JumpStart

By Robb Armstrong

Packed with humor and heart, "JumpStart" offers an authentic, positive representation of middle-class African Americans.

At the core of the "JumpStart" family is Joe Cobb, a big-city cop, and his wife, Marcy, a nurse in a bustling Philadelphia hospital. Their jobs are easy compared to the challenge of raising four kids. Their oldest, Sunny, is an avid reader who can answer your questions before you have time to do a Google search. Her brother, Jojo, has aspirations of being president. In fact, he already is president—of his second-grade class. Joe and Marcy's newest surprise additions are twins, Tommi and Teddy. This talkative pair began conversing in the womb and are still going strong. Rounding out the cast is Crunchy, Joe's partner, a grouchy but warm-hearted police officer and a host of others, including in-laws, co-workers, a 6-year-old doctor, and a texting dog named Snoog-A-Boo.

"JumpStart" appears in more than 400 newspapers across the country through Andrews McMeel Syndication. Armstrong’s books include "Twins: Twice the Fun: A Bundle of JumpStart Comics That Really Deliver," "JumpStart," and “JumpStart: A Love Story.” His newest, "On a Roll!: A JumpStart Treasury" is available now.

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Comic strip featuring two women discussing a

A group of friends enjoys a cookout while discussing a missing friend named Darren, with one person expressing concern about his whereabouts amidst fireworks. The scene captures a lively outdoor gathering with food and conversation.

About Robb Armstrong

For 30 years, Robb Armstrong has entertained readers with "JumpStart." One of only a handful of syndicated African American cartoonists, Armstrong brings a unique perspective to his strip, with upbeat art and storylines that offer a realistic representation of middle-class African Americans.

“I’m drawing about my life,” Armstrong said. “The image of young blacks is so skewed, so false. Joe and Marcy and the characters I’ve developed are deep and based on real life.”

Armstrong’s characters have appeared in public service campaigns for the American Diabetes Association and American Cancer Society. In 1995, Armstrong received the Religious Public Relations Council Wilbur Award for “excellence in the communication of religious issues, values, and themes.” He has been recognized by the Governor of Pennsylvania, the Senate and House of Representatives, the Department of Justice, and Nestle's “Men of Courage” program for community outreach.

Armstrong has contributed cartoons to national magazines and been a featured guest on numerous local and national TV shows. He served on the board of directors of the National Cartoonists Society, The Shipley School, and Syracuse University and received an honorary degree from Holy Family University.

Smiling man with short, curly hair wearing a black shirt against a red background, representing positivity and approachability.

Cast

Cartoon police officer in a blue uniform holding a smartphone, standing in a circular frame.

Joe

A good cop who adores being a father and is very much in love with his wife. Joe is a hard-working guy and a kid at heart who juggles all his roles while struggling to make time for who is really important in his life.

Cartoon illustration of a smiling woman with long hair wearing a green sweater, standing confidently with her hands on her hips.

Marcy

A fun, caring mother, a dedicated nurse and a loving wife. She is devoted to her family and arranges her hectic schedule so she can spend as much time as possible with them.

Cartoon character with gray hair and glasses wearing a striped shirt, smiling and pointing, set against a white circular background.

Dot

Joe’s mother. Dot always carries plenty of snapshots of Sunny, Jojo, Teddy and Tommi to show off at a moment’s notice. She’s a notoriously bad driver although she’d never admit it. Dot is outgoing, upbeat and crazy about her family.

Illustration of a middle-aged man with a mustache, wearing a red sweater and holding a white coffee mug, sitting comfortably.

Frank

Joe’s dad. The patriarch of the Cobb family who’s always eager to hand down a little advice. Frank is a big teddy bear of a man who is adored by his grandkids. Being an ex-cop, Frank is incredibly proud of his son – and always worried about him.

Illustration of a girl with curly hair wearing a pink hoodie, holding a notebook, looking thoughtfully to the side against a white background.

Sunny

Joe and Marcy’s upbeat oldest child. She loves macaroni and cheese. Sunny is the perfect name for this curious, sly, smiling, intelligent girl. The apple of her parents’ eyes, Sunny knows how to wield that big sister power.

Cartoon character sitting on the ground, wearing a blue shirt and black pants, with a neutral expression.

Teddy

The newest addition to the Cobb household, along with twin sister Tommi. Teddy is a natural-born leader and definitely the feistier of the twins.

Illustration of a worried young boy wearing a green headband, looking concerned. The character has short hair and is dressed in a yellow shirt, emphasizing his anxious expression.

Doctor

A friend of Sunny’s from daycare. His mother wants him to be a surgeon when he grows up, so she dresses him in scrubs every day – and named him “Doctor.” The other kids have to make an appointment with him months in advance to get a Band-Aid.