Century Old Comic Strips

Those who forget the past are destined to miss out on a lot.

Comics have been in newspapers for over a hundred years. The past is filled with some very interesting artifacts.

Comics are the product of the artist and the era. What was acceptable then might not be acceptable now. They are a glimpse into another world, another time and another person's point of view.

Krazy Kat (1913 - 1944)

During its run, it was beloved by many in the artistic and intellectual sets. It lasted for a long time due to publisher William Randolph Hearst's dedicated support.

The comic starred Krazy Kat and Ignatz Mouse. Krazy loved Ignatz. Ignatz hurled bricks at Krazy's head. Krazy didn't mind but Officer Pupp was usually on hand to show Ignatz to a jail cell.

It's an example of simple done well. Some strips were sweet with Krazy rushing to bring ice cream to some kittens (4-23-1916) and others were just plain odd with Ignatz holding Krazy at gunpoint (2-15-1919).

Little Nemo in Slumberland (1905 - 1926)

By August Olson [Public domain],
via Wikimedia Commons

Little Nemo in Slumberland is the story of Nemo's adventures in a world of dreams.

Winsor McCay was a skilled artist. His comics are elaborate. He created different worlds for Nemo and his friends to explore. He was also an innovator. Any fan of McCay needs to see his Little Nemo Cartoon. It is a mix of live action and animation. He created four thousand drawings for the animation.

Recently, I received in the mail the biggest book I have ever owned. Little Nemo: Dream Another Dream published by Locust Moon Press. The art is fantastic and grand. I think he would be proud to see the influence that his work has had.

Mr. Skygack, From Mars (1907 - 1917)

A Martian's observations of life on Earth. Simple, interesting, fun.

My interest in Mr. Skygack was peaked by a single image of a kid in a Skygack costume. It's fantastic. It reminds me of Comic Con.

It's the kind of strip that I could imagine obsessing over if I was a kid then. Well, maybe I wouldn't have obsessed over the strip but the character. Before aliens were common, he was a fully formed alien visiting from Mars and exploring all the oddities Earth had to offer.

Read Them

Enjoy them, learn from them.

Krazy Kat and Little Nemo can be read at The Comic Strip Library
Mr. Skygack can be read at Comic Book Plus