Wednesday, March 17, 2010
On this day in 1928 another comic strip got the feature-length movie treatment from Hollywood. MGM released Bringing Up Father 82 years ago today.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
On this day in 1961 a minor American legend became an even more minor Disney star. The Saga of Windwagon Smith was released 49 years ago today.
Monday, March 15, 2010
On this day in 1985 Dale H. Clayton of The University of Chicago's Committee on Evolutionary Biology named a species of chewing lice after the creator of The Far Side. Strigiphilus garylarsoni received its scientific designation 25 years ago today.
Sunday, March 14, 2010
On this day in 1947 cartoonist Tom Batiuk was born. The creator of Funky Winkerbean, John Darling ane Crank is 63 years old today. Happy birthday!
Saturday, March 13, 2010
On this day in 1951 the U.S. Army gained one of its most famous recruits. Beetle Bailey, who was a college student when his King Features comic strip started, enlisted 59 years ago today.
Friday, March 12, 2010
On this day in 1916 the work of Elzie Segar, creator of Popeye the Sailor, first appeared on the comics page. Segar's Charlie Chaplin's Comic Capers started 94 years ago today.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
On this day in 1932 the Fleischer studio released the first of three duets Betty Boop sang with Cab Calloway. Minnie the Moocher came out 78 years ago today.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
On this day in 1910 a comic starring a bad guy started, making such a splash that his name has resonated as a villain in melodrama ever since. Desperate Desmond, by Harry Hershfeld (Abie the Agent) began one century ago today.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
On this day in 1924 the Max Fleischer studio released Mother Pin a Rose on Me, the first Screen Song cartoon. The bouncing ball gimmick wasn't yet in place, but audiences were invited to sing along with the words on the screen 86 years ago today.
Monday, March 8, 2010
On this day in 1941 MGM introduced a long-running character, tho not a prominent one. The Prospecting Bear, in which Benny Burro first assumed his characteristic role as Barney Bear's supporting character, was released 69 years ago today.
Sunday, March 7, 2010
On this day in 1942 one of the most prominent man in cartoons was born. Disney studio chief Michael Eisner may be a mere corporate executive rather than associated with the creative end of cartoonery, but he's still 68 years old today. Happy birthday!
Saturday, March 6, 2010
On this day in 1932 animé man Tatsuo Yoshida was born. The creator of Speed Racer would, if still living, have been 78 years old today.
Friday, March 5, 2010
On this day in 1969 the DePatie-Freleng Studio (Misterjaw, The Inspector) released a cartoon about a predator/prey duo (cf. Tom & Jerry) that launched a major series. The Ant & the Aardvark came out 41 years ago today.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
On this day in 1932 custom car designer Ed "Big Daddy" Roth, creator of the "anti-Mickey Mouse," was born. The man who first designed Rat Fink would, if living, have beeen 78 years old today.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
On this day in 1937 Bobby Driscoll, the voice of Walt Disney's Peter Pan, was born. He died in his 30s, but otherwise would have been 73 years old today.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
On this day in 1940 Warner Bros. cartoons introduced its most famous second banana. The fully-realized Elmer Fudd, no longer resembling Egghead, used mostly over the years as a supporting character to Bugs or (occasionally) Daffy, was first seen in Elmer's Candid Camera, released 70 years ago today.
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Monday, March 1, 2010
On this day in 1968 a major animated cartoon studio bit the dust. The Fuz, the very last cartoon ever released by Famous Studios (Casper, Popeye) came out 42 years ago today.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
On this day in 1960 one of the important new figures of 1990s independent comic books was born. Jeff Smith, creator of Bone, hits the Big Five-Oh today. Happy birthday!
Saturday, February 27, 2010
On this day in 1965 Warner Bros. released the only Road Runner cartoon that ever contained a crossover with another of their established characters. The Wild Chase, which co-starred Sylvester Pussycat, came out 45 years ago today.
Friday, February 26, 2010
On this day in 1958 comic book artist Jeff Butler was born. The man who co-created The Badger is 52 years old today. Happy birthday!
Thursday, February 25, 2010
On this day in 1923 The Chicago Tribune's comic strip Smitty, which had started the previous year as a daily only, added a Sunday page. Smitty became a seven-day comic 87 years ago today.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
On this day in 1954 cartoonist Jim Borgman was born. The co-creator of Zits, one of the most recent newspaper comics to achieve the thousand-paper circulation of Peanuts or Hagar the Horrible, is 56 years old today. Happy birthday!
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
On this day in 2002 a set of Disney characters made the transition from comics to animation, just as Uncle Scrooge and Moby Duck had done before them. Daisy Duck's nieces, April, May and June, comics characters since the 1950s, turned up on House of Mouse eight years ago today.
Monday, February 22, 2010
On this day in 1919 cartoonist Pete Hoffman was born. The creator of Jeff Cobb, whose credits also include Steve Roper and the single-panel cartoon Why We Say, is 91 years old today. Happy birthday!
Sunday, February 21, 2010
On this day in 1993 we lost one of our greatest practioners of comics art. Harvey Kurtzman, creator and first editor of Mad magazine (then an ordinary comic book), died 17 years ago today.
Saturday, February 20, 2010
On this day in 1967 animation actress Kath Soucie was born. The voices of Dexter's mom, Phil and Lil in Rugrats and All Grown Up, and many more is 43 years old today. Happy birthday!
