The New Yorker covers: October 30, 1965

Over the years, there have been many magazines whose covers have featured the work of highly talented artists and illustrators. But probably no magazine has had more varied and memorable covers, over a longer period of time, than The New Yorker, which was founded in 1925.

Laura Jean Allen
(covers untitled until February 1993)

The (old) Down East covers: March 1968

Ever since its founding in 1954, Down East has billed itself as “the magazine of Maine.” There are other Maine-centered mags, but Down East remains the most prominent of the bunch. Nowadays, the Rockport-based monthly features glossy, memorable cover photos, but there's a lot to be said for the charming, old-timey look of covers from the publication’s early decades.

Stell Shevis, untitled

Movie Posters, 1995: Two adults, please, and a large popcorn!

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

"Portrait of Greta Moll," 1908, Henri Matisse

Today in the history of the American comic strip: July 27

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.

7.27.2016: Richard Thompson, creator of the much-celebrated Cul de Sac (2004-2012), dies from complications of Parkinson’s disease. He was only 58 years old.

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 birth of an artist: July 27

Joseph Anton Koch
July 27, 1768

Harrison Fisher
July 27, 1875 or 1877

Edith Emerson
July 27, 1888

The New Yorker covers: July 22, 1950

Over the years, there have been many magazines whose covers have featured the work of highly talented artists and illustrators. But probably no magazine has had more varied and memorable covers, over a longer period of time, than The New Yorker, which was founded in 1925.

Garrett Price
(covers untitled until February 1993)

The (old) Down East covers: February 1980

Ever since its founding in 1954, Down East has billed itself as “the magazine of Maine.” There are other Maine-centered mags, but Down East remains the most prominent of the bunch. Nowadays, the Rockport-based monthly features glossy, memorable cover photos, but there's a lot to be said for the charming, old-timey look of covers from the publication’s early decades.

Richard Pulliam, "Grindle Point Light, Islesboro"