Politically incorrect cartoonist John Callahan passes away

PORTLAND, Ore. – Irreverent local cartoonist John Callahan has died. He was 59 years old.

Callahan was best known for his cartoons that typically went beyond the boundaries of political correctness and good taste, according to his critics.
 
His comics appeared in the Willamette Week newspaper and nearly 100 other newspapers and magazines, where his acerbic wit prompted numerous letters to the editors of publications that featured his work.
 
He lived in Northwest Portland and was a fixture in the community. He could often be easily spotted by his bright red hair as he piloted his powered wheelchair through the area.
    
Callahan had been a quadriplegic since a car accident at age 21. He also was the author of 10 books including an autobiography called "Don't Worry, He Won't Get Far On Foot: The Autobiography of a Dangerous Man." He also produced a children's book that sidestepped his typically dark sense of humor.

His cartoons and life inspired an animated series called Quads that retained his very un-PC humor. However, his persona was also at the heart of a children's animated series called Pelswick, which used a lighter touch to show the challenges for a boy confined to a wheelchair.
 
Callahan died Saturday after a lengthy hospital stay, according to a friend. He had battled addictions and health problems for much of his life and those struggles often influenced his artwork. He also claimed to have been sexually abused as a teen.

Callahan was also a singer/songwriter/composer and released a CD in 2006 that featured many local artists and a cameo by Tom Waits.

Comedian Robin Williams reportedly is lined up for the leading role to bring Callahan's life story to the big screen but no firm plans for a film have been announced.

Below: John Callahan in an interview aired on KATU.

Below: John Callahan sings in the video "Portland Girl," which he also wrote.