Friday, February 19, 2010
On this day in 1938 MGM launched one of its few licensed animated series. Cleaning House, the first cartoon adapted from Dirks's The Captain & the Kids, came out 72 years ago today.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
On this day in 2008 the cast of Fairly OddParents was expanded. Poof was born two years ago today. To paraphrase Porky Pig, happy birthday, you thing from another world, you!
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
On this day in 1929 one of cartoonist Milt Gross's most enduring features (of a very unenduring lot) began in The New York World (Caspar Milquetoast, Keeping Up with the Joneses). Count Screwloose of Tooloose was first seen 81 years ago today.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
On this day in 1902 cartoonist George Herriman (Krazy Kat) launched his very first continuing feature. Musical Mose may have lasted less than a week, but it did begin 108 years ago today.
Monday, February 15, 2010
On this day in 2007 (five days before that year's Mardi Gras) The Krewe of Muses staged its annual parade in New Orleans, where the public was treated to a free comic book about a new character. Supermuse was introduced three years ago today.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
On this day in 1904 a pioneering Sunday page, by a pioneering cartoonist, began. Little Jimmy, by Jimmy Swinnerton, started 106 years ago today.
Saturday, February 13, 2010
On this day in 1877 a highly-accomplished cartoonist entered our world. Sidney Smith, creator of The Gumps, was born 133 years ago today.
Friday, February 12, 2010
On this day in 1994 actor William Conrad died. The narrator of Rocky & Bullwinkle has been gone for 16 years today.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
On this day in 1973 voice artist Tara Charendoff Strong (Daizy in Wow Wow Wubsy, Bubbles in Powerpuff Girls) was born. The voice of Timmy Turner is 37 years old today. Happy birthday!
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
On this day in 1966 DC Comics editor Mort Weisinger (Superman) phoned teenage writer Jim Shooter to buy his Legion of Super Heroes scripts and offer more work. The comic book career of Jim Shooter, which eventually included a position as editor-in-chief of Marvel Comics, began 44 years ago today.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
On this day in 1908 cartoonist Billy Ireland, the Ohio newspaperman who mentored younger cartoonists from his home state, such as Milton Caniff (Terry & the Pirates), launched the Sunday page he's best remembered for today. The Passing Show began 102 years ago today.
Monday, February 8, 2010
On this day in 1982 a pair of funny animals underwent a species change, as well as a genre change. After appearing steadily more human-like in their daily newspaper comic. Eek & Meek made a full transition from mice to human beings, 28 years ago today.
Sunday, February 7, 2010
On this day in 1926 cartoonist Bill Hoest was born. The creator of Agatha Crumm, Howard Huge and The Lockhorns died in 1988, but would otherwise have been 84 years old today.
Saturday, February 6, 2010
On this day in 1995 yet another Disney feature was made into a half-hour TV show. Aladdin began its daily airing on The Disney Channel fifteen years ago today.
Friday, February 5, 2010
On this day in 2005 Nickelodeon (Rugrats, The Wild Thornberrys) featured a live action/animation crossover. The fairies of Fairly OddParents made a guest appearance on Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide five years ago today.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
On this day in 1960 cartoonist Scott Saavedra was born. The creator of It's Science, with Dr. Radium hits the Big Five-Oh today. Happy birthday!
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
On this day in 1945 Disney staged the U.S. release of the second of two features inspired of the studio's massive junket to Latin America. The Three Cabelleros came out 65 years ago today.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
On this day in 2002 Super Goof's first animated appearance (on The Disney Channel's House of Mouse) highlighted the difficulty of a funny animal superhero maintaining a secret identity. Dumbo was accused of being Super Goof eight years ago today.
Monday, February 1, 2010
On this day in 1992 a half-doxen Marvel Comics artists told the world they would no longer work to enrich a soulless corporation, but would make their own publishing company and keep the profits for themselves. The formation of Image Comics (Spawn, Savage Dragon) was announced 18 years ago today.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
On this day in 1999 yet another prime-time animated TV series debuted on Fox TV, where The Simpsons holds by far the record tenure for a prime-time animated TV series. Family Guy began 11 years ago today.
Saturday, January 30, 2010
On this day in 1910 one of the early entries on a list that eventually included Winnie the Pooh, Raggedy Ann, Peter Rabbit and more, appeared — cartoon stars who started out in newspaper prose stories for children. The first Uncle Wiggily story was published one century ago today.
Friday, January 29, 2010
On this day in 1933 cartoonist Rube Goldberg, whose previous work included Foolish Questions, Mike & Ike (They Look Alike), and those fabulous inventions made a unique excursion outside of humor. Doc Wright, Goldberg's only non-funny cartoon feature, started 77 years ago today.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
On this day in 1949 The New York Star folded, taking with it a comic strip that, not yet syndicated, appeared nowhere else. The first daily run of Walt Kelly's Pogo ended 61 years ago today.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
On this day in 1966 cartoon actress Susanne Blakeslee was born. The voice of Wanda in Fairly Odd Parents, Cruella DeVil and Lady Tremaine in 21st century animation, and much more is 44 years old today. Happy birthday!
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
On this day in 1940 The Max Fleischer Studio (Popeye, Betty Boop) released Way Back When a Triangle Had Its Points, the first of its "Stone Age" series of cartoons. Comics from Our Antediluvian Ancestors to Peter Piltdown, getting laughs from primitive people, were emulated in animation, starting 70 years ago today.
Monday, January 25, 2010
On this day in 1903 F.B. Opper's Alphonse & Gaston Sunday page didn't, as usual, tell a complete story, but continued it into the following week's installment. The first serialized story in American comics began 107 years ago today.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
On this day in 1910 one of cartoonist George Herriman's many short-lived early comic strips ended. Gooseberry Sprigg has been gone for one hundred years today.
