Today in the history of the American comic strip: January 17

American cartoonists and writers may not have invented the comic strip, but some argue that the comics, as we know them today, are an American creation. Clearly, the United States has played an outsize role in the development of this underappreciated art form.

1.17.1929: Popeye the Sailor makes his first appearance in E. C. Segar’s Thimble Theatre. The strip, which was in its 10th year by the time Popeye arrived, was later renamed after the spinach-loving seaman.

1.17.1993: F. O. Alexander dies. In 1931, he took over Hairbreadth Harry following the death of its creator, C. W. Kahles. Alexander produced the strip until 1939.

Popeye

Most of the information listed here from one day to the next comes from two online sites -- Wikipedia, and Don Markstein's Toonopedia -- as well as 100 Years of American Newspaper Comics, edited by Maurice Horn. Note that my focus is on American newspaper comic strips (and the occasional foreign strip that gained popularity in the United States). Thus, comic books and exclusively online comics are not included here.