The New Yorker covers: September 6, 1947

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.

Perry Barlow
(covers untitled until February 1993)

And now, a few words from . . . Henry David Thoreau

I keep a mountain anchored off eastward a little way, which I ascend in my dreams both awake and asleep.

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

"Pierreuse," 1889, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec

Movie Posters, 1951: Two adults, please, and a large popcorn!

Today in the history of the American comic strip: September 28

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.

9.28.1909: Al Capp, the creator of Li’l Abner, is born in New Haven, Connecticut. He was named 1947 Outstanding Cartoonist of the Year by the National Cartoonists Society.

 

9.28.1982: Snoopy's brother Marbles makes his Peanuts debut. Snoopy has at least five siblings: brothers Spike, Marbles, Olaf and Andy; and sister Belle.

Li'l Abner

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: November 28, 1936

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.

Constantin Alajalov
(covers untitled until February 1993)

And now, a few words from . . . Thomas Paine

The most formidable weapon against errors of every kind is reason. I have never used any other, and I trust I never shall.

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

"Dos Mujeres" (Two Women), 1928, Frida Kahlo

Movie Posters, 1924: Two adults, please, and a large popcorn!