Saturday, January 23, 2010
On this day in 1987 the ranks of DC Comics editors and trivia experts was depleted by one. E. Nelson Bridwell, whose credits include Angel & the Ape and The Inferior Five, died 23 years ago today.
Friday, January 22, 2010
On this day in 1922 a new character made his first appearance, after four months, in a newspaper comic that many people think he was the star of all along. Major Hoople turned up for the first time in Our Boarding House 88 years ago today.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
On this day in 1991 The Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences announced the nominees for their Academy Award, which included the very first animated nominee for Best Picture. Beauty & the Beast appeared on the Oscar ballot 19 years ago today.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
On this day in 1944 cartoonist Bill Griffith, whose work has been distributed both in comix and by King Features Syndicate, was born. The creator of Zippy the Pinhead is 66 years old today. Happy hirthday!
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
On this day in 1973 DePatie-Freleng (Super President, Here Comes the Grump) released Kloot's Kounty, inaugurating a new series of theatrical cartoons. Hoot Kloot was introduced 37 years ago today.
Monday, January 18, 2010
On this day in 1952 the animation industry was unionized. The people who worked on Bugs, Woody, Tom & Jerry and all the rest chartered The Motion Picture Screen Cartoonist's Union (Local 839) 58 years ago today.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
On this day in 1947 Milton Caniff introduced a character in Steve Canyon, whom many critics, referring to his earlier Terry & the Pirates, called "The Dragon Lady of Wall Street." Copper Calhoun was first seen 63 years ago today.
Saturday, January 16, 2010
On this day in 1939 The McClure Newspaper Syndicate (King Aroo, There Oughta Be a Law!) launched a comic strip about the biggest star yet to emerge from the related comic book medium. Superman, by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, became the first property to go from comic books to newspaper comics 71 years ago today.
Friday, January 15, 2010
On this day in 1945 another comics adventure hero settled the question of whether or not the hero would wind up getting married, in the firmest possible way. Brenda Starr and Basil St. John tied the knot 65 years ago today.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
On this day in 1888 animation pioneer Emile Reynaud patented what he called the "Theatre Optique" (Optical Theatre), a device for entertaining audiences with animated shows. That technique eventually proved a dead end, as cinematic techniques leading to Gertie, Oswald and Mickey offered a better way of animating, but still, people were enjoying something very much like modern animation as early as 122 years ago today.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
On this day in 1939 Terrytoons introduced one of its biggest stars — at least, to the extent that Hollywood's cheesiest '30s animation studio ever had such a thing as a star. The Owl & the Pussycat, where Sourpuss first appeared, came out 80 years ago today.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
On this day in 1997 America's second-longest running prime-time animated show debuted on Fox TV (The Tick), which already had the first (The Simpsons). King of the Hill started 13 years ago today.
Monday, January 11, 2010
On this day in 1998 Winslow Mortimer, whose co-creations range from Merry, Girl of a Thousand Gimmicks to Nignt Nurse, died. We lost the co-creator of Stanley & His Monster twelve years ago today.
Sunday, January 10, 2010
On this day in 1929 the Belgian magazine Le Petit Vingtième started a new comics serial, introducing a new comics character that was eventually translated into over 50 languages. "Tintin in the Land of the Soviets" began 81 years ago today.
Saturday, January 9, 2010
On this day in 1901 cartoonist Murat "Chic" Young, the creator of Beautiful Babs, Dumb Dora, Blondie and Colonel Potterby & the Dutchess was born. If not for the unfortunate fact that he died in 1973, he'd be 109 years old today.
Friday, January 8, 2010
On this day in 2001 the tired but still functioning comic Gil Thorp got a new look. Frank McLaughlin (Judomaster) took over as artist nine years ago today.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
On this day in 2000 voice actor Bob McFadden (Cool McCool, Lovable Truly in Linus the Lionhearted) died. At age 77, the voice of Courageous Cat was stilled ten years ago today.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
On this day in 1953 The New Orleans States launched a limited-run comic strip, which was given national distribution by The Register & Tribune Syndicate (Jane Arden, The Spirit). The States marked the sesquicentennial of The Louisiana Purchase, starting 57 years ago today.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
On this day in 1925 a long-running character was introduced in a classic daily newspaper comic. Little Orphan Annie met her soon-to-be constant companion, Sandy, 85 years ago today.
Monday, January 4, 2010
On this day in 1946 Terrytoons launched the series that studio mogul Paul Terry later confided was his personal favorite among his own output. The Talking Magpies, introducing Heckle & Jeckle, was released 64 years ago today.
Sunday, January 3, 2010
On this day in 1921 a classic "working girl" comic strip, in the tradition of Cathy Guisewite's much later Cathy, began from King Features Syndicate. Tillie the Toiler, by cartoonist Russ Westover, started 89 years ago today.
Saturday, January 2, 2010
On this day in 1929 one of the mainstays of the so-called "Marvel Age of Comics" was born. Don Heck, who drew lengthy runs of Ant Man, Iron Man, The Avengers and more, took his first breath 81 years ago today.
Friday, January 1, 2010
On this day in 1933 The Chicago Tribune Syndicate launched Maw Green, by cartoonist Harold Gray. The topper to Little Orphan Annie began 77 years ago today.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
On this day in 1995 Cartoon Network's What a Cartoon! show aired The Chicken from Outer Space, where Hanna-Barbera's Courage the Cowardly Dog was introduced. One of the all-animation cable station's prominent series of the late 20th and early 21st centuries was first seen 14 years ago today.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
On this day in 1939 animation's most notorious legal pirate ceased his larcenous activities forever. Charles Mintz, the man who hijacked Oswald the Lucky Rabbit from Walt Disney, died 70 years ago today.
