Scott Kurtz

Scott R. Kurtz, born on March 15, 1971, in Watsonville, California, is an American webcomic artist. His career began at the University of North Texas, where he published a daily comic strip named “Captain Amazing” in the student newspaper, the North Texas Daily. Early work on the internet included comics for the MMORPG Ultima Online, titled “Samwise” and “Tales by Tavernlight.” He also produced “Wedlock,” a comic detailing his life as a newlywed, for the Modern Tales subscription comics site and co-wrote “Truth, Justin and the American way” with Aaron Williams.

Kurtz launched his notable webcomic, “PvP,” on May 4, 1998, originally for a gaming website. The strip was re-launched in June 1999 with a retooled approach. In March 2000, he introduced a print version of “PvP” as a bi-monthly publication through Dork Storm Press. After an eight-year partnership with Image Comics for the print edition, he transitioned to self-publishing under his company, Toonhound Studios LLC, which operates in Seattle. This move reflected a shift in readership towards online content. His contributions to webcomics earned him an Eisner Award for Best Digital Comic in 2006 and a Harvey Award for Best Online Comic Work in 2010.

His career expanded to include several other projects, such as co-writing “The Trenches” (2011-2016) with Jerry Holkins and Mike Krahulik, which focused on the video game industry. In 2013, Kurtz created a “PvP” spin-off webcomic, “Table Titans,” and collaborated with Kris Straub on “Mappy: The Beat,” an animated series for ShiftyLook, where he also voiced characters. Kurtz played the Dwarven Fighter Binwin Bronzebottom in “Acquisitions Incorporated,” a Dungeons & Dragons podcast and live show. In March 2024, he published the first volume of a “Table Titans” graphic novel series with Holiday House, further solidifying his diverse contributions to the comic and entertainment industries.