---

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

On this day in 1954 the longest-running TV show in prime-time history began. Disneyland, which, despite the occasional name change or network switch, lasted 29 continuous seasons, started 56 years ago today.

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

On this day in 1940 MGM released an animated short titled Gallopin' Gals. The first cartoon credited to directors Bill Hanna and Joe Barbera, who soon achieved fame for their characters Tom & Jerry, came out 70 years ago today.

Monday, October 25, 2010

On this day in 1896 what is often referred to as the very first newspaper comic strip, often credited with having sparked the entire comics industry, debuted. William F. Outcault's The Yellow Kid began 114 years ago today.

Sunday, October 24, 2010

On this day in 1947 The House Un-American Activities Committee received testimony that Communists in the Cartoonists' Union and the League of Women Voters were trying to subvert the spirit of Mickey Mouse. Walt Disney testified before Congress 63 years ago today.

Saturday, October 23, 2010

On this day in 1958 in the French-language comic book Spirou, the long-running characters Johan et Pirlouit, by Pierre "Peyo" Culliford, were walking through the woods and chanced to meet a tribe of forest-dwelling blue elves called "Les Schtroumphs", which, under various names in various languages, became an international sensation. The Smurfs, as they're called in English, were first seen 52 years ago today.

Friday, October 22, 2010

On this day in 1942 the only Mouseketeer chosen by Walt Disney himself was born. Annette Funicello is 68 years old today. Happy birthday, Annette!

Thursday, October 21 2010

On this day in 2005 the world lost one of its classic creators of teenage humor comic books. Bob White, who worked on Archie and Tippy Teen, but is also known for his work on Cosmo the Merry Martian and even The Fly, died five years ago today.

Wednesday, October 20 2010

On this day in 1935 a newspaper comic that accomplished the feat of being a Flash Gordon imitator, while not depicting a single interplanetary adventure, started. A very minor syndicate launched Don Dixon & the Lost Empire 75 years ago today.

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

On this day in 1935 a famous cartoonist signed a million-dollar contract that proved fatal. Sidney Smith, creator of The Gumps, was celebrating with Chicago Tribune Syndicate officials, so hard that on the way home, he wrapped the brand-new Rolls Royce that was included in the deal around a tree and died instantly, 75 years ago today.

Monday, October 18, 2010

On this day in 1937 yet another comics property, this one intended mostly to spur armed services recruitment, took to the air. A radio show starring Don Winslow of the Navy began 73 years ago today.

Sunday, October 17, 2010

On this day in 1958 the first cartoonist to create a comic strip distributed mainly on the Internet, on a reliably daily basis, was born. Bill Holbrook, creator of Kevin & Kell, who was also responsible for the newspaper comics Safe Havens and On the Fastrack, is 52 years old today. Happy birthday, Bill!

Saturday, October 16, 2010

On this day in 1955 United Feature Syndicate (Nancy, Broncho Bill) launched a new comic strip by animation man Gene Deitch. Terr'ble Thompson, Hero of History, started 55 years ago today.

Friday, October 15, 2010

On this day in 1905 one of the first Sunday newspaper comics pages hailed for its high artistic quality, rather than just providing a laugh, was launched. Little Nemo in Slumberland, by Winsor McCay, began 105 years ago today.

Thursday, October 14, 2010

On this day in 1877 a pioneering female cartoonist entered our world. Grace Gebbie, who, under either her birth name or one of her married names, co-created the King Features comic The Pussycat Princess but is more famous for The Campbell Kids, was born 137 years ago today.

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

On this day in 1910 one of the great, classic directors of animated cartoons was born. Robert McKimson, who guided the fate of such Looney Tunes characters as Foghorn Leghorn and Beaky Buzzard, and whose post-Warner career included The Pink Panther and others, would, if he were still alive, be one century old today.

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

On this day in 2003 a highly-acclaimed comic book cartoonist, whose work was published mostly by low-end companies like Charlton, died at age 75. Pete Morissi, creator of Thunderbolt, breathed his last seven years ago today.

Monday, October 11, 2010

On this day in 1913 one of the great cartoonists of comic books entered our world. Joe Simon, whose many creations run from Captain America to Prez, is 97 years old today. Happy birthday!

Sunday, October 10, 2010

On this day in 1965 The World War I Flying Ace made his first recorded attempt to subdue The Red Baron. The Peanuts version of that war began 45 years ago today.

Saturday, October 9, 2010

On this day in 1949 the man who created great fan interest in Marvel's first Captain Marvel was born. Jim Starlin, creator of Dreadstar and revitalizer of Warlock, is 61 years old today. Happy birthday, Jim!

Friday, October 8, 2010

On this day in 1910 actor Kirk Alyn was born. The man who first played Superman in live-action movies (whose other roles include Blackhawk) would, if he were still alive, have been one hundred years old today.

Thursday, October 7, 2010

On this day in 1960 cartoonist Howard Chaykin was born. The creator of American Flagg, Ironwolf and Cody Starbuck hits the Big Six-Oh today. Happy birthday!

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

On this day in 1985 yet another animated cartoon programming block (albeit a short-lived one) began. Super Sunday, where Jem & the Holograms was first seen, came into existence 25 years ago today.

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

On this day in 1922 one of the most popular cartoonists in the world was born. Bil Keane, creator of The Family Circus, is 88 years old today. Happy birthday!

Monday, October 4, 2010

On this day in 1931 The Chicago Tribune took a tentative step toward establishing the world's most popular crime drama comic strip. The first of two Sunday pages testing public reaction to Dick Tracy was placed in the paper 79 years ago today.

Sunday, October 3, 2010

On this day in 1961 the fad of placing animation in prime-time TV, which had begun with 1960's The Flintstones, continued with a funny animal knock-off of the old Amos & Andy show. Calvin & the Colonel started 49 years ago today.

Saturday, October 2, 2010

On this day in 1938 Flash Gordon's Ming the Merciless pulled a "Haroun al Raschid" routine on a Mongolese woman named Sonja (no relation), first marrying her and then having her killed. Ming showed the extent of his villainy 72 years ago today.

Friday, October 1, 2010

On this day in 1999 the U.S. Postal Service issued a Smiley Face stamp, prompting Smiley Face creator Harvey Ball to declare World Smile Day, which, ever since, has been celebrated on the first Friday in October. The first day dedicated to smiling, all over the world, occurred eleven years ago today.

Thursday, September 30, 2010

On this day in 1968 the Yale University student newspaper launched a new comic strip titled Bull Tales. The forerunner of cartoonist Garry Trudeau's Doonesbury started 42 years ago today.

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

On this day in 1910 one of many minor comic book artists, this one with credits at Dell, Fawcett and later Charlton, was born. Carl Pfeufer, who also co-created the newspaper comic Don Dixon the Lost Empire, would, if still living, have been one hundred years old today.

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

On this day in 1992 a couple of defunct Merrie Melodies stars were revived for one last appearance on television. Piggy didn't make it, but Foxy and Goopy Geer were both present in the Tiny Toons episode "Two Tone Town", which appeared 18 years ago today.

Monday, September 27, 2010

On this day in 1976 comics storylines entered a new era of relevance to real-life situations. Karen Cooper, an acquaintance of Mary Worth, announced that she was the first unmarried, pregnant teenager in comics 34 years ago today.