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
On this day in 2001 the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles newspaper comic ended. The final episode of the actual story had already appeared, but publication of some fan art marked the demise of the strip itself — eight years ago today.
Monday, December 28, 2009
On this day in 1922 a cousin-in-law of Martin Goodman (Marvel Comics) named Stanley Lieber was born. Under a famous pseudonym, he became the comic book writer and editor who co-created Spider-Man, X-Men and most of the other properties that made Marvel mighty. Stan Lee is 87 years old today. Happy birthday, Stan!
Sunday, December 27, 2009
On this day in 1934 reporter/writer Lou Wedmar (who doesn't have other comics credits) and artist Paul Frehm (The Green Mask) launched a limited-run comic strip about the Lindbergh kidnapping. Frehm, who later became the regular artist on Ripley's Believe It or Not, got his start in non-fiction comics 75 years ago today.
Saturday, December 26, 2009
On this day in 1974 Everett M. "Busy" Arnold died. The founder of Quality Comics, which gave the cartoon world characters from Candy to Ken Shannon, departed our world 35 years ago today.
Friday, December 25, 2009
On this day in 1950 Walt Disney's very first television show appeared on the air, an hour-long special promoting Alice in Wonderland, and he's been a presence on TV ever since. An Hour in Wonderland was broadcast nationwide on Christmas Day, 59 years ago today.
Thursday, December 24, 2009
On this day in 1880 Johnny Gruelle was born. The creator of Mr. Twee Deedle and Brutus — to say nothing of Raggedy Ann & Andy — entered our world 129 years ago today
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
On this day in 1909 cartoonist George Herriman (Major Ozone, archy and mehitabel) launched one of the many pre-Krazy Kat comic strips he's remembered for today. Gooseberry Sprigg is one hundred years old today.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
On this day in 1951 comic book writer and columnist Tony Isabella (Black Lightning, It the Living Colossus) was born. The guy who revived Everett True and made him a comics fan is 58 years old today. Happy birthday, Tony!
Monday, December 21, 2009
On this day in 1979 An animated featurette, marking the debut of a new studio, was released, at least for a trial run. Banjo the Woodpile Cat, the first production of Don Bluth Studios (The Secret of NIMH) came out 30 years ago today.
Sunday, December 20, 2009
On this day in 1941 Warner Bros. released Wabbit Twouble, the first Bugs Bunny cartoon directed by Robert Clampett (Beany & Cecil). After Chuck Jones, Tex Avery and others had already taken turns with him, Clampett's first directorial shot at the Wabbit came 68 years ago today.
Saturday, December 19, 2009
On this day in 1979 ABC aired a pilot adapting Archie for a live-action sitcom. It was never produced as a regular show, but for a little while, at least, it looked like the red-headed teenage star was headed for primetime TV — 40 years ago today.
Friday, December 18, 2009
On this day in 1966 comics artist Dan Heilman died, ruining his plans, following his stint on Judge Parker, of making his next comic a sci-fi one. At the highly untimely age of 44, Dan Heilman was found dead 43 years ago today.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
On this day in 1950 Famous Studios carried its program of replacing Little Lulu, whom they had to pay licensing fees to use, with a character of their own, Little Audrey. A newspaper comic about Audrey, to match the one about Lulu that had been running for several months, was commissioned at King Features Syndicate, to start running 59 years ago today.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
On this day in 1918 a new theme began to be explored in American comics — women on the job, as exemplified by Winnie Winkle, Tillie the Toiler and any number of others over the years. Somebody's Stenog, by cartoonist A.E. Hayward, said to be the first "working girl" series in American comics, started 91 years ago today.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
On this day in 1966 at age 65, Walter Elias Disney, as the saying goes, departed this mortal coil. The man who built an empire on the likes of Mickey Mouse died 43 years ago today.
Monday, December 14, 2009
On this day in 1957 Hanna-Barbera solidified its position as the leading up-and-coming producer of animation for the new medium of television, by debuting a new show. Ruff & Reddy started 52 years ago today.
Sunday, December 13, 2009
On this day in 1959 Broadway ingenue Mary Perkins married photographer Pete Fletcher. The comic strip where this happened, Mary Perkins on Stage, has been defunct for 30 years; otherwise, this would be the happy couple's 50th wedding anniversary.
Saturday, December 12, 2009
On this day in 1909 one of our highly-accomplished cartoonists was born. Dick Moores, creator of Jim Hardy, who is better known for his years as Frank King's successor on Gasoline Alley, died during the 1980s, but if he were still alive, this would be his one hundredth birthday.
Friday, December 11, 2009
On this day in 1909 a classic character made a first tentative appearance. In a Baron Mooch section devoted to Herriman's funny animal, Gooseberry Sprigg, a "kat" was spotted, that was eventually to evolve into something we've all seen. Krazy Kat was first seen one hundred years ago today.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
On this day in 1939 another newspaper comic based on the creations of the Walt Disney studio began. After a stint starring in Silly Symphonies, Donald Duck got a series of his own, 70 years ago today.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
On this day in 2002 a nine-day wonder, fraught with controversy and recriminations, broke out all through the U.S. news media. CNN reported that Marvel Comics had announced a new Rawhide Kid mini-series, depicting the title character as America's first homosexual western star, seven years ago today.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
On this day in 2001 a giant in toons died — just not the kind of guy a fan of cartoon entertainment tends to think of in that context. Don Tennant, the advertising executive behind The Pillsbury Doughboy, Tony the Tiger, The Jolly Green Giant and similar world-famous characters, left our world eight years ago today.
