Eric Orner

Eric Orner is a former Capitol Hill staff counsel, and a cartoonist. His most recent graphic novel, Smahtguy, was an NPR Books We Love selection. He is a fellow at the New York Public Library Dorothy and Lewis B. Cullman Center for Scholars and Writers, working on a book about Jimmy Carter’s presidency. Earlier in his career Eric wrote and drew a popular alt-weekly comic strip about LGBTQ life, called The Mostly Unfabulous Social Life of Ethan Green.

RFK Junior, Bad Bobby

RFK Junior, Bad Bobby RFK Junior, Bad Bobby

A reminder of what was, and what is.

Feb 10, 2025 / OppArt / Eric Orner

When Our Orgy of Gun Violence Came to My Hometown

When Our Orgy of Gun Violence Came to My Hometown When Our Orgy of Gun Violence Came to My Hometown

After Columbine and Sandy Hook, after the AME Church in Charleston and the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, we stopped saying "It can't happen here." And then it did.

Dec 23, 2024 / Feature / Eric Orner

The Tragedy and Tenacity of Public Housing in America

The Tragedy and Tenacity of Public Housing in America The Tragedy and Tenacity of Public Housing in America

A cartoon report on the only policy proven to actually address the housing shortage—and how racism, inept management, and systematic disinvestment led to long-term decline.

Mar 18, 2024 / Feature / Eric Orner

When Massachusetts Representative Barney Frank Came Out

When Massachusetts Representative Barney Frank Came Out When Massachusetts Representative Barney Frank Came Out

An excerpt from Smahtguy, a graphic biography.

Jul 5, 2022 / Feature / Eric Orner

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