The New Yorker covers: May 4, 2026

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.

Tomer Hanuka
"Spring Salutations"

And now, a few words from . . . Bill Maher

We have the Bill of Rights. What we need is a Bill of Responsibilities.

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

"The Papal Palace at Avignon," ca. 1909, Paul Signac

Movie Posters, 2025: Two adults, please, and a large popcorn!

Today in the history of the American comic strip: August 12

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.

8.12.1893: Dick Calkins is born. He initially illustrated Buck Rogers in the 25th Century A.D., and was a co-creator of Skyroads.

8.12.2005: Bad Reporter, a comic created by Don Asmussen, goes into syndication following a two-year stint in the San Francisco Chronicle.

 

Buck Rogers in the 25th Century A.D.

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.

Review: "It Could Have Been Her," Lisa Jewell

Find exclusive book reviews, including this one, at The Walrus Said blog.

The New Yorker covers: September 22, 2014

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.

Lorenzo Mattotti
"Back Story"

And now, a few words from . . . Terry Pratchett

The trouble with having an open mind, of course, is that people will insist on coming along and trying to put things in it.

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

"Portrait of Franz Liszt," 1839, Henri Lehmann