Sherman's Lagoon

By Jim Toomey

Sherman’s Lagoon is an imaginary lagoon somewhere in the tropics, inhabited by a cast of sea creatures whose lives are curiously similar to our own. Failed business ventures, disastrous dates, fad diets, and the perils of parenting ... When it happens underwater it gives us a fresh and humorous perspective on ourselves.

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Alt text: Cartoon depicting sea creatures discussing their shock at California beach behavior, referencing a

Two cartoon fish engage in a humorous conversation about school meetings and childhood troublemaking, showcasing their personalities and playful banter in a vibrant underwater setting.

Cartoon featuring three characters discussing their fears of collectors and enemies, with one character expressing alarm about being pursued. The scene captures humor and tension in a colorful underwater setting.

Cartoon featuring a squirrel asking a turtle about making something happen, while the turtle responds that he focuses hard. The scene depicts a humorous exchange on creativity and effort, set against a beach background.

Two cartoon turtles at a table discussing their unsuccessful dating experiences, expressing frustration over being matched with non-aquatic animals instead of sea turtles, in a humorous comic strip from

Two cartoon characters, a frog and a shark, engage in a humorous conversation about a stolen jar of jellyfish. The frog expresses concern, while the shark suggests a plan, hinting at a comedic twist. The setting appears to be underwater, emphasizing the marine theme.

Cartoon depicting a mayor discussing a porch thief stealing packages, with two characters expressing concern and offering comfort. The scene highlights community issues and humorous dialogue.

Cartoon depicting a shark named Sherman discussing his plan to start a business,

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About Jim Toomey

For the past 30 years, Jim Toomey has been writing and drawing the popular comic strip "Sherman’s Lagoon," which appears in over 150 daily newspapers in 20 countries and six languages. The strip’s underwater theme explores environmental issues in a way that appeals to adults and children alike.

Toomey just completed his 27th book, published by Andrews McMeel Publishing. He has given talks at a variety of venues, from his April 2010 TED Talk to talks at the Royal Society in London, Harvard University, and his children’s kindergarten class. Toomey has been featured in many of his client newspapers as well as in Wired Magazine and on National Public Radio. Toomey holds degrees from Duke and Stanford and sits on the board of several environmental nonprofits. He lives in Annapolis, Maryland, with his wife and two children.

Portrait of a man with dark hair, smiling softly, set against a blurred background of bookshelves, emphasizing a warm and approachable demeanor.

Cast

Sherman

A laid-back great white shark with a big heart and small ambitions. Friendly and often naïve, he prefers hanging out with friends over acting like a fearsome predator.

Cartoon character of a purple shark wearing a pearl necklace, smiling playfully. This image represents the whimsical and humorous theme of Sherman's Lagoon.

Megan

Sherman’s intelligent and grounded wife. She’s practical, supportive, and often the voice of reason balancing Sherman’s easygoing nature.

Cartoon turtle character from Sherman's Lagoon, smiling and waving, with a green shell and a playful expression against a circular background.

Hawthorne

Sherman’s cynical sea turtle friend. World-weary and sarcastic, he delivers dry commentary and often questions the absurdities of ocean life.

Cartoon character from Sherman's Lagoon, featuring an excited orange crab with large eyes and a quirky expression, set against a circular white background.

Thornton

A pompous, self-important lobster who acts refined and superior. He clings to etiquette and status, often to comedic effect.

Cartoon character from Sherman's Lagoon, featuring a playful blue sea creature with fins and a cheerful expression, set against a white circular background.

Ernest

A neurotic, anxious fish who constantly worries about danger — especially sharks like Sherman — despite their friendship.