Artist and co-creator of 91- and 110-Across - NYT Crossword Clue

Introduction

This clue is a classic example of a cross-reference, a common feature in crossword puzzles, especially larger Sunday editions. It acts as a linchpin, connecting different parts of the grid. Instead of providing a direct definition, it points you to other answers (91- and 110-Across) to uncover the identity of the person in question.

Clue Analysis

The clue "Artist and co-creator of 91- and 110-Across" asks for the name of a specific person. Let's break it down:

• "Artist": This tells us the person is known for their creative work, likely in a visual medium.
• "co-creator": This implies they worked with others to bring something new into existence.
• "of 91- and 110-Across": This is the crucial part. The identity of the artist is entirely dependent on what those two other entries in the puzzle are. To solve this clue, you almost certainly need to solve, or at least make significant progress on, the referenced clues first.

Thinking Approaches

1. Solve the References First: The most direct path is to focus your attention on 91-Across and 110-Across. Once you figure out what those answers are, you can work backward to identify their creator. For example, if the answers were famous cartoon characters, you'd ask yourself, "Who created these characters?"
2. Use the Crossings: If you're stuck on the referenced clues, work on the crossing entries for this answer. Getting a few letters of the name can provide a massive hint. A pattern like C _ U _ _ J _ _ E S might be enough to trigger a memory recall.
3. Thematic Guessing: Sunday puzzles often have a theme. If you've identified a theme related to animation, cartoons, or classic television, you can start brainstorming famous figures in that field. Think of names like Walt Disney, Tex Avery, Friz Freleng, or the person who is the answer to this clue.

Background Context

The answer to this clue is a legendary figure in the world of animation. Charles Martin "Chuck" Jones (1912-2002) was an American animator, director, and producer, best known for his work on the Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies shorts for Warner Bros. Cartoons.

His directorial style is iconic, characterized by sharp comedic timing, expressive character animation, and often a more cerebral or satirical wit than his contemporaries. He directed many of the most famous cartoons ever made, including "What's Opera, Doc?", "Duck Amuck", and "One Froggy Evening". He is also credited as the co-creator of enduring characters like Wile E. Coyote, the Road Runner, Marvin the Martian, and Pepe Le Pew, which are very likely the subjects of the referenced clues.

Conclusion

This clue is a well-crafted piece of puzzle construction that rewards solvers with a knowledge of animation history. It forces a non-linear solving path, encouraging you to jump around the grid and piece together the theme. By linking multiple long answers, it creates a satisfying "aha!" moment when the creator's name finally clicks into place.

Hints

1. Hint 1: This person was a key figure in the Golden Age of American animation.
2. Hint 2: He is most famous for his work on Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies shorts for Warner Bros.
3. Hint 3: He directed many classic cartoons starring Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, and Porky Pig.
4. Hint 4: He is credited with creating or co-creating characters like Wile E. Coyote, the Road Runner, and Marvin the Martian.

The answer is CHUCKJONES.