The New Yorker covers: April 19, 1952

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)

The (old) Down East covers: July 1975

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.

Scott Anthony, "Old House on Vinalhaven"

Movie Posters, 1942: Two adults, please, and a large popcorn!

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

"Sky," 1997, Lisa Milroy

Today in the history of the American comic strip: December 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.

12.4.1912: Cliff Sterrett's Polly and Her Pals is launched, initially under the name of Positive Polly. The strip drew to a close in 1958.

12.4.1969: A Boy Named Charlie Brown, an animated comedy-drama film, is released. It was the first of several feature films based on the Peanuts comic strip.

Polly and Her Pals

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: December 4

 

George Henry Boughton
December 4, 1833

The New Yorker covers: May 20, 1944

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.

 

Abe Birnbaum
(covers untitled until February1993)