Today in the history of the American comic strip: July 9

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.

7.9.1921: Tony DiPreta is born in Stamford, Connecticut. Although he did not create either strip, he illustrated both Joe Palooka and Rex Morgan, M.D. for many years.

7.9.2020: The Washington Post reports that Gary Larson, creator of The Far Side (1979-1995), has published three new cartoons on his website, “with fans and fellow cartoonists rejoicing at his first fresh work in 25  years.”

Joe Palooka

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.