Sunday, September 26, 2010

On this day in 1942 the Max Fleischer Studio released a cartoon titled The Mad Scientist. The first animated appearance of Superman came out 68 years ago today.

Saturday, September 25, 2010

On this day in 1986 we lost one of our familiar voice stars. Don Adams, not just the live-action Maxwell Smart, but also the voice of Tennesee Tuxedo, Professor Gadget and more, died 24 years ago today.

Friday, September 24, 2010

On this day in 1950 Mitzi McCoy, a Sunday strip star from Newspaper Enterprise Association (Alley Oop, The Born Loser) first mentioned a 15th century ancestor, and a week later he'd taken over the series. Kevin the Bold made his first appearance 60 years ago today.

Thursday, September 23, 2010

On this day in 1979 yet another Marvel superhero joined Thor, Captain America, etc. in being adapted into a Saturday morning animated television show. Spider-Woman debuted on ABC 31 years ago today.

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

On this day in 1931 Mad magazine and DC Comics writer E. Nelson Bridwell was born. The co-creator of The Inferior Five would, if still living, have been 79 years old today.

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

On this day in 1927 Universal Pictures (Mystery Men, Don Winslow of the Navy) added one to the number of toon properties adapted into live-action films. Dancing Fools, the first comedy short starring Mike & Ike, was released 83 years ago today.

Monday, September 20, 2010

On this day in 1997 a popular and famous cartoon property was adapted into TV animation — decades after its popularity had waned and it had become virtually unknown. Kewpies which had had its heyday in the 1920s and '30s, began in syndication 13 years ago today.

Sunday, September 19, 2010

On this day in 1942 Warner Bros. released a cartoon that was years ahead of its time. The Dover Boys, directed by Chuck Jones, was done in a style popularized by the avant-garde studio UPA in the 1950s, tho it came out 68 years ago today.

Saturday, September 18, 2010

On this day in 1942 Terrytoons released its very first cartoon based on a licensed property. School Daze, first of a very short series adapted from Ernie Bushmiller's Nancy, came out 68 years ago today.

Friday, September 17, 2010

On this day in 1949 MGM introduced a new star by releasing Little Rural Riding Hood. It wasn't the first appearance of Red, who headlined the short, but the first voice work of Daws Butler appeared 61 years ago today.

Thursday, September 16, 2010

On this day in 1949 Warner Bros. released Fast & Furry-ous, the first cartoon of a popular new series. The Coyote was first seen chasing The Road Runner 61 years ago today.

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

On this day in 1924 Walter Lantz made an early contribution to the growing roster of American animated stars. The Magic Lamp, the first cartoon starring Dinky Doodle & Weakheart, was released 86 years ago today.

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

On this day in 1842 the U.S. comic book industry took a faltering first step. The Adventures of Obadiah Oldbuck, the very first graphic novel printed in America, was published as a supplement to the newspaper Brother Jonathan, 168 years ago today.

Monday, September 13, 2010

On this day in 1997 ABC (The Addams Family, The Flintstones) devoted a large part of its Saturday morning schedule to a single block of programming from Disney. One Saturday Morning, where Recess, Pepper Ann and more were first seen, started 13 years ago today. Sunday, September 12, 2010

On this day in 1964 one of Jay Ward's less-remembered TV series started on ABC. Hoppity Hooper (not even vaguely related to Hippety Hopper and even less related to Hoppity of Bugville) debuted 46 years ago today.

Saturday, September 11, 2010

On this day in 1971 the Archie TV franchise was expanded. Sabrina the Teenage Witch, who had formerly occupied a back segment of the red-headed teen's Filmation series, got her own show 29 years ago today..

Friday, September 10, 2010

On this day in 1990 DuckTales, Gummi Bears, Chip & Dale Rescue Rangers and TaleSpin all came together as a single two-hour network programming block. The Disney Afternoon started 20 years ago today.

Thursday, September 9, 2010

On this day in 1968 United Feature Syndicate (Peanuts, Twin Earths) launched a new comic from a long-established creator. The Dropouts, by Howard Post (Anthro, Jimminy & the Magic Book) began 42 years ago today.

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

On this day in 1930 King Features (Primce Valiant, Zippy the Pinhead) launched the most successful domestic comedy daily comic strip of all time. Blondie debuted 80 years ago today.

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

On this day in 1963 a popular Japanese TV cartoon made the leap across the Pacific to become a popular American TV cartoon. Tetsuan Atomu (or as it's called here, Astro Boy) had its U.S. premier 47 years ago today.

Monday, September 6, 2010

On this day in 1975 the number of animated knock-offs of live-action TV shows increased by one. The Oddball Couple, which was similar to the sitcom with a similar name, except starring funny animals, startted 35 years ago today.

Sunday, September 5, 2010

On this day in 1875 one of the influential cartoonists who affected the development of 20th century newspaper comics was born. Clare Briggs, creator of A. Piker Clerk and Mr. & Mrs., and author of one of the earliest books on comics, How to Draw Cartoons (1926), entered our world 135 years ago today.

Saturday, September 4, 2010

On this day in 1992 the cable channel MTV (Daria) aired a special cartoon titled Frog Baseball, which turned out, unexpectedly, to be the opening episode of a long-running series. Beavis & Butt-Head were first seen 18 years ago today.

Friday, September 3, 2010

On this day in 1993 (a Friday) The Disney Afternoon programming block on daily television got a major alteration. Going Bonkers, a special introducing that series, scheduled to begin the following Mondayk aired 17 years ago today.

Thursday, September 2, 2010

On this day in 1996 Disney engaged in its frequent practice of revising old properties to reach new audiences. Donald Duck's Nephews were grown into teenagers and cast in the new TV series Quack Pack, 14 years ago today. z

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

On this day in 1998 The Klasky-Csupo Studio (Rugrats, Stressed Eric) launched a new animated series on Nickelodeon (Ren & Stimpy, Fairly OddParents), the kids' cable channel. The Wild Thornberrys began twelve years ago today.

Tuesday, August 31, 2010

On this day in 1933 The Van Bueren Studio (Molly Moo Cow, Parrotville) released The Phantom Rocket, the final cartoon in the Tom & Jerry series — final, that is, until 1939, when MGM launched the real Tom & Jerry series. But the original Tom & Jerry series ended 77 years ago today.

Monday, August 3o, 2010

On this day in 1943 one of the most talked-about cartoonists of the 20th century, creator of Mr. Natural, Fritz the Cat and much more, was born. R. Crumb is 67 years old today. Happy birthday, Bob!

Sunday, August 29, 2010

On this day in 1953 Warner Bros. released Cat-Tails for Two, a cartoon about a new character, who didn't even have a name yet. Tho he was rough around the edges and a little hard for the modern viewer to recognize, Speedy Gonzales was introduced 57 years ago today.

Saturday, August 28, 2010

On this day in 1910 a very influential comic book editor-to-be was born in Ennis, Tx. Chase Craig, the Western Printing and Publishing editor who, at Dell Comics, first had the idea of teaming Sniffles the Mouse with a little girl named Mary Jane, a couple of decades later co-created Magnus, Robot Fighter for Gold Key Comics, and in-between was instrumental in the development of Space Mouse, would, if still living, be one hundred years old today.

Friday, August 27, 2010

On this day in 2000 MTV (Beavis & Butthead) broadcast Is It Fall Yet?, a feature-length cartoon about the network's current star. The first Daria feature aired ten years ago today.

