Today in the history of the American comic strip: October 18

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.

10.18.1896: The Yellow Kid appears in William Randolph Hearst’s New York Journal after Hearst lures cartoonist Richard F. Outcault and his Hogan’s Alley strip away from the New York World. Cartoonist George Luks steps in and draws a rival version for the World.

10.18.1942: A villain named Prune Face makes his first appearance in Chester Gould’s Dick Tracy. Gould’s strip has featured a long list of colorful, often bizarre-looking, evildoers over the years.

10.18.1954: Hi and Lois, created by Mort Walker and Dik Browne, introduces readers to the family of Hi and Lois Flagston. Lois is the sister of Beetle Bailey, and the Flagstons first appeared in the Beetle Bailey strip.

10.18.1973: Walt Kelly, the creator of Pogo (1948-1975, 1989-1993), dies in Woodland Hills, California. He was 60 years old.

10.18.1985: Jack Kent, the creator of King Aroo and the author-illustrator of children's books, dies from leukemia. King Aroo ran from 1950 to 1965.

Pogo

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.