Monday, December 7, 2009
On this day in 1969 Rankin/Bass Productions (Rudolph, Smokey) adapted yet another holiday icon into a TV cartoon. Frosty the Snowman became a television star in a Christmas special first aired 40 years ago today.
Sunday, December 6, 2009
On this day in 1958 animation man Nick Park, who works for Britain's Aardman Animations, was born. The creator of Wallace & Gromit is 51 years old today. Happy birthday!
Saturday, December 5, 2009
On this day in 1954 one of the shortest-lived daily strips since the early days, when cartoonists like George Herriman (Baron Mooch) and Winsor McCay (Little Sammy Sneeze) would flit at will from one comic to another, began. The Lone Spaceman, by Warren Tufts (Casey Ruggles started 55 years ago today.
Friday, December 4, 2009
On this day in 1941 the second feature-length cartoon by Disney rival Max Fleischer was released. Mr. Bug Goes to Town came out 68 years ago today.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
On this day in 1933 Mutt & Jeff joined the increasingly popular movement for full-page Sunday comics to add toppers, doubling the number of comics the paper can advertise without increasing the size of the comics section. Cicero's Cat began 76 years ago today.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
On this day in 1924 Jack Davis was born. The EC Comics veteran who went on commercial art jobs in some of America's most prestigious magazines is 85 years old today. Happy birthday!
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
On this day in 1941 comic book veteran Elmer "Ed' Wexler (Miss America, Zambini) and a writing collaborator who used the name "Paine" launched a new comic in New York's newspaper PM. Less than a week before Pearl Harbor, Vic Jordan began 68 years ago today.
Monday, November 30, 2009
On this day in 1949 largely in response to the somewhat insistent application of Hilda Terry (Teena), the National Cartoonists' Society voted to stop excluding women from its ranks. The NCS opened its membership to all cartoonists, irrespective of gender, 60 years ago today.
Sunday, November 29, 2009
On this day in 1940 a large-scale movement had its humble beginning. Joe Palooka became the first of many comic strip characters to respond to the growing threat of World War II by enlisting in the U.S. Army, 69 years ago today.
Saturday, November 28, 2009
On this day in 1985 (a Thursday) a a couple of dozen newspaper cartoonists did a joint project — while America was gorging itself on turkey, Gasoline Alley, B.C., Hi & Lois and many others touched, perhaps tangentially, on the subject of hunger. "The Thanksgiving Day Hunger Project", as the event is remembered, occurred 24 years ago today.
Friday, November 27, 2009
On this day in 1950 a former King Features cartoonist moved to McNaught Syndicate (Joe Palooka, Dixie Dugan) and launched a new comic. The Jackson Twins, by Dick Brooks, began 59 years ago today.
Thursday, November 26, 2009
On this day in 1914 one of our most highly-acclaimed early comic book artists was born. Lou Fine, who co-created The Flame, The Black Condor, The Ray and more would, if still living, have been 95 years old today.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
On this day in 1992 Disney released another of its latter-day animation classics. Aladdin came out 17 years ago today.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
On this day in 1918 cartoonist Frank King (Bobby Make-Believe) took a small section of The Chicago Tribune's Sunday page called The Rectangle for the doings of his own set of characters. Thus ignominiously, Gasoline Alley began, 91 years ago today.
Monday, November 23, 2009
On this day in 1902 the Hearst papers announced the avaibility of The Katzenjammer Kids, Alphonse & Gaston and other comics, in collected reprint form. America's first comic book line started 107 years ago today.
Sunday, November 22, 2009
On this day in 1991 The Walt Disney Company put its latest feature (which had its world premiere a little over a week earlier) into general release. Beauty & the Beast was first seen nationwide 18 years ago today.
Saturday, November 21, 2009
On this day in 1916 Pathé Film Exchange (Aesop's Fables) released Father Goes to the Movies. The first animated cartoon adapting George McManus's King Features comic strip, Bringing Up Father, came out 93 years ago today.
Friday, November 20, 2009
On this day in 1966 cartoonist Jill Thompson was born. The creator of Scary Godmother is 43 years old today. Happy birthday!
Thursday, November 19, 2009
On this day in 1938 a giant in animation took his very early steps. Warner Bros. released The Night Watchman, the very first cartoon directed by the legendary Chuck Jones, 71 years ago today.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
On this day in 1932 The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Scientists established a new category for its Academy Awards. Walt Disney won the very first Oscar given in the category of animation, for his Silly Symphony Flowers & Trees, 77 years ago today.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
On this day in 1929 The New York Herald-Tribune (Betty, The Timid Soul) launched a new Sunday page by the creator of Raggedy Ann. Johnny Gruelle's Brutus began 80 years ago today.
Monday, November 16, 2009
On this day in 1961 New York City climaxed the Moosylvania for Statehood campaign with its Moose Day Parade. The drive to win statehood for Bullwinkle's home region came to a shattering conclusion 48 years ago today.
Sunday, November 15, 2009
On this day in 1907 The San Francisco Chronicle (The Far Side, King Aroo) launched the first successful newspaper comic that appeared on a reliable daily basis. A. Mutt, later called Mutt & Jeff, began 102 years ago today.
