Franklin Christenson Ware (b. December 28, 1967), subject of the following characterization:

"...the most versatile and innovative artist the medium has known[.]" --Dave Eggers, New York Times Book Review, November 26, 2000.

Whew! Big talk! Decide for yourself. What's the worst that can happen? That the guy's Number 2, not Number 1? Or Number 3? Or 16? Or 6,309th?

If you ask me -- and I know you didn't -- his work is technically fascinating and emotionally compelling. Those characteristics are secondary, though; from my limited interaction with him, he's as nice and thoughtful as can be. With that going for him, everything else pales, especially the debate as to who's No. 1.

There are lots of places on the web to learn more about him and his oeuvre. Poke around a little bit. (Hell, if you're reading this, chances are you maintain your own virtual Ware shrine, so you don't need me telling you all this.) I'm going to indulge myself and provide one link, however: to see images of many of the assembled cutouts, Go Here and Enjoy:
http://www.niemworks.com/else/acmetoys.html

[Note: this page drastically reorganized on 1 August 2007]