Remembering Jules Feiffer: Final Interview on 'Amazing Grapes'

Jules Feiffer, the Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonist, playwright, and author, died in 2025 at age 95. In a final interview conducted by Steven Heller for PRINT Magazine, Feiffer discussed his last published work, the children's graphic novel 'Amazing Grapes,' and his creative process. The book, published when he was 95, features three siblings—Shirley, Pearlie, and Curley—who travel through dimensions to find their mother, who is revealed to be an alien. Feiffer described his method of working as taking instructions from an unknown voice, allowing the story to unfold organically. He noted that his longtime editor, Michael Di Capua, trusted him implicitly. The title 'Amazing Grapes' was inspired by President Obama's impromptu singing of 'Amazing Grace' at the 2015 Charleston church shooting memorial, which Feiffer called one of his most moving memories. Feiffer also discussed his shift from political cartoons to children's books, describing his work as disguised autobiography and a form of exorcism. He paid tribute to Walt Kelly, creator of Pogo, whose dog character he borrowed and named Kelly in the book. Feiffer also addressed his macular degeneration, saying he turned the limitation into a creative plus. His final book, a graphic memoir, is scheduled for release by Abrams Comic Arts.