Thursday, August 26, 2010

On this day in 1980 Tex Avery dropped dead in the Hanna-Barbera parking lot. The creator of Bugs, Daffy and a host of other great characters, died 30 years ago today.

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

On this day in 1995 Warner Bros. (The Iron Giant, Gay Purr-ee) released Carrotblanca, starring Bugs Bunny. The first new Looney Tune released theatrically in almost three decades came out 15 years ago today.

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

On this day in 2001 a new and fairly long-lasting show began on Cartoon Network, the cable TV station that specialized in Hanna-Barbera cartoons like Two Stupid Dogs and Catdog. The Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy started nine years ago today.

Monday, August 23, 2010

On this day in 1941 King Features Syndicate launched Rocky Mason, Government Marshal. The only straight adventure comic by cartoonist Jimmy Swinnerton, one of the early greats of newspaper comics, began 69 years ago today.

Sunday, August 22, 2010

On this day in 2005 Cartoon Network (Batman, Krypto) began airing Tickle U, an anthology show featuring a new segment starring Gerald McBoing-Boing. The attempted revival fizzled, but at least the attempt was made — five years ago today.

Saturday, August 21, 2010

On this day in 1921 a comic strip started in a single out-of-the-way newspaper, that represented a true innovation. Bobby the Boy Scout, which appeared only in The Philadelphia Leader and was never syndicated, but is believed to be the first comic to tell a straight adventure story, began 89 years ago today.

Friday, August 20, 2010

On this day in 1930 cartoonist Bill Rechin was born. The co-creator of Crock, which is syndicated by Field Enterprises (Mark Trail) is 80 years old today. Happy birthday!

Thursday, August 19, 2010

On this day in 1930 The Museum, which launched an animated series that today isn't claimed by any major studio, was released by RKO (Little Orphan Annie, Tim Holt). Toby the Pup, perhaps the most obscure old-time cartoon character ever, started 80 years ago today.

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

On this day in 1950 the number of Tom & Jerrry clones went up by one. Terrytoons released Cat Happy, which introduced Little Roquefort the mouse and his cat "friend" Percy, 60 years ago today.

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

On this day in 1941 Walt Disney, accompanied by a huge entourage, set out on a goodwill tour of South America. The trip that wound up giving us characters like José Carioca and features like The Three Caballeros began 69 years ago today.

Monday, August 16, 2010

On this day in 1997 Warner Bros. (Superman, The Catwoman) released yet another movie based on a comic book series. Steel, with Shaquille O'Neal (who has "appeared" in episodes of Johnny Bravo and Beavis & Butthead) in the title role, came out 13 years ago today.

Sunday, August 15, 2010

On this day in 1929 Columbia Pictures (The Fox & the Crow,) Tito & His Burrito) released Ratskin, a cartoon about a character licensed from King Features Syndicate who didn't look, act or sound like anything viewers had seen before. Tho he didn't resemble Krazy Kat, the first of a long line of Krazy Kat animations came out 81 years ago today.

Saturday, August 14, 2010

On this day in 1942 Monogram Pictures' (Joe Palooka) Hillbilly Blitzkrieg, one of two comedy shorts starring Bud Duncan (Casper Hawkins) as Snuffy Smith was released to theatres. The only live-action appearance of Barney Google (played by Cliff Nazarro, voice of Egghead) appeared 68 years ago today.

Friday, August 13, 2010

On this day in 1983 The Chicago Tribune's syndicated comic strip Kudzu almost, but not quite, became a multi-media phenomenon. The pilot episode of a live-action TV show based on the property aired on CBS, but remained unsold, 27 years ago today.

Thursday, August 12, 2010

On this day in 1996 Marvel Comics editor Mark Gruenwald, one of the authors of The New Universe, died of a heart attack at the very untimely age of 43, and, by the terms of his will, had his ashes mixed with the ink used to print his Squadron Supreme graphic novel. Mark Gruenwald gave new meaning to the idea of "throwing oneself into his work" 14 years ago today.

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

On this day in 1940 Donald Duck's grandmother was glimpsed, in the form of a portrait on Donald's wall in his King Features comic strip. Readers got their first look at Grandma Duck 70 years ago today.

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

On this day in 2007 a new Flash Gordon series debuted on cable-TV's Sci-Fi Channel. The 70+-year-old King Features comic showed itself still a commercially-viable property three years ago today.

Monday, August 9, 2010

On this day in 1957 Famous Studios released a cartoon titled Spooky Swabs, the last one released to theatres to star Popeye the Sailor. The "famous" one-eyed sailor has been animated only on television for 53 years today.

Sunday, August 8, 2010

On this day in 1924 animation man Gene Deitch (Tom Terrific, Terr'ble Thompson was born. The one-time creative director of Terrytoons is 86 years old today. Happy birthday, Gene!

Saturday, August 7, 2010

On this day in 1987 a prominent set of cartoon characters made the transition to live action. Masters of the Universe, starring Dolph Lundgren (The Punisher) as He-Man and Frank Langella (Perry White) as Skeletor, came out 23 years ago today.

Friday, August 6, 2010

On this day in 1999 the number of successful animated features that lack the Disney brand name, never very large, was increased by one. Warner Bros. (Looney Tunes, Batman) released The Iron Giant eleven years ago today.

Thursday, August 5, 2010

On this day in 1924 one of the comics that established The Chicago Tribune Syndicate (Gasoline Alley, Dick Tracy) as a leader in the field, debuted. Little Orphan Annie started 86 years ago today.

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

On this day in 1942 one of today's leaders in the preservation of old newspaper comics entered the world. Rick Norwood, publisher of Comics Revue, is 68 years old today. Happy birthday, Rick!

Tuesday, August 3, 2010

On this day in 1990 the title character of a syndicated comic strip was shot to death right in front of readers. John Darling was murdered in the second-last episode of his own comic (the final episode was about the funeral) twenty years ago today.

Monday, August 2, 2010

On this day in 1984 The Portsmouth Daily Times signed up to run Peanuts. That strip became the first commercially syndicated comic to be carried in 2,000 newspapers worldwide 26 years ago today.

Sunday, August 1, 2010

On this day in 1910 a famous newspaper comic assumed the name by which we know it best. George Herriman's The Dingbat Family, where Krazy Kat was first seen, became The Family Upstairs, one century ago today.

Saturday, July 31, 2010

On this day in 1965 Warner Bros. released a cartoon titled Rushing Roulette, directed by Robert McKimson (Hippety Hopper). The first Road Runner cartoon not directed by creator Chuck Jones came out 45 years ago today.

Friday, July 30, 2010

On this day in 1932 Disney released the first Silly Symphony made in Technicolor. Flowers & Trees, which was also the first winner in the "Animated Cartoon" Oscar category, came out 78 years ago today.

Thurssday, July 29, 2010

On this day in 1955 cartoonist Dave Stevens was born. He died a couple of years ago, but If he were still alive, the man who created The Rocketeer would be 55 years old today.

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

On this day in 2004 actor Jackson Beck died. The voice of King Leonardo, as well as villains from Popeye's Bluto to Superman's Luthor, was stilled six years ago today.

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

On this day in 1954 child actor David Kory, whose credits are extremely sparse, was born. The little boy who played Dondi in the 1961 adaptation, and not much else, is 56 years old today. Happy birthday, David, wherever you are.

