The New Yorker covers: October 30, 1943

The New Yorker ran many covers related to or inspired by World War II. While some of these covers carried a sober message, others used humor to illustrate interesting situations involving military personnel or civilians, at home or abroad.

Constantin Alajalov
(covers untitled until February 1993)

And now, a few words from . . . Albert Szent-Györgyi

Discovery consists of looking at the same thing as everyone else and thinking something different.

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

"The Mice at Work: Threading the Needle" ca. 1902, Beatrix Potter

illustration for "The Tailor of Gloucester"

Movie Posters, 1948: Two adults, please, and a large popcorn!

Today in the history of the American comic strip: August 4

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.

8.4.1990: Tom Batik’s John Darling ends its 11-year run following the murder of its title character.

8.4.2007: Kudzu makes its last daily appearance, shortly after the death of creator Doug Marlette in a traffic accident.

8.4.2011: The Library of American Comics releases Caniff: A Visual Biography, by Dean Mullaney. It explores the career of Milton Caniff, creator of Terry and the Pirates and Steve Canyon.

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: August 5, 1933

Humans domesticated horses thousands of years ago, but they didn't appear on the cover of The New Yorker until the 20th century. Which makes perfect sense because the magazine wasn't founded until 1925! Since then, horses have periodically graced the magazine's cover in various guises: realistic, stylized, and comical.

Julian de Miskey
(covers untitled until February 1993)

And now, a few words from . . . Karl Kraus

To me all men are equal: there are jackasses everywhere, and I have the same contempt for them all. No petty prejudices!

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

"Summer," 1966, Eyvind Earle

Movie Posters, 1964: Two adults, please, and a large popcorn!