Local cartoonist Mark Tatulli outrages Washington Post reader with shark-based ‘Lio’ comic strip

Between attacking surfers in South Africa and hanging around the Jersey Shore way too much, sharks have become somewhat of a topic recently. And, naturally, it was just a matter of time before someone interjected a little cartoony wit into the situation.

Which is exactly what New Jersey cartoonist (and local Philly fixture) Mark Tatulli attempted to do with an edition of his award-winning comic strip, Liō, last week:

Unfortunately, though, over the weekend that harmless strip earned the ire of one Washington Post reader, who says the strip ought to "be more diligent about not promoting shark-riding to their readers."

Via the Post:

I was outraged that The Post would publish a comic that showed a child riding a shark in the ocean ["Lio," Comics, July 13]. Surely the editors must be aware of the inherent danger of approaching, let alone riding, these magnificent beasts. With the rise in shark attacks in North Carolina and elsewhere, The Post should be more diligent about not promoting shark-riding to their readers and should focus on the examples in Mark Trail of how to approach dangerous wildlife. People should not touch or ride sharks!

Louis J. Cantolupo, Washington

"Liō is a comic strip and, like all comic strips, should never be viewed as a primer on how to interact with marine life," cartoonist Tatulli says of his critic. "I thought that would be obvious."

Liō is also a comic strip where the main character can be seen swimming with zombies, harboring a portal to Hell in his bedroom, and offering a ride to a hitchhiking Creature From the Black Lagoon. And that's just in the same week.

"In fact, if one is a consistent reader," Tatulli says, "the scarier the creature, the better Liō likes it."

Still, though, that doesn't make shark riding any less dangerous. So please, kids, don't ride sharks; it's just not safe. And you'll upset Mr. Cantolupo — which is something Tatulli would like to avoid.

"In the future, I promise to preface such strips with 'don't try this at home,' " he says.