Saturday, November 14, 2009
On this day in 2004 Niclelodeon (Rugrats, Fairly OddParents celebrated Spongebob Squarepants's success by airing a movie version. Spongebob Squarepants: the Movie was shown five years ago today.
Friday, November 13, 2009
On this day in 1927 Bunker Hill Jr. (aka "Bunky") was born. The precocious baby, who quickly, in the absence of his delinquent father, became the star of Bedroom, Parlor & Sink, the topper to Billy DeBeck's Barney Google, would, if he aged normally and his comic were still running, be 82 years old today.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
On this day in 1944 the topper to cartoonist George McManus's Bringing Up Father was replaced with Snookums, a revival of McManus's earlier comic, The Newlyweds. America's first family comic, first revived under the title Their Only Child, began its third and final run 65 years ago today.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
On this day in 1952 cartoonist Keith Giffen was born. The co-creator of Ambush Bug is 57 years old today. Happy birthday!
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
On this day in 1697 William Hogarth was born. Tho he lived long before the time of Outcault, Ross or even Töpffer, Hogarth was a practitioner of what Will Eisner (The Spirit, John Law) called "sequential art". Today is the 312th anniversary of this early modern cartoonist's birth.
Monday, November 9, 2009
On this day in 1964 one of our great, classic newspaper comics started. The Wizard of Id, by Johnny Hart (BC and Brant Parker (Crock) debuted 45 years ago today.
Sunday, November 8, 2009
On this day in 2001 Fox TV (The Simpsons, Family Guy) launched a live-action TV sitcom about The Tick. The independent comic book character joined Superman, The Flash and all the other superheroes that have starred in non-animated television shows, eight years ago today.
Saturday, November 7, 2009
On this day in 2000 Lex Luthor was elected president of the United States — at least, if you got your news from DC Comics. Hard as it is to believe American voters would have chosen an evil plutocrat for office that year, that's exactly what they did in the DC Universe, nine years ago today.
Friday, November 6, 2009
On this day in 1960 Emmy Lou had a brief encounter with television. Shirley Temple Storybook, hosted by the 32-year-old former child star, did an episode about that panel 49 years ago today.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
On this day in 2007 comics illustrator Paul Norris died. The co-creator of Aquaman and long-time artist on Brick Bradford has been gone from the world for two years today.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
On this day in 1940 Donald Duck's girlfriend made her first appearance in the Silly Symphonies Sunday newspaper comic. Daisy Duck has been a comics character for 69 years today.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
On this day in 1981 Wallace Wood (Sally Forth, EC Comics) was found dead in his studio. Wood, who had last been seen alive half a week earlier, was seen to have committed suicide 28 years ago today.
Monday, November 2, 2009
On this day in 1917 cartoonist Rudolph Dirks, creator of both The Katzenjammer Kids and its clone, The Captain & the Kids, became a father. John Dirks, who grew up to succeed his dad on the latter comic, was born 92 years ago today.
Sunday, November 1, 2009
On this day in 1909 cartoonist George Herriman launched one of the many comic strips, like Professor Otto & His Auto and Major Ozone's Fresh Air Crusade, that he did before settling down with Krazy Kat. Baron Mooch began one century ago today.
Saturday, October 31, 2009
On this day in 1955 yet another Disney property became a daily newspaper comic. Scamp, the son of Lady & the Tramp, started appearing in his own King Features comic strip 54 years ago today.
Friday, October 30, 2009
On this day in 1959 Famous Studios, which was in the process of transferring ownership of its cartoon properties to Harvey Comics, let one of its animated series end in that medium. Katnip's Big Day, the final entry in its Herman & Katnip series, came out 50 years ago today.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
On this day in 1959 with Tintin already starting to appear in America, another French-language comics character that later achieved world-wide success was launched. Asterix the Gaul started 50 years ago today.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
On this day in 1948 Columbia Pictures (Blackhawk, Bruce Gentry) released the first chapter of a movie serial about a comic book jungle hero. Congo Bill started 61 years ago today.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
On this day in 2003 the U.S. Postal Service honored one of America's favorite cartoonists. Dr. Seuss, creator of Horton, The Grinch, The Cat in the Hat and so much more, appeared on a postage stamp six years ago today.
Monday, October 26, 2009
On this day in 1973 one of our most popular animation men entered the world. Seth MacFarlane, creator of Family Guy and American Dad, is 36 years old today. Happy birthday!
Sunday, October 25, 2009
On this day in 1943 Universal Studios released Meatless Tuesday, the Walter Lantz cartoon in which Charlie Chicken made his last appearance. Tho later revived in comic books, mostly as Andy Panda's constant companion, Charlie made his final bow in animation 66 years ago today.
Saturday, October 24, 2009
On this day in 1977 King Features Syndicate (Flash Gordon) launched a new comic strip by Bill Hoest (The Lockhorns). Agatha Crumm began 32 years ago today.
Friday, October 23, 2009
On this day in 2000 a cable TV toon branched out into video games. Daria's Inferno, based on the cartoon that originated on MTV, was released nine years ago today.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
On this day in 1993 Disney released the spookiest of its animated features — one so non-Disney-like, they used the name "Touchstone Pictures", usually reserved for films aimed at an older demographic than standard Disney fare, for the release. The Nightmare Before Christmas came out 16 years ago today.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
On this day in 1906 our language was enhanced with the name of a comic strip that, like Keeping Up with the Joneses, Caspar Milquetoast and Desperate Desmond, became part of everyday speech. Hairbreadth Harry, by C.W. Kahles, started 103 years ago today.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
On this day in 2005 we lost yet another of the veteran artists who made comic books what they are. Tom Gill, a long-time comics maker for Western Printing, first at Dell Comics and then at Gold Key (he was especially known for a lengthy run on Western's Lone Ranger title) died four years ago today.
