Probably Reading One of Our Own Pogo Books

Another lovely Kelly public service announcement 

R.V.T.

Churchy has an uncle by name of Rip Van Turkle, who shows up in 1966, just prior to Kelly's Pandemonia epic. A long time ago I posted R.V.T.'s episode, en Français, but now I can show the original English version as well, which I will start doing next post — even though I only heard from two (!) of you regarding an opinion of how to do it.

Very well, I've chosen the format to do it, now to just make it so.

Long Live Kelly!

Churchy and Uncle Rip Van Turkle, 1966

No Doubt

I jes' loves seeing Kelly's artwork in its original state, blue pencil and lush brush strokes. There were times when some strips might have had an assistant's help here and there, but it was Kelly shining through it all!

January 31, 1954

More Exquisite and Lush Than Usual

This 1966 period was truly a major high water mark in comic strip history. To have this kind of art delivered to my doorstep every day was exhilarating, and I've saved every one of the strips to this day.

Spread 3 of 7

1966 — What in the Whirled . . .

Speaking of Pogo in Pandemonia, I did a little pictorial essay about it in my Kelly 100th Birthday Tribute Zine . . . what . . . seven (!) years ago. Some of you long-term viewers prolly downloaded that zine, but for those who haven't, and new-comers, I'll post some page spreads one at a time. 

Spread 1 of 7

The Fearless Army

I know I've posted this panel some time in the past, but it's such a beauty, and I'm experimenting here with full high resolution to see if it comes across that way on your end. Please let me know in the comments if it comes in large for you. If so, I'd love to post more panels at full rez.

This is from Kelly's peak of artistic creativity from the 1966-67 Pandemonia period. Even though I have all the tear sheets from that time, I hope I live long enough to see the Fantagraphics volume covering all that, just because it will be a beautiful book!

A Message from 1973

A message from 1973 to us in 2020, via the Okefenokee, drawn probably by ol' Don Morgan, but emulating Kelly oh-so-nicely. 

Let's hang in there together, folks!

1973

Little Cheerful Charlie Chums

This page is a little bit rough, but it gives you a pretty good view of the Sunday strip published on this date in 1962. I love that first panel line-up . . . well, heck . . . I love all the panels.

April 29, 1962

Whoosh! Cowpox!

April 27, 1962

Churchy Got the Mysterious Stranger!

April 26, 1962

The Joke is Gone too Far

I really concur that the joke has gone too far . . .

April 25, 1962

Spoilin' for a Fight

April 24, 1962

A Big Fat Honor

April 23, 1962

All Yo' Problems Razed

I don't think I've seen Miss Loubelline and Cousin Pinhead before. A pinhead before Zippy.

Something to fill in on a 1962 Saturday away from continuity.

April 21, 1962

Fierce Lookin' Callabashio

Like I say, the struggle of self . . .

April 20, 1962

Gotta Think of a Epitaph . . .

Throughout these current strips, and on so many levels, Churchy is epitomizing the struggle of self. 

Also, as I've said before, I would collect and appreciate Kelly art even if all he drew was furniture and stuff.

April 19, 1962

Gorblimey!

April 18, 1962

YEOWK!

A case of matter over mind . . .

April 15, 1962

Good Ol' Churchy is the Lucky Choice

Yes, Pogo quietly abstains . . .

April 13, 1962

Defend the Honor of Miss Dawn Quixote

It appears we're back on the air . . . at least for awhile . . .

April 10, 1962