Monday, July 26, 2010

On this day in 1910 a classic comics gag — so classic, it once appeared on a U.S. postage stamp — made its debut in George Herriman's The Dingbat Family. Ignatz Mouse hurled his first brick at Krazy Kat one hundred years ago today.

Sunday, July 24, 2010

On this day in 1970 the creator of Dennis the Menace (no relation) ended his association with his brainchild. David Law (who also created Beryl the Peril) did his final episode in the issue of The Beano dated 40 years ago today.

Saturday, July 24, 2010

On this day in 1931 a minor mystery was cleared up in Thimble Theatre, the King Features comic where Popeye is the star, The source of the one-eyed sailor's strength was revealed to be spinach, 79 years ago today.

Friday, July 23, 2010

On this day in 1923 the "kid gang" genre of newspaper comic strips got a major boost. King Features' Just Kids, by August Daniels "Ad" Carter, began years ago today.

Thursday, July 22, 2010

On this day in 2008 death claimed another generation of Looney Tunes voices. 59-year-old Greg Burson, who'd done Foghorn Leghorn, Yosemite Sam and others since Mel Blanc died, succumbed to complications from diabetes two years ago today.

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

On this day in 1922 inventor Ted Wolf, who took time off from his Gyro-like activities to dabble in animation, was born. Were he still living, the creator of Thundercats would be 88 years old today.

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

On this day in 1941 Disney released the first (unless you count Fantasia) of its compilation features — those '40s flicks that didn't tell a single coherent story, but were more like Silly Symphony collections. The Reluctant Dragon came out 69 years ago today.

Monday, July 19, 2010

On this day in 1929 cartoonist Robert L. Ripley signed with media giant King Features Syndicate (Katzenjammer Kids, Blondie) to distribute his feature, which had previously appeared in only one newspaper, all over the world. Believe It Or Not became an international phenomenon 81 years ago today.

Sunday, July 18, 2010

On this day in 1915 a prolific writer and editor of strange and unusual comic books was born. Robert Kanigher, creator of The Bouncer, The War that Time Forgot and other quirky comics series would, if he were still alive, be 95 years old today.

Saturday, July 17, 2010

On this day in 1943 the tradition of frequent crossovers among Warner Bros. cartoon characters took a big step forward. Porky Pig's Feat, where Bugs Bunny first met Daffy Duck, was released 67 years ago today.

Friday, July 16, 2010

On this day in 1954 Walt Disney embarked on a new project, which didn't directly involve animation. Ground was broken on his Disneyland 56 years ago today.

Thursday, July 15, 2010

On this day in 1950 a major source of "new" material became available for the soon-to-be-formed IW Enterprises. Fox Feature Syndicate went bankrupt for the second time, this one for good, casting properties like The Blue Beetle and Phantom Lady to the winds, 70 years ago today.

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

On this day in 1984 actor Kenny Delmar, whose character, "Senator Claghorn," inspired Mel Blanc to create Foghorn Leghorn's voice, died. The voice of Commander McBragg, which Delmar did himself, was stilled 26 years ago today.

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

On this day in 1940 an animation man who became a highly-acclaimed comic book cartoonist was born. Mike Ploog, who co-created The Ghost Rider, Weirdworld and Werewolf by Night, is 70 years old today. Happy birthday!

Monday, July 12, 2010

On this day in 1937 cartoonist Al Capp followed up his success with Li'l Abner by launching a second comic, where he'd do the writing and leave the drawing to a second artist. Abbie & Slats, by Capp and Raeburn van Buren (contrary to other reports which place its anniversary on the 7th, a Wednesday) started 73 years ago today.

Sunday, July 11, 2010

On this day in 1923 one of the more prominent continuers of another cartoonist's comic strip was born. Dan Barry, who handled the Flash Gordon feature for King Features for nearly 40 years would, were he still living, have been 87 years old today.

Saturday, July 10, 2010

On this day in 2007 traffic conditions claimed the life of a prominent newspaper comics cartoonist. Doug Marlette, creator of The Chicago Tribune's Kudzu, was killed at 57 in a car accident three years ago today.

Friday, July 9, 2010

On this day in 1909 a great comic-book cartoonist who specialized in human grotesqueries was born. Basil Wolverton, whose bizarre creations run the gamut from Spacehawk to Powerhouse Pepper, including the extra-grotesque Lena the Hyena, would, were he still living, be 101 years old today.

Thursday, July 8, 2010

On this day in 1982 Disney brought out a film pioneering a whole new type animation, one destined to change the whole industry. Tron was released 28 years ago today.

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

On this day in 1943 yet another superhero took to the air. The Black Hood's radio show first appeared on The Mutual Broadcasting Network 67 years ago today.

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

On this day in 1950 a fan favorite cartoonist was born. John Byrne, creator of Alpha Flight and The Next Men, but who is more famous for his 1980s work on X-Men and revamping of Superman, is 60 years old today. Happy birthday, John!

Monday, July 5, 2010

On this day in 1953 an Oscar-winning short cartoon became a series. UPA (Mr. Magoo) released Gerald McBoing-Boing's Symphony, the second animation about the character, 57 years ago today.

Sunday, July 4, 2010

On this day in 1883 one of the most highly-acclaimed cartoonists of all time, the man who not only won a Reuben Award, the award itself was named after him, entered our world. Rube Goldberg, whose credits include (but are far from limited to) Foolish Questions, Mike & Ike (They Look Alike and, of course, those fabulous inventions, was, as the song goes, "born on the Fourth of July", 127 years ago today.

Saturday, July 3, 2010

On this day in 2002 a popular animated TV series became a popular animated movie release. The Powerpuff Girls feature-length film came out eight years ago today.

Friday, July 2, 2010

On this day in 1896 one of animation's pioneers was born. Quirino Christiani, who directed the world's first feature-length animated cartoon, Argentina's El Apóstolo, which, clocking in at 1917, pre-dated Snow White by two decades, entered this world 114 years ago today.

Thursday, July 1, 2010

On this day in 1935 the Looney Tunes got a new star, with the release of I Haven't Got a Hat, directed by Friz Freleng (Yosemite Sam). Porky Pig made his first appearance 75 years ago today.

Wednesday, June 30, 2010

On this day in 1939 Disney released a Donald & Nephews cartoon short titled Sea Scouts, the first directed by animator Dick Lundy. Lundy, who went on to do Barney Bear for MGM, Andy Panda for Walter Lantz's studio and more, made his directorial debut 71 years ago today.

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

On this day in 1950 an erstwhile cartoonist of King Features' Popeye the Sailor was born. Bobby London, the former "Air Pirate" who also created Dirty Duck and Merton of the Movement, is 60 years old today. Happy birthday, Bobby!

Monday, June 28, 2010

On this day in 1954 one of the relatively few successful post-war comic strips designed to tell a continuing story began. Jeff Cobb didn't reach the stellar heights of Steve Canyon or Spider-Man, but it did start 56 years ago today.

Sunday, June 27, 2010

On this day in 2008 cancer claimed one of our more recently-famous cartoonists at the tragically young age of 37. Michael Turner, creator of Witchblade, died two years ago today.

Saturday, June 26, 2010

On this day in 1959 Disney released what has become a classic of educational animation. The 27-minute (easily featurette-length rather than a common short) Donald in Mathmagic Land came out 51 years ago today.

