Today in the history of the American comic strip: September 28

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.

9.28.1909: Al Capp, the creator of Li’l Abner, is born in New Haven, Connecticut. He was named 1947 Outstanding Cartoonist of the Year by the National Cartoonists Society.

 

9.28.1982: Snoopy's brother Marbles makes his Peanuts debut. Snoopy has at least five siblings: brothers Spike, Marbles, Olaf and Andy; and sister Belle.

Li'l Abner

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.