Zagreb and Environs Feature

Srecko Puntaric celebrated his 30th anniversary in 2005—and much of Croatia knew about it. The event in downtown Zagreb celebrated his distinguished reputation as Croatia's best-loved cartoonist. Popularly known by the alias "Felix" (also the name of his cartoon), this fifty-something, amiable fellow with a boyish face has published 27 books on themes ranging from a history of animals (heavy on dog and cat cartoons) to "computers in the stone age." He has won numerous international awards, and his cartoon in the national newspaper Vecernji brings a smile to tens of thousands of his compatriots each day. Among the cartoonists who have most inspired Felix is America's Gary Larson, of Far Side fame. "There has been no great cartoonist internationally since Larson," he laments, explaining that rampant consumerism in recent years has been much to the detriment of individual creativity. Indeed, Felix's cartoons are vaguely reminiscent of Larson's, what with their simply rendered figures whose faces are grossly out of proportion (Felix specializes in long snouts), and their often absurd situations that are funny even to those who cannot read the Croatian text. (Of course, you might well end up with a different reading of the situation than someone who can attach the words to the pictures.)

Felix does much of his work in what he calls his "cartoon gallery," the Felix Fun Factory. This quiet little shop-cum-workshop, a short tram ride from Zagreb's main square, is indeed one of Europe's few cartoon galleries. Here Felix not only works, but he, his wife, and his son sell postcards, posters, books, and mugs featuring his cartoons—limited-edition products that can be had nowhere else. Felix has, to date, resisted the idea of selling his work to dealers, as he doesn't like the idea of his cartoons being commercialized. He likes the idea that they are available in only one place. Although a Felix Web site is in the works at this writing, you'll still be able to buy cartoons and merchandise only in the shop, in person.

Felix began cartooning in 1975 as a student, when, he explains, he undertook "a frontal assault" on a publication by churning out one cartoon after another. His rush of inspiration earned the publication's respect and gained some broader recognition for his work. But cartoons remained a hobby as Felix began a seven-year career as a mechanical engineer. From there he became the advertising designer for a Zagreb-based chocolate company. Eventually, as the books and honors piled up, he quit that job to pursue his passion full-time. "Here in the shop," he says without a trace of vanity,"sometimes I feel like one of those solitary old masters, pursuing his art in isolation from the world."

To get to the Felix Fun Factory and perhaps meet Felix yourself (he generally mans the shop during the second, 4 to 7 shift), take tram 11 or 12 six stops east of Trg Bana Jelacica, almost as far as Maksimir Park, walk back a few yards, and take the first left onto Harambasiceva. The gallery, at No. 10, will soon be on your right. It's open weekdays from 10 to 1 and 4 to 7. You can call the gallery at 01/231-4915.