Friday, June 25, 2010

On this day in 1874 one of our pioneering female cartoonists was born. Rose Cecil O'Neil, who made over a million dollars as creator of The Kewpies, entered our world 136 years ago today.

Thursday, June 24, 2010

On this day in 1984 Dr. Hans Zarkoff, Flash Gordon's pal, married the planet Mongo's Empress Matara. No telling what age the old goat had reached by that time — he'd been co-starring in the comic strip for two or three generations already — but he became a newlywed 26 years ago today.

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

On this day in 1942 Our Boarding House, which had been running for more than 20 years in newspapers, started on radio. Major Hoople became a cross-media character 68 years ago today.

Sunday, June 20, 2010

On this day in 1910 cartoonist George Herriman's famous domestic comedy, The Dingbat Family, which eventually became The Family Upstairs, and was later spun off into something even more famous, began. The comic strip that spawned Krazy Kat started one century ago today.

Saturday, June 19, 2010

On this day in 1915 comic book editor Julius Schwartz was born. The man who engineered the superhero revival at DC Comics, responsible for such heroes as The Flash, Green Lantern and Super-Chief, would, if still living, have been 95 years old today.

Friday, June 18, 2010

On this day in 1999 Disney released yet another in its long string of classic animated features, as well as yet another popular movie adaptation of the works of Edgar Rice Burroughs (Nyoka the Jungle Girl). That studio's version of Tarzan came out 11 years ago today.

Thursday, June 17, 2010

On this day in 1935 a newspaper comic about medieval adventure began. No, not King Features' Prince Valiant — it was Associated Press's Oaky Doakes that began 75 years ago today.

New article today: J. Rufus Lion

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

On this day in 1959 actor George Reeves, who played Superman on TV, died, apparently a suicide, tho many observers have expressed doubts about that interpretation of events. The controversial death of George Reeves occurred 51 years ago today.

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

On this day in 1936 King Features Syndicate launched the most authentic possible imitation of cartoonist Gene Ahern's Our Boarding House. Room & Board with Judge Puffle, by Gene Ahern himself, began 74 years ago today.

Monday, June 14, 2010

On this day in 1987 wedding bells rang in the Marvel Universe. The Amazing Spider-Man married Mary Jane Watson 23 years ago today.

Sunday, June 13, 2010

On this day in 1926 actor Paul Lynde was born. The voice of Claude Pertwee in Where's Huddles?, Jack Pumpkinhead in Journey Back to Oz, and of course, Templeton the Rat in Charlotte's Web, was first heard 84 years ago today.

Sunday, June 13, 2010

On this day in 1943 Warner Bros. launched a minor series of animated shorts. The Aristo Cat, the first cartoon to star Hubie & Bertie, came out 67 years ago today.

Thursday, June 10, 2010

On this day in 1957 a classic children's TV show embraced the nascent form of television animation. Tom Terrific debuted on Captain Kangaroo 53 years ago today.

Thursday, June 3, 2010

On this day in 1964 Hanna-Barbera released the first animated feature starring an existing cartoon property. Hey There, It's Yogi Bear, which, not incidentally, was also that studio's first feature, came out 46 years ago today.

Monday, May 17, 2010

On this day in 1964 cartoonist Linda Medley was born. The creator of Castle Waiting is 46 years old today. Happy birthday, Linda!

Sunday, May 16, 2010
On this day in 1952 the son and successor of a well-known comic-strip cartoonist was born. Chris Browne, who much later took over Hagar the Horrible from his father, Dik Browne (whose other work includes The Tracy Twins), is 58 years old today. Happy birthday, Chris!

Saturday, May 15, 2010
On this day in 1941 historian and comix creator Jack Jackson was born. The cartoonist responsible for God Nose, Recuerden el Alamo, and a new, revamped version of Texas History Movies would, if still living, have been 69 years old today.

Friday, May 14, 2010

On this day in 1924 a cartoonist whose work has recently been turned into a major motion picture was born. Brad Anderson, creator of Marmaduke, is 86 years old today. Happy birthday!

Thursday, May 13, 2010
On this day in 1946 one of the top writers and editors in the comic book business was born. Marv Wolfman (Dracula, Teen Titans) is 64 years old today. Happy birthday, Marv!

Friday, May 7, 2010
On this day in 2004 worlds collided for the first time. Timmy Turner, from the two-dimensional, traditionally-animated world of Fairly OddParents, was magically transported to the three-dimensional, computer-animated world of The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron, as Nickelodeon (Rugrats, Spongebob Squarepants) aired the first Timmy Jimmy Power Hour, six years ago today.

Thursday, May 6, 2010
On this day in 1990 the Archie characters were shown 20 years later, in the TV movie To Riverdale & Back. This glimpse into their "future" has itself receded into the past by a similar period — NBC aired it 20 years ago today.

Wednesday, May 5, 2010
On this day in 1958 The Hall Syndicate (Mark Trail, Pogo) launched a newspaper comic about what syndicate publicity called "a bystander on life's outer limits". The Strange World of Mr. Mum began 62 years ago today.

Tuesday, May 4, 2010
On this day in 1951 one of the most stalwart heroes in Chicago Tribune Syndicate comics became a father. Dick Tracy's daughter, Bonnie Braids Tracy, was born 59 years ago today.

Monday, May 3, 2010
On this day in 1961 American International Pictures (Fritz the Cat, Friday Foster) released a film that became a Charlton comic book even before it reached the screen. Konga came out 49 years ago today.

Sunday, May 2, 2010
On this day in 1966 King Features (Blondie, Redeye) launched a comict that resembled an ordinary strip, but also resembled an editorial cartoon — tho not to the extent of tackling any controversial issues. the small society, by cartoonist Morrie Brickman, started 44 years ago today.

Saturday, May 1, 2010
On this day in 1960 cartoonist Antonio Prohías (Mad magazine) sought artistic freedom by leaving the land of his birth and re-starting his career in a new place, where he had no accept menial employment to survive. The creator of Spy Vs. Spy fled Castro's Cuba 50 years ago today.

Friday, April 30, 2010
On this day in 1929 The Gumps featured comics' first death of an ongoing character. Mary Gold, who had been sick for a long time, finally kicked the bucket 81 years ago today.

Thursday, April 29, 2010
On this day in 1981 the British comic book star Judge Dredd became a star in another venue, as well — The Star itself. London's newspaper of that name launched a daily comic about the star law enforcement officer 29 years ago today.

Wednesday, April 28, 2010
On this day in 1924 one of the comic book artists closely associated with Marvel's explosion of creativity in the early 1960s was born. Dick Ayers, who inked Jack Kirby's work on everything from Fin Fang Foom to The Avengers — and drew The Human Torch, The Two-Gun Kid and more on his own — is 86 years old today. Happy birthday!

Tuesday, April 27, 2010
On this day in 1900 the one-time "dean" (oldest living practitioner) of American animation was born. Walter Lantz, who grew up to bring memorable characters from Dinky Doodle to Chilly Willy to the screen, took his first breath 110 years ago today.

Monday, April 26, 2010
On this day in 2004 one of the longest-running characters in comics, especially remarkable considering she'd been in the first comic strip where characters age normally, finally succumbed to old age. Phyllis Wallet, Walt's wife in Gasoline Alley, died six years ago today.

