully and unapologetically, even if it means diverging from conventional norms or perceptions.