The New Yorker covers: December 12, 1936

I don’t get too excited about holidays, with one major exception. I’ve always had a warm spot in my heart for Christmas. The New Yorker has run many Christmas covers over the years, some of which, such as those by the late George Booth, are quite memorable.

Harry Brown
(covers untitled until February 1993)

And now, a few words from . . . Yip Harburg

It is only a paper moon / Sailing over a cardboard sea / But it wouldn’t be make-believe / If you believe in me.

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

"Dawn Before Gettysburg," 1938, Edward Hopper

Movie Posters, 1987: Two adults, please, and a large popcorn!

Today in the history of the American comic strip: September 5

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.

9.5.1917: Martha “Marty” Links, the creator of Bobby Sox (later called Emmy Lou), is born in Oakland, California.

9.5.1950: Cathy Guisewite, the cartoonist behind Cathy (1976-2010), is born in Akron, Ohio. She was named 1992 Outstanding Cartoonist of the Year by the National Cartoonists Society.

9.5.1965: Howie Schneider’s Eek & Meek debuts. The strip, which ran until 2000, featured the foibles of Eek, an aggressive alcoholic, and Meek, who lived up to his name.

9.5.1994: Patrick McDonnell unveils Mutts, which follows the adventures of Earl the dog, Mooch the cat, their owners, and other assorted animals. McDonnell received the Newspaper Comic Strip award from the National Cartoonists Society in 1996.

 

Mutts

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: May 26, 1928

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.

Helen E. Hokinson
(covers untitled until February 1993)

And now, a few words from . . . Bertrand Russell

The whole problem with the world is that fools and fanatics are always so certain of themselves, and wiser people so full of doubts.

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

"Magnolias," 1938, Stanley Spencer

Movie Posters, 2022: Two adults, please, and a large popcorn!