Today in the history of the American comic strip: May 16

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.

5.16.1905: George Lichty, creator of the long-running Grin and Bear It, is born George Lichtenstein in Chicago, Illinois.

 
5.16.1926: Billy DeBeck unveils Bunky, which initially appeared under the odd title Parlor Bedroom and Sink before a couple of name changes. As for the titular Bunky, he was a well-spoken infant with a big nose who showed up in the strip later.

 

5.16.1949: Walt Kelly’s Pogo goes into national syndication.

Bunky

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.