The New Yorker covers: January 19, 2026

The New Yorker has repeatedly rebuked or ridiculed Donald Trump on its covers since at least 2015. Several artists have contributed to the effort, with Barry Blitt seemingly serving as the most frequent go-to guy when the times call for yet another cutting reference.

Barry Blitt
"Guzzler"

And now, a few words from . . . David Letterman

If it wasn't for the coffee, I'd have no identifiable personality whatsover.

"What is art but a way of seeing?" Saul Bellow

"Saint Moritz," 1929, Tamara de Lempicka

Movie Posters, 1984: Two adults, please, and a large popcorn!

 

Today in the history of the American comic strip: April 2

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.

4.2.1988: Winnie the Pooh, a strip based on the characters created by A.A. Milne, ends its decade-long run.

4.2.2001: Jef Mallett’s Frazz debuts. The strip centers on a school custodian, Edwin "Frazz" Frazier, and the students with whom he interacts.

Frazz

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.

The New Yorker covers: June 14 & 21, 2010

The New Yorker has long been one of the most respected and influential magazines in the history of American publishing. So it comes as no surprise that many of its cover artists have chosen to showcase readers and reading.

Chris  Ware
"Finish Line"

And now, a few words from . . . H. L. Mencken

Democracy is a pathetic belief in the collective wisdom of individual ignorance.