Monday, October 19, 2009
On this day in 1935 the closest imitator Flash Gordon ever had, especially among comics that weren't even sci-fi in the first place, began. Assuming it hadn't (as some reports maintain) already been running for a couple of weeks, Don Dixon & the Lost Empire started 74 years ago today.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
On this day in 1969 one of our modern masters of animation was born. Randolph Severn "Trey" Parker III, one of the creators of South Park, hits the Big Four-Oh today. Happy birthday!
Saturday, October 17, 2009
On this day in 1967 The Walt Disney Company released its first animated feature following the 1966 death of Disney himself. The Jungle Book, Disney's first post-Walt feature, came out 42 years ago today.
Friday, October 16, 2009
On this day in 1955 United Feature Syndicate (Nancy, Peanuts) launched a short-lived but very memorable comic strip. Terr'ble Thompson, by Gene Deitch (Tom Terrific) started 54 years ago today.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
On this day in 1937 yet another newspaper comic strip became a movie. Universal Studios (The Hulk, Walter Lantz cartoons) released the first chapter of Radio Patrol, based on the popular King Features comic, 72 years ago today.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
On this day in 1988 Arnold Escapes from Church, the first Hey Arnold!
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
On this day in 1909 the first political cartoonist to enter the ranks of Al Capp, Chic Young, Roy Crane and others at the top of the profession, as winners of The Reuben Award, was born. Herbert "Herblock" Block, who won the award in 1956, would, if living, have been one hundred years old today.
Monday, October 12, 2009
On this day in 1923 a pioneer in clay animation was born. Art Clokey, creator of Gumby, is 86 years old today. Happy birthday!
Sunday, October 11, 2009
On this day in 1942 José Carioca became the star of Walt Disney's Silly Symphonys newspaper comic. The new character, who went on to co-star in Disney's feature The Three Caballeros, was first seen 67 years ago today.
Saturday, October 10, 2009
On this day in 1926 one of many non-superhero writer/artists for 1960s Archie Comics was born. Orlando Busino, whose creations include that company's Tales Calculated to Drive You Bats, is 83 years old today. Happy birthday!
Friday, October 9, 2009
On this day in 1961 the cartoonist responsible for a couple of modern classics was born. Matt Wagner, the man behind Grendel, Mage and more, is 48 years old today. Happy birthday!
Thursday, October 8, 2009
On this day in 1938 Warner Bros. released a cartoon which, a few years later, was considered strong enough to spark a comic book series — but today, would be considered so embarrassing the studio would never let it see the light of day. Little Pancho Vanilla came out 71 years ago today.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
On this day in 1996 Nickelodeon (Fairly OddParents, Rugrats) launched a new animated cartoon series. Hey Arnold! debuted on that network 13 years ago today.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
On this day in 1933 wedding bells rang at Emmy Schmaltz's boarding house, where Moon Mullins was a resident. Emmy and Lord Pluzhbottom, another resident, tied the knot 76 years ago today.
Monday, October 5, 2009
On this day in 1963 a Terrytoons character got his own TV show. Hector Heathcote starred, with Hashimoto-San and Sidney the Elephant in the back segments, in a show that debuted 46 years ago today.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
On this day in 1998 Nickelodeon (Spongebob Squarepants) launched a new cartoon with an unusual protagonist — or set of protagonists, anyway. CatDog debuted on that channel 11 years ago today.
Saturday, October 3, 2009
On this day in 1964 Dick Tracy became a father-in-law and the infamous "Space Race" era of his comic strip gained new legitimacy, as Tracy's adopted son, Dick Tracy Jr., married Moon Maid, an authentie alien. The venerable Chicago Tribune comic sank to hitherto-unheard-of depths of "modernity" 45 years ago today.
Friday, October 2, 2009
On this day in 1909 one of the most highly acclaimed comics artists ever was born. Alex Raymond, co-creator of Flash Gordon, Secret Agent X-9 and more, entered our world one hundred years ago today.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
On this day in 1994 newspaper editors looking to replace Doonesbury during its hiatus were given a choice. Thatch, which took a similar point of view and has been accused of being a character-for-character clone of Garry Trudeau's strip, began national syndication 15 years ago today.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
On this day in 1936 the bid for independence of a close Disney associate came to an end. Ub Iwerks returned to Disney after his studio, where Flip the Frog and Willie Whopper were born, released its last cartoon, Happy Days, 73 years ago today.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
On this day in 1988 we lost one of our acknowledged great cartoonists. Chas. Addams, creator of the family that bears his name, died 21 years ago today.
Monday, September 28, 2009
On this day in 1909 one of the greatest cartoonists of all time was born. Alfred Gerald Caplin, known to the world as Al Capp, creator of Li'l Abner, took his first breath one century ago today.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
On this day in 1840 in Landau, Germany, Thomas Nast was born. The greatest cartoonist of his generation, the man who made cartoon history by nailing the Boss Tweed gang, took his first breath 169 years ago today
Saturday, September 26, 2009
On this day in 1942 Paramount (Puppetoons, Famous Studios) released a Fleischer cartoon that had borne the working title "The Mad Scientist", but in release had been re-named after its main character. The first animated Superman cartoon came out 67 years ago today.
