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Officers Use Comic Booklet for Gang Prevention
- By Dick Kulpa
- Published 08/14/2007
- Unrated
Dick Kulpa
Dick Kulpa is a nationally-known cartoonist who has produced comic strips for syndication three times since 1983. A former cartoonist for the Chicago Bear Report, Kulpa served as a city councilman and county board member from 1977-1988. Kulpa also served on the city's police and fire and Civil defense committees. Currently Kulpa is working with police crime prevention units in their efforts against gangs.
View all articles by Dick Kulpa"Kids and Parents alike clamor for Gangbuster!"
A groundbreaking, gang-fighting tool made its debut at the Boynton Beach (Fla.) Police Department’s National Night Out Event on Saturday Aug. 4, 2007. At this event -- hosted by the department’s Crime Prevention Unit -- copies of the educational and informative comic book "Gangbuster” were distributed.
The Gangbuster comic booklet is an 8-page intervention/educational tool, designed to reach youngsters of all ages. Gangbuster harnesses the excitement of full-color superhero action -- a sure "kid magnet" -- and delivers a special message about the dangers of gang associations. An instructor's guide emphasizes the key points and ensures that groups will get maximum benefit from the book and its lessons.
Children and parents alike lined up to get copies of the comic book -- autographed by Gangbuster creator Dick Kulpa -- and to meet “Gangbuster" himself, the book’s superhero role model. Gangbuster is portrayed by Franklin Ireland, popular athletic director for a local community center.
The Gangbuster comic booklet is an 8-page intervention/educational tool, designed to reach youngsters of all ages. Gangbuster harnesses the excitement of full-color superhero action -- a sure "kid magnet" -- and delivers a special message about the dangers of gang associations. An instructor's guide emphasizes the key points and ensures that groups will get maximum benefit from the book and its lessons.
Children and parents alike lined up to get copies of the comic book -- autographed by Gangbuster creator Dick Kulpa -- and to meet “Gangbuster" himself, the book’s superhero role model. Gangbuster is portrayed by Franklin Ireland, popular athletic director for a local community center.
The Gangbuster cartoon booklet was first created in 1986 in Rockford, Illinois, by nationally recognized artist Kulpa, who currently resides in Boynton Beach, Florida. The initial 1986 release was "highly popular," according to Kulpa and press reports at the time. However, Gangbuster "sat on the shelf" after Kulpa took a new position with a national newspaper in Florida.
A recent shooting at a local shopping mall -- occurring within 50 feet of his two daughters who worked in the mall's candy store -- spurred Kulpa to pull Gangbuster out of mothballs and update it for contemporary needs. Kulpa presented Gangbuster to local crime prevention officers, who readily agreed to implement the new version.
A recent shooting at a local shopping mall -- occurring within 50 feet of his two daughters who worked in the mall's candy store -- spurred Kulpa to pull Gangbuster out of mothballs and update it for contemporary needs. Kulpa presented Gangbuster to local crime prevention officers, who readily agreed to implement the new version.
Gangbuster's current edition was revised with cooperation and input from Officer Robert Kellman of the Boynton Beach Police Department’s Crime Prevention Unit.
Cartoonist/writer Dick Kulpa is no stranger in the comics world, having been nationally syndicated in newspapers around the world three times the past 30 years. Among other properties, Kulpa created Bat Boy -- which became a very successful off-Broadway musical.
Cartoonist/writer Dick Kulpa is no stranger in the comics world, having been nationally syndicated in newspapers around the world three times the past 30 years. Among other properties, Kulpa created Bat Boy -- which became a very successful off-Broadway musical.
Kulpa has utilized comic strip artwork for a number of educational and promotional projects since 1977. "Comic books are colorful, easy to read -- and inexpensive to produce," says Kulpa. He expects the medium to grow as a communications tool, which is easily distributed in a variety of venues.
More issues are planned as Gangbuster reinforces its vital anti-gang message. The superhero will tackle the drug problem, prejudice, and the need to solve disputes through techniques of peaceful conflict resolution.
Gangbuster's debut made major headlines throughout Palm Beach County, and press interest in this unique educational tool continues to grow. Police departments, social agencies and school administrators are studying the concept for additional implementation.
"I've harnessed the power of the comic book to win elections, promote my city's economic development efforts and even sell Toyotas," says Kulpa. "I have every reason to believe that Gangbuster will succeed beyond anyone's wildest imagination, just as my other cartoon projects have.
Gangbuster's debut made major headlines throughout Palm Beach County, and press interest in this unique educational tool continues to grow. Police departments, social agencies and school administrators are studying the concept for additional implementation.
"I've harnessed the power of the comic book to win elections, promote my city's economic development efforts and even sell Toyotas," says Kulpa. "I have every reason to believe that Gangbuster will succeed beyond anyone's wildest imagination, just as my other cartoon projects have.
"What I am really doing is taking exciting elements from pop culture and using them in a beneficial way to educate young people."
Photos and information can be viewed at www.gangbustercomics.com
Photos and information can be viewed at www.gangbustercomics.com