Sunday, April 25, 2010
On this day in 1960 Peanuts character Lucy Van Pelt made a statement that became a book title, as well as one of the most-parodied utterances in comics history. Lucy's famous sentence, "Happiness is a Warm Puppy", was said one half-century ago today.

Saturday, April 24, 2010
On this day in 1970 wedding bells rang for yet another long-running comic strip hero. Steve Canyon and Summer Smith Olson tied the knot 40 years ago today.

Friday, April 23, 2010
On this day in 1983 we lost a movie serial star who brought a lot of toon heroes to the Silver Screen. Buster Crabbe (Buck Rogers, Flash Gordon, etc.) died 27 years ago today.

Thursday, April 22, 2010
On this day in 1963 the Vietnam war got another cartoon fighter. Dan Flagg joined Steve Canyon, Chipper Wallet and others involved in that struggle, as his daily and Sunday comic strip started, 47 years ago today.

Wednesday, April 21, 2010
On this day in 1991 Daffy Duck, Winnie the Pooh, Alvin and many others teamed up to warn kids about the dangers of using drugs. All of the major TV networks simultaneously broadcast Cartoon All-Stars to the Rescue 19 years ago today.

Tuesday, April 20, 2010
On this day in 1902 an important comics supporting character, vaguely remembered even today, at least as a familiar phrase, was introduced. Happy Hooligan's brother, Gloomy Gus, was first seen 108 years ago today.

Monday, April 19, 2010
On this day in 2000 a TV version of a comic book superhero appeared in a feature-length movie. Batman Beyond: Return of The Joker was released ten years ago today.

Sunday, April 18, 2010
On this day in 1981 a new cable TV outlet, of special interest to cartoon lovers, began broadcasting. The Disney Channel started 29 years ago today.

Saturday, April 17, 2010
On this day in 1937 Warner Bros. released a Tex Avery cartoon in which Porky Pig took a hunting trip. Daffy Duck was introduced in Porky's Duck Hunt, which came out 73 years ago today.

Friday, April 16, 2010
On this day in 1936 Dagwood Bumstead got up in the middle of the night and put tongue, onion, mustard, sardines, beans and horseradish between two pieces of bread. The first "Dagwood sandwich" was eaten 74 years ago today.

Thursday, April 15, 2010
On this day in 1961 cartoonist Bill Woggon received a telegram from Archie Comics publisher John Goldwater, telling him to stop all work on his creation, Katy Keene, immediately. Official notice of Katy's cancellation was made 49 years ago today.

Wednesday, April 14, 2010
On this day in 1919 the best-known creation of a prolific and well-liked cartoonist began. Mr. & Mrs., by Clare Briggs (A. Piker Clerk) started 91 years ago today.

Tuesday, April 13, 2010
On this day in 1954 the cartoons reached Broadway once again. Following in the footsteps of Foxy Grandpa, Little Nemo and others, and anticipating Little Orphan Annie, Superman and more, Shinbone Alley, adapting archy and mehitabel, opened on The Great White Way 56 years ago today.

Monday, April 12, 2010
On this day in 2003 the Rugrats babies were seen at a later point in their lives for the second time, the first having been an anniversary special in 2001. Tho the regular All Grown Up series was still several months off, it was in production, and previewed seven years ago today.

Sunday, April 11, 2010
On this day in 1941 one of the first families of comics got a little bit bigger. Cookie Bumstead, Blondie's daughter, was born 69 years ago today.

Saturday, April 10, 2010
On this day in 1998 an animation fan's cable-TV choices expanded by a the addition of yet another channel devoted to DuckTales, The Little Mermaid, Goof Troop and the like. Toon Disney started 12 years ago today.

Friday, April 9, 2010
On this day in 1883 one of our great cartoonists entered the world. Frank King, creator of Gasoline Alley, was born 127 years ago today.

Thursday, April 8, 2010
On this day in 1916 The New York American (a Hearst paper) launched a comic that didn't have a name at first, but was soon titled Minute Movies. Cartoonist Ed Whelan's most famous creation started 94 years ago today.

Wednesday, April 7, 2010
On this day in 2003 Astro Boy was "born", That was 52 years in the future back in 1951, when that origin story first appeared, but time has since marched on, to where it's seven years ago today.

Tuesday, April 6, 2010
On this day in 1948 a future cartoonist who would specialize in matters forbidden by polite American society was born. Larry Todd, creator of Dr. Atomic, is 62 years old today. Happy birthday!

Monday, April 5, 2010
On this day in 1998 Creators Syndicate (Crank, Thatch) launched a comic based on a popular TV show from Nickelodeon (Ren & Stimpy, The Wild Thornberrys). Rugrats became a daily and Sunday newspaper comic twelve years ago today.

Sunday, April 4, 2010
On this day in 1990 Judge Harry T. Stone of TV's Night Court admonished Wile E. Coyote to stop harassing that Road Runner. The animated Looney Tunes character made a brief guest appearance in the live-action sitcom 20 years ago today.

Saturday, April 3, 2010
On this day in 1885 one of our important newspaper cartoonists entered our world. Bud Fisher, creator of Mutt & Jeff, was born 125 years ago today.

Friday, April 1, 2010
On this day in 1893 an important step in the development of The Sunday Funnies was achieved. Before The Yellow Kid could become a regular feature, there had to be color printing, and The New York Recorder printed the first full-color newspaper page in America 117 years ago today.

Thursday, April 1, 2010
On this day in 1997 Snuffy Smith was drawn by the Dennis the Menace cartoonist; Blondie by that of Garfield; and more than 40 others switched around for the day. "The Great April Fools Day Switcheroonie" occurred 13 years ago today.

Wednesday, March 31, 2010
On this day in 1930 Floyd Gottfredson took over the artwork on the Mickey Mouse daily comic strip, which had formerly been done by Walt Disney himself. Mickey started on the road to comics greatness 80 years ago today.

Tuesday, March 30, 2010
On this day in 1902 one of George Herriman's eccentric pre-Krazy characters was first seen in the papers. Professor Otto & His Auto began 108 years ago today

Monday, March 29, 2010
On this day in 1966 the comics reached "The Great White Way" yet again. It's a Bird, It's a Plane, It's Superman! opened at Broadway's Alvin Theatre 44 years ago today.

Sunday, March 28, 2010
On this day in 2000 The Walt Disney Company lifted a ban, in place almost since the beginning, on theme park employees wearing moustaches. Walt himself would have been allowed to work at Disneyland, starting ten years ago today.

Saturday, March 27, 2010
On this day in 1985 we lost a prolific writer of 1950s "jungle girl" comic books (among others). Don Rico, co-creator of Jann, Lorna, Leopard Girl and more died 25 years ago today.

Friday, March 26, 2010
On this day in 1995 cartoonist Berkeley Breathed's second nationally-syndicated newspaper comic folded. The Sunday-only Outland ended 15 years ago today.

Thursday, March 25, 2010
On this day in 2005 Cartoon Network (Dexter's Lab, Johnny Bravo) previewed a new series about Krypto the Superdog. Superman's pet pooch got his own TV show five years ago today.

Wednesday, March 24, 2010
On this day in 1943 the animé industry proved it was healthy despite the wartime crunch Disney felt. The Japanese animated feature Momotaro's Sea Eagles was released 67 years ago today.

