Karine Haaland

• Born — 29 August 1966 • Birthplace — Bergen, Norway • Nationality — Norwegian • Area — cartoonist • Notable Works — Våre venner menneskene Streng, men urettferdig Baller av stål, hjerte av gull • Awards — full list

Haaland made her publishing debut in the student paper Universitas in 1995, but her breakthrough came with inclusion into the Norwegian magazine Larsons Gale Verden, featuring the cartoons of Gary Larson. Her work has since been syndicated to several magazines and newspapers, most notably Dagbladet, Dagsavisen and Bergens Tidende, although the latter has the distinction of having fired her over a censorship dispute. The books containing her work sell well in Norway and are printed in multiple editions. For several years Haaland's strip ran under no title, and featured no named characters. Eventually, recurring characters became named, such as Louïs who started appearing in 1996, Lolito first featured in 1997, Melis in 1999, and Soto & Simson in 2003. The strip was finally given the name Piray in 2005. Following a long run as supporting strip in Larsons Gale Verden, Haaland changed publisher, and is currently featured in the monthly magazines dedicated to Bud Grace's Ernie and Frode Øverli's Pondus.