James Sturm is an American cartoonist and graphic novelist acclaimed for his insightful and compassionate explorations of American history and culture. Born on May 3, 1965, Sturm has carved out a niche in the world of comics with his distinctive storytelling style, which often combines a minimalist art style with complex, character-driven narratives. In addition to his work as an author, Sturm is also an educator and a co-founder of the Center for Cartoon Studies, an institution dedicated to providing a high level of instruction to aspiring cartoonists and graphic novelists. His notable works include "The Golem's Mighty Swing," which is about a Jewish baseball team touring America during the 1920s, and "Market Day," a story examining the life of an early 20th-century Eastern European Jewish rug maker. Sturm's contributions to the comics medium extend beyond his own narrative work. He has been instrumental in shaping the next generation of cartoonists through teaching and his commitment to nurturing the field's educational foundations. His work has been recognized with several awards, and he continues to be an important voice in the graphic novel community.