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A voice for the unborn

Artist Gary Cangemi uses comic ‘Umbert the Unborn’ to entertain, educate.

By Don McGlynn dmcglynn@theabingtonjournal.com
Reporter/Photographer

SCRANTON-Scranton resident Gary Cangemi, of Gary Cangemi Graphic Arts Studio, has known for 30 years he could make a living with his artistic abilities. But in 2001 he found out he could also make a difference.

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Gary Cangemi and his character ‘Umbert the Unborn’ at Gary Cangemi Graphic Arts Studio, N. Main Avenue, Scranton.

Abington Journal/Don McGlynn

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That’s the year Cangemi created “Umbert the Unborn,” a weekly comic strip following the adventures of Umbert, an unborn baby in his mother’s womb.

“The whole idea was to give a voice, face and personality to the unborn child in away that people could relate to it. And, show the unborn child as a real person,” said Cangemi.

A former political cartoonist for a number of local papers, including the Abington Journal, Cangemi said he created the cartoon as a way of to do something positive for the pro-life movement, an issue he said has always been near and dear to his heart.

“(It’s about) protecting the rights of the unborn and also promoting respect for life of the born. It’s not just focused on abortion, it’s about respect for all human life at all stages,” said Cangemi.

“(At first) I just had the concept of a baby in the womb, and thought if I could develop a really strong character, this might have some appeal.”

He was right, and Umbert quickly found a large fan base of people who shared Cangemi’s beliefs.

Picked up by The National Catholic Register in June of 2001, where it has run as weekly strip since, the strip also runs in a dozen Catholic newspapers, and over 100 other publications, including pro-life newsletters and church bulletins.

Cangemi said he has heard anecdotal stories where his strip was used in intervention type situations to help convince an expectant mother to avoid abortion.

“To me, I think it’s like another tool in the box,” said Cangemi of his comic strip.

Hoping that his story can inspire others to use their talents to help the pro-life movement, Cangemi also makes frequent public appearances to discuss his devotion to the cause.

He’s been a speaker at the National Right to Life Convention several times, and will be taking part at the Pennsylvania Pre-Life Conference at the Hilton in Scranton on Saturday, Oct. 24.

The statewide conference entitled “Lighting the Way for Life in the Electric City,” is being presented by the Pennsylvania Pro-Life Federation, and hosted by the Pennsylvanians for Human Life, Scranton. Cangemi will be gearing his workshop toward the younger audience members at the conference.

“I think kids are very creative… and, I would like to see them use their talents in a positive way for the pro-life movement,” said Cangemi.

Cangemi plans to lead those in attendance in a discussion, show them the creative approach he’s taken, and have them help him write an Umbert comic strip, which will be published.

Other speakers scheduled to appear at the conference include former Kansas Attorney General Phill Kline, Bobby Schindler, brother of euthanasia victim Terri Schiavo, national radio talk show host and motivational speaker Teresa Tomeo, nationally recognized abstinence expert Emily Parke Chase and stem cell research expert Carol Franz.

Reservations for the conference can be made online at www.paprolife,org or by calling 717.541.0034.

For more information on Umbert, visit http://www.umberttheunborn.com/ or call the Gary Cangemi Graphic Arts Studio located at 308 N. Main Ave. Scranton, at 570.342.7111.