Today in the history of the American comic strip: September 19

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.

9.19.1872: A. D. Condo is born in Freeport, Illinois. He collaborated with J. W. Raper to create The Outbursts of Everett True (1905-1927). He also created Mr. Skygack, from Mars (1907-1917), which is considered the first science fiction comic.

9.19.1949: Casey Ruggles, a Sunday-only Western strip for the past few months, adds a daily strip. The comic survived until 1954.

9.19.1952: Linus van Pelt of security blanket fame, the younger brother of Lucy van Pelt, makes his first appearance in Charles Schulz’s Peanuts. However, he isn't mentioned by name until three days later.
 
9.19.2010: The illustrator of Inside Woody Allen, Stuart Hample, dies in New York City. He was 84. As its name suggests, the strip focused on Allen's quirks and foibles. It ran from 1976 to 1984.

Casey Ruggles

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 New Yorker covers: May 7, 1955

Merriam-Webster defines a garden as “a plot of ground where herbs, fruits, flowers, or vegetables are cultivated,” but the dictionary’s definitions also include this: “a container (such as a window box) planted with usually a variety of small plants.” Houseplants and cut flowers may not meet either definition, but I think they come close.

Edna Eicke
(covers untitled until February 1993)

And now, a few words from . . . Robert Benchley

A dog teaches a boy fidelity, perseverance, and to turn around three times before lying down.

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

“Flowers in a Blue Vase," ca. 1934, Alfredo Ramos Martinez

Movie Posters, 1931: Two adults, please, and a large popcorn!

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

9.18.1978: Garfield the cat first expresses his hatred for Mondays, marking the introduction of a recurring theme in the comic that carries his name.

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 New Yorker covers: September 27, 1947

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.

Leonard Dove
(covers untitled until February 1993)

And now, a few words from . . . Lana Turner

A gentleman is simply a patient wolf.

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

"Take Off," 1943, Laura Knight