Friday, September 25, 2009
On this day in 1938 Milton Caniff's Terry & the Pirates took to the air — and not in the sense of joining the U.S. Air Force, which came later. Terry's radio show began 71 years ago today.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
On this day in 1950 in the Sunday-only comic Mitzi McCoy, Mitzi's 15th-century ancestor was first mentioned. Next thing you know, he was the star, and the strip was re=titled Kevin the Bold. This sudden change of direction occurred 59 years ago today.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
On this day in 1925 yet another movie series based on a comics character was launched. Educating Buster, the first of 39 live-action shorts in which Arthur Trimble starred as Buster Brown, was released 84 years ago today.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
On this day in 1931 the Mad magazine writer who first used put the words "What you mean 'we', white man?" into Tonto's mouth was born. Also an editor of DC Comics in later years, E. Nelson Bridwell would, if living, have been 78 years old today.
Monday, September 21, 2009
On this day in 1912 one of our best and best-known animation men was born in Spokane, Wa. Charles M. "Chuck" Jones, creator of Claude Cat, Pepe Lepew and The Road Runner, would, if living, have been 97 years old today.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
On this day in 1947 the creator of Howard the Duck was born. The late Steve Gerber, whose other co-creations include Thundarr the Barbarian and Omega the Unknown, would, if living, have been 62 years old today.
Saturday, September 19, 2009
On this day in 1942 Warner Bros. released The Dover Boys, directed by Chuck Jones, in an unusual style, which later became associated with United Productions of America, which had a huge effect on the animation industry of the 1950s and later. This innovative and influential cartoon came out 67 years ago today.
Friday, September 18, 2009
On this day in 1996 Disney launched a new half-hour TV show, to go with the many it already had. Marsupilami, based on a French-language comic book, began 13 years ago today.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
On this day in 1994 a new variation on an old comic strip started on Saturday morning TV. Phantom 2040, produced by King Features Syndicate, debuted in syndication 15 years ago today.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
On this day in 1972 Rankin/Bass (Santa, Frosty) launched a TV series based on a comic strip that was, at first, accused of succeeding because of political correctitude but eventually, it had to be admitted, owed its continuing success to the fact that people liked it. Kid Power, based on Morrie Turner's Wee Pals, began 37 years ago today.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
On this day in 1924 J.R. Bray (Col. Heeza Liar, Quacky Doodles released a cartoon titled The Magic Lamp, introducing a new animated character. Dinky Doodle, the very first creation of Walter Lantz (Woody Woodpecker, Chilly Willy) was first seen 85 years ago today.
Monday, September 14, 2009
On this day in 1991 a new star made the switch from the printed page to the small screen. Bucky O'Hare & the Toad Wars began on BBC 18 years ago today.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
On this day in 1937 a future giant of animation was born in El Paso, Tx. Don Bluth, whose credits include Banjo the Woodpile Cat, The Secret of NIMH and An American Tail, is 72 years old today. Happy birthday!
Saturday, September 12, 2009
On this day in 1993 Superman finally made it to prime-tine TV, with Dean Cain as The Man of Steel and Teri Hatcher in the other title role. Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman began 16 years ago today.
Friday, September 11, 2009
On this day in 1995 the ongoing Japanese Invasion of America's cartoon media took a giant step forward. Sailor Moon hit this country's airwaves 14 years ago today.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
On this day in 1958 one of our most prominent voice actors was born. Dan Castellaneta, voice of Earthworm Jim, Aladdin's genie (in sequels) and of course, Homer Simpson, is 51 years old today. Happy birthday!
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
On this day in 1979 a highly successful soap opera comic, with a family's kids growing up like in Gasoline Alley and eventually turning it into a multi-generational epic. For Better of for Worse, by cartoonist Lynn Johnston, started 40 years ago today.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
On this day in 1984 the success of Transformers led to more Saturday morning shows featuring robots that can combine into a bigger robot. Mighty Orbots began 25 years ago today.
Monday, September 7, 2009
On this day in 1959 the Walter Lantz studio released Space Mouse, a cartoon short that went nowhere. The title that inspired a series from Dell and later Gold Key Comics was appended to a completely unrelated cartoon that came out 50 years ago today.
Sunday, September 6, 2009
On this day in 1956 we lost one of the most highly-acclaimed comics artists of all time. Alex Raymond, co-creator of Flash Gordon, Jungle Jim, Secret Agent X-9 and Rip Kirby, had a fiery automobile accident and died instantly at age 46, 53 years ago today.
Saturday, September 5, 2009
On this day in 1941 the film version of a classic American comic strip was released. Reg'lar Fellers, by Gene Byrnes, became a movie 68 years ago today.
Friday, September 4, 2009
On this day in 1951 cartoonist Scott Shaw! was born. The man who spells his name with a bang, and who, not incidentally, co-created Captain Carrot & His Amazing Zoo Crew, is 58 years old today. Happy birthday, Scott!
Thursday, September 3, 2009
On this day in 1939 and 1945, the BBC's fledgling television service broadcast the beginning and end, respectively, of the Disney cartoon, Mickey's Gala Premiere, shutting down completely in between. World War II interrupted the BBC's operation between 70 and 64 years ago today.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
On this day in 1997 there was one less comic book plagiarist in the world. Roy Lichtenstein, who made a fortune "swiping" the work of more creative artists, died twelve years ago today.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
On this day in 1998 Nickelodeon (Ren & Stimpy, Fairly OddParents) launched a soon-to-be-popular new show. The Wild Thornberrys began eleven years ago today.