Big Top (comic strip)
Big Top is an American comic strip written and illustrated by Rob Harrell that takes place in a wacky circus of the same name. Harrell has a history in the circus, as he used to be a sideshow freak, performing as "Zothar the Human Tree Frog." He also has a degree from the Ringling School of Art and Design, which is named after John Ringling of The Famous Ringling Brothers Circus.
The main characters include a ten-year old boy, Pete; Dusty the poodle, Wink the bear, and Kingston the lion.
A collection of Big Top comic strips, also titled Big Top, was published in 2005.
On March 12, 2007, Universal Press Syndicate announced that Harrell would end the strip on Sunday, March 25 of that year. Harrell released a written statement: "This was an incredibly difficult decision. The strip, and the characters feel like family to me and I loved every day of doing Big Top. But for both professional and financial reasons, it’s time to move on to other projects, including my fine art, illustration and animation. I've been blessed with a group of loyal, dedicated fans, and I want to thank them. Their reaction to the strip has been so rewarding."