Tuesday, March 23, 2010
On this day in 1967 Disney released Uncle Scrooge & Money, the very first animated cartoon to star Donald Duck's miserly relative. Carl Barks's greatest creation first (except for the opening to The Mickey Mouse Club in the previous decade) became an animated character 43 years ago today.

Monday, March 22, 2010
On this day in 1994 Walter Lantz, once called "The Dean (that is, longest-practicing living participant) of American Animation", died at age 90. The man whose studio was responsible for Andy Panda, Chilly Willy and, of course, Woody Woodpecker, has been gone for 16 years today.

Sunday, March 21, 2010
On this day in 1964 comics fans from all over America, who had previously only been in correspondence with one another, got together physically for the first time, to count the votes in comics' first slate of fan awards (named after the chronologically-first adventure hero in comics). The "Alley Tally" was held 46 years ago today.

Saturday, March 20, 2010
On this day in 1963 United Artists (Tank Girl) released The Pink Panther, a live-action film named after a gem that figured prominently in the plot — it was the animated title sequence, by DePatie-Freleng (Here Comes the Grump) that introduced the cartoon character of that name. Whatever it referred to, The Pink Panther was first seen 47 years ago today.

Friday, March 19, 2010
On this day in 1999 a former Nickelodeon (Ren & Stimpy) property reached the Big Screen. Doug's first movie, appropriately titled Doug's First Movie, premiered 11 years ago today.

Thursday, March 18, 2010
On this day in 1946 Universal Pictures (Don Winslow, Mystery Men) released Maestro of the Comics, a documentary about cartoonists. Such Chicago Tribune Syndicate creators as Milton Caniff (Terry & the Pirates), Harold Gray (Little Orphan Annie) and more were featured in the films 64 years ago today.

Wednesday, March 17, 2010
On this day in 1928 another comic strip got the feature-length movie treatment from Hollywood. MGM released Bringing Up Father 82 years ago today.

Tuesday, March 16, 2010
On this day in 1961 a minor American legend became an even more minor Disney star. The Saga of Windwagon Smith was released 49 years ago today. Monday, March 15, 2010

On this day in 1985 Dale H. Clayton of The University of Chicago's Committee on Evolutionary Biology named a species of chewing lice after the creator of The Far Side. Strigiphilus garylarsoni received its scientific designation 25 years ago today. Sunday, March 14, 2010
On this day in 1947 cartoonist Tom Batiuk was born. The creator of Funky Winkerbean, John Darling ane Crank is 63 years old today. Happy birthday!

Saturday, March 13, 2010
On this day in 1951 the U.S. Army gained one of its most famous recruits. Beetle Bailey, who was a college student when his King Features comic strip started, enlisted 59 years ago today.

Friday, March 12, 2010
On this day in 1916 the work of Elzie Segar, creator of Popeye the Sailor, first appeared on the comics page. Segar's Charlie Chaplin's Comic Capers started 94 years ago today.

Thursday, March 11, 2010
On this day in 1932 the Fleischer studio released the first of three duets Betty Boop sang with Cab Calloway. Minnie the Moocher came out 78 years ago today.

Wednesday, March 10, 2010
On this day in 1910 a comic starring a bad guy started, making such a splash that his name has resonated as a villain in melodrama ever since. Desperate Desmond, by Harry Hershfeld (Abie the Agent) began one century ago today.

Tuesday, March 9, 2010
On this day in 1924 the Max Fleischer studio released Mother Pin a Rose on Me, the first Screen Song cartoon. The bouncing ball gimmick wasn't yet in place, but audiences were invited to sing along with the words on the screen 86 years ago today.

Monday, March 8, 2010
On this day in 1941 MGM introduced a long-running character, tho not a prominent one. The Prospecting Bear, in which Benny Burro first assumed his characteristic role as Barney Bear's supporting character, was released 69 years ago today.

Sunday, March 7, 2010
On this day in 1942 one of the most prominent man in cartoons was born. Disney studio chief Michael Eisner may be a mere corporate executive rather than associated with the creative end of cartoonery, but he's still 68 years old today. Happy birthday!

Saturday, March 6, 2010
On this day in 1932 animé man Tatsuo Yoshida was born. The creator of Speed Racer would, if still living, have been 78 years old today.

Friday, March 5, 2010
On this day in 1969 the DePatie-Freleng Studio (Misterjaw, The Inspector) released a cartoon about a predator/prey duo (cf. Tom & Jerry) that launched a major series. The Ant & the Aardvark came out 41 years ago today.

Thursday, March 4, 2010
On this day in 1932 custom car designer Ed "Big Daddy" Roth, creator of the "anti-Mickey Mouse," was born. The man who first designed Rat Fink would, if living, have beeen 78 years old today.

Wednesday, March 3, 2010
On this day in 1937 Bobby Driscoll, the voice of Walt Disney's Peter Pan, was born. He died in his 30s, but otherwise would have been 73 years old today.

Tuesday, March 2, 2010
On this day in 1940 Warner Bros. cartoons introduced its most famous second banana. The fully-realized Elmer Fudd, no longer resembling Egghead, used mostly over the years as a supporting character to Bugs or (occasionally) Daffy, was first seen in Elmer's Candid Camera, released 70 years ago today.

Monday, March 1, 2010
On this day in 1968 a major animated cartoon studio bit the dust. The Fuz, the very last cartoon ever released by Famous Studios (Casper, Popeye) came out 42 years ago today.

Sunday, February 28, 2010
On this day in 1960 one of the important new figures of 1990s independent comic books was born. Jeff Smith, creator of Bone, hits the Big Five-Oh today. Happy birthday!

Saturday, February 27, 2010
On this day in 1965 Warner Bros. released the only Road Runner cartoon that ever contained a crossover with another of their established characters. The Wild Chase, which co-starred Sylvester Pussycat, came out 45 years ago today.

Friday, February 26, 2010
On this day in 1958 comic book artist Jeff Butler was born. The man who co-created The Badger is 52 years old today. Happy birthday!

Thursday, February 25, 2010
On this day in 1923 The Chicago Tribune's comic strip Smitty, which had started the previous year as a daily only, added a Sunday page. Smitty became a seven-day comic 87 years ago today.

Wednesday, February 24, 2010
On this day in 1954 cartoonist Jim Borgman was born. The co-creator of Zits, one of the most recent newspaper comics to achieve the thousand-paper circulation of Peanuts or Hagar the Horrible, is 56 years old today. Happy birthday!

Tuesday, February 23, 2010
On this day in 2002 a set of Disney characters made the transition from comics to animation, just as Uncle Scrooge and Moby Duck had done before them. Daisy Duck's nieces, April, May and June, comics characters since the 1950s, turned up on House of Mouse eight years ago today.

Monday, February 22, 2010
On this day in 1919 cartoonist Pete Hoffman was born. The creator of Jeff Cobb, whose credits also include Steve Roper and the single-panel cartoon Why We Say, is 91 years old today. Happy birthday!

Sunday, February 21, 2010
On this day in 1993 we lost one of our greatest practioners of comics art. Harvey Kurtzman, creator and first editor of Mad magazine (then an ordinary comic book), died 17 years ago today.

Saturday, February 20, 2010
On this day in 1967 animation actress Kath Soucie was born. The voices of Dexter's mom, Phil and Lil in Rugrats and All Grown Up, and many more is 43 years old today. Happy birthday!

Friday, February 19, 2010
On this day in 1938 MGM launched one of its few licensed animated series. Cleaning House, the first cartoon adapted from Dirks's The Captain & the Kids, came out 72 years ago today.

Thursday, February 18, 2010
On this day in 2008 the cast of Fairly OddParents was expanded. Poof was born two years ago today. To paraphrase Porky Pig, happy birthday, you thing from another world, you!

Wednesday, February 17, 2010
On this day in 1929 one of cartoonist Milt Gross's most enduring features (of a very unenduring lot) began in The New York World (Caspar Milquetoast, Keeping Up with the Joneses). Count Screwloose of Tooloose was first seen 81 years ago today.

Tuesday, February 16, 2010
On this day in 1902 cartoonist George Herriman (Krazy Kat) launched his very first continuing feature. Musical Mose may have lasted less than a week, but it did begin 108 years ago today.

Monday, February 15, 2010
On this day in 2007 (five days before that year's Mardi Gras) The Krewe of Muses staged its annual parade in New Orleans, where the public was treated to a free comic book about a new character. Supermuse was introduced three years ago today.

Sunday, February 14, 2010
On this day in 1904 a pioneering Sunday page, by a pioneering cartoonist, began. Little Jimmy, by Jimmy Swinnerton, started 106 years ago today.

Saturday, February 13, 2010
On this day in 1877 a highly-accomplished cartoonist entered our world. Sidney Smith, creator of The Gumps, was born 133 years ago today.

Friday, February 12, 2010
On this day in 1994 actor William Conrad died. The narrator of Rocky & Bullwinkle has been gone for 16 years today.

Thursday, February 11, 2010
On this day in 1973 voice artist Tara Charendoff Strong (Daizy in Wow Wow Wubsy, Bubbles in Powerpuff Girls) was born. The voice of Timmy Turner is 37 years old today. Happy birthday!

Wednesday, February 10, 2010
On this day in 1966 DC Comics editor Mort Weisinger (Superman) phoned teenage writer Jim Shooter to buy his Legion of Super Heroes scripts and offer more work. The comic book career of Jim Shooter, which eventually included a position as editor-in-chief of Marvel Comics, began 44 years ago today.

Tuesday, February 9, 2010
On this day in 1908 cartoonist Billy Ireland, the Ohio newspaperman who mentored younger cartoonists from his home state, such as Milton Caniff (Terry & the Pirates), launched the Sunday page he's best remembered for today. The Passing Show began 102 years ago today.

Monday, February 8, 2010
On this day in 1982 a pair of funny animals underwent a species change, as well as a genre change. After appearing steadily more human-like in their daily newspaper comic. Eek & Meek made a full transition from mice to human beings, 28 years ago today.

Sunday, February 7, 2010
On this day in 1926 cartoonist Bill Hoest was born. The creator of Agatha Crumm, Howard Huge and The Lockhorns died in 1988, but would otherwise have been 84 years old today.

Saturday, February 6, 2010
On this day in 1995 yet another Disney feature was made into a half-hour TV show. Aladdin began its daily airing on The Disney Channel fifteen years ago today.

Friday, February 5, 2010
On this day in 2005 Nickelodeon (Rugrats, The Wild Thornberrys) featured a live action/animation crossover. The fairies of Fairly OddParents made a guest appearance on Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide five years ago today.

Thursday, February 4, 2010
On this day in 1960 cartoonist Scott Saavedra was born. The creator of It's Science, with Dr. Radium hits the Big Five-Oh today. Happy birthday!

Wednesday, February 3, 2010
On this day in 1945 Disney staged the U.S. release of the second of two features inspired of the studio's massive junket to Latin America. The Three Cabelleros came out 65 years ago today.

Tuesday, February 2, 2010
On this day in 2002 Super Goof's first animated appearance (on The Disney Channel's House of Mouse) highlighted the difficulty of a funny animal superhero maintaining a secret identity. Dumbo was accused of being Super Goof eight years ago today.

Monday, February 1, 2010
On this day in 1992 a half-doxen Marvel Comics artists told the world they would no longer work to enrich a soulless corporation, but would make their own publishing company and keep the profits for themselves. The formation of Image Comics (Spawn, Savage Dragon) was announced 18 years ago today.

Sunday, January 31, 2010
On this day in 1999 yet another prime-time animated TV series debuted on Fox TV, where The Simpsons holds by far the record tenure for a prime-time animated TV series. Family Guy began 11 years ago today.

Saturday, January 30, 2010
On this day in 1910 one of the early entries on a list that eventually included Winnie the Pooh, Raggedy Ann, Peter Rabbit and more, appeared — cartoon stars who started out in newspaper prose stories for children. The first Uncle Wiggily story was published one century ago today.

Friday, January 29, 2010
On this day in 1933 cartoonist Rube Goldberg, whose previous work included Foolish Questions, Mike & Ike (They Look Alike), and those fabulous inventions made a unique excursion outside of humor. Doc Wright, Goldberg's only non-funny cartoon feature, started 77 years ago today.

Thursday, January 28, 2010
On this day in 1949 The New York Star folded, taking with it a comic strip that, not yet syndicated, appeared nowhere else. The first daily run of Walt Kelly's Pogo ended 61 years ago today.

Wednesday, January 27, 2010
On this day in 1966 cartoon actress Susanne Blakeslee was born. The voice of Wanda in Fairly Odd Parents, Cruella DeVil and Lady Tremaine in 21st century animation, and much more is 44 years old today. Happy birthday!

Tuesday, January 26, 2010
On this day in 1940 The Max Fleischer Studio (Popeye, Betty Boop) released Way Back When a Triangle Had Its Points, the first of its "Stone Age" series of cartoons. Comics from Our Antediluvian Ancestors to Peter Piltdown, getting laughs from primitive people, were emulated in animation, starting 70 years ago today.

Monday, January 25, 2010
On this day in 1903 F.B. Opper's Alphonse & Gaston Sunday page didn't, as usual, tell a complete story, but continued it into the following week's installment. The first serialized story in American comics began 107 years ago today.

Sunday, January 24, 2010
On this day in 1910 one of cartoonist George Herriman's many short-lived early comic strips ended. Gooseberry Sprigg has been gone for one hundred years today.

Saturday, January 23, 2010
On this day in 1987 the ranks of DC Comics editors and trivia experts was depleted by one. E. Nelson Bridwell, whose credits include Angel & the Ape and The Inferior Five, died 23 years ago today.

Friday, January 22, 2010
On this day in 1922 a new character made his first appearance, after four months, in a newspaper comic that many people think he was the star of all along. Major Hoople turned up for the first time in Our Boarding House 88 years ago today.

Thursday, January 21, 2010
On this day in 1991 The Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences announced the nominees for their Academy Award, which included the very first animated nominee for Best Picture. Beauty & the Beast appeared on the Oscar ballot 19 years ago today.

Wednesday, January 20, 2010
On this day in 1944 cartoonist Bill Griffith, whose work has been distributed both in comix and by King Features Syndicate, was born. The creator of Zippy the Pinhead is 66 years old today. Happy hirthday!

Tuesday, January 19, 2010
On this day in 1973 DePatie-Freleng (Super President, Here Comes the Grump) released Kloot's Kounty, inaugurating a new series of theatrical cartoons. Hoot Kloot was introduced 37