Few artists have left a mark on pop culture as profoundly as Bill Morrison. From his early days sketching superheroes to working with The Simpsons, co-founding Bongo Comics, and leading Mad Magazine, Morrison’s career is a masterclass in creativity, adaptability, and artistic influence. His work has defined the look of some of the most iconic animated shows, breathed life into beloved comic books, and even helped shape humor publishing.
In this deep dive, we explore the highlights of Morrison’s legendary career, the challenges he overcame, and the artistic legacy he continues to build.
The Early Years: A Born Artist in Detroit
Bill Morrison’s journey into the world of art began in Lincoln Park, Michigan, just outside Detroit. As a child, his talent for drawing was recognized early—his older sister saw his natural ability and nurtured it, encouraging him to explore the world of illustration.
By the time Morrison entered college at the College for Creative Studies in Detroit, he had already set his sights on becoming a comic book artist. However, the industry landscape was intimidating. At the time, most major comic publishers were based in New York, and Morrison, unsure about moving there, started considering other creative career paths.
His early jobs included working in technical illustration for the auto industry, but his real passion lay in storytelling through art. With persistence, he built a portfolio that would eventually land him in the world of entertainment and animation.
Breaking Into Hollywood: The Road to The Simpsons
Morrison’s big break came in an unexpected way—through movie poster illustration. He relocated to California and began working for a boutique agency that specialized in entertainment advertising. His projects included creating artwork for movie posters, album covers, and promotional materials, showcasing his versatility as an artist.
During this time, Morrison met Matt Groening, who was then a relatively unknown cartoonist. Before The Simpsons became a cultural phenomenon, Groening was writing movie poster copy, and the two found themselves collaborating on various projects. Their first professional collaboration was on the artwork for the cult horror movie Blood Diner, where Groening wrote the tagline and Morrison provided the illustration.
When The Simpsons exploded in popularity in the early 1990s, Groening remembered Morrison’s talent and invited him to contribute to Simpsons merchandise and artwork. This marked the beginning of a decades-long partnership.
Bongo Comics: Building a Simpsons Publishing Empire
As The Simpsons took over television screens, its cultural footprint expanded beyond the show itself. Groening wanted more creative control over the publishing side of his characters, which led to the formation of Bongo Comics in 1993. Morrison was brought on as a co-founder alongside Steve and Cindy Vance.
At Bongo, Morrison played a crucial role in expanding The Simpsons universe into comic books. Fans who couldn’t get enough of Springfield’s favorite family were treated to new stories that extended beyond the show’s episodes. Titles like Simpsons Comics, Bartman, Radioactive Man, and Itchy & Scratchy Comics became instant hits.
Morrison not only illustrated many of these comics but also wrote and edited them, solidifying his place in The Simpsons legacy. His ability to capture the show’s humor and art style while expanding its storytelling proved invaluable.
Futurama and Expanding His Creative Reach
While working on The Simpsons comics, Morrison found himself drawn into another Matt Groening project—Futurama. When Groening began developing the sci-fi animated series, Morrison was brought in to help with character design and visual development.
As Futurama launched in 1999, Morrison transitioned into a role as art director on the show while continuing his work at Bongo Comics. His involvement helped define the futuristic look of the series, blending classic cartoon aesthetics with a retro-futuristic vision of the 31st century.
Although Futurama had an on-again, off-again run on television, its dedicated fanbase ensured its survival through DVD releases, streaming, and comics—many of which Morrison worked on.
The Truth Behind the Little Mermaid VHS Controversy
Aside from his work on The Simpsons and Futurama, Morrison’s artistic talents extended to other areas, including illustrating posters and cover art for Disney. One of his most infamous projects was creating the artwork for the Little Mermaid VHS cover—a cover that later sparked a bizarre urban legend.
A rumor circulated that one of the towers in the background of the VHS cover contained an inappropriate hidden image, allegedly placed there by a disgruntled artist as a final act of defiance before being fired.
Morrison has repeatedly debunked this claim, explaining that the cover was created under an intense deadline, and any perceived image was purely coincidental. Still, the myth persists, becoming one of animation’s strangest pop culture legends.
Mad Magazine: A New Chapter in Comedy Publishing
After years of illustrating comics, Morrison’s career took a surprising turn when he was offered the role of Editor-in-Chief of Mad Magazine in 2017. For any artist with a love of satire and comics, this was a dream job—but it came with major challenges.
MAD had been an institution in comedy since the 1950s, but by the time Morrison took the helm, it was struggling to stay relevant in an era of online humor and viral content. Morrison aimed to revitalize the magazine by blending classic MAD satire with a more modern edge.
His tenure saw the magazine tackle contemporary politics, pop culture trends, and digital media shifts, but despite his best efforts, MAD faced the harsh realities of print media decline. In 2019, DC Comics (which owned MAD) announced that the magazine would cease publishing new content, marking the end of an era.
Though his time at MAD was short-lived, Morrison’s contributions ensured the magazine’s legacy remained strong in its final years of widespread circulation.
A Legacy in Pop Culture Art
Bill Morrison’s career is a testament to the power of adaptability and artistic passion. Whether working on The Simpsons, Futurama, Mad Magazine, or Disney projects, he has demonstrated an unmatched ability to capture humor, character, and storytelling in visual form.
Even beyond his most famous projects, Morrison has worked on independent comics, convention exclusives, and even adaptations like The Beatles’ Yellow Submarine graphic novel. His influence on modern animation and comic art is undeniable, making him a respected figure in the industry.
The Art That Shapes Generations
Pop culture is often defined by the artists who bring it to life, and Bill Morrison stands among the greats. His ability to translate humor and storytelling into illustrations has left an imprint on generations of fans.
His work continues to inspire aspiring artists, reminding them that success in creative fields isn’t just about talent—it’s about taking chances, embracing new opportunities, and staying passionate about the craft.
As long as people are enjoying The Simpsons, Futurama, and the rebellious spirit of MAD Magazine, Bill Morrison’s legacy will continue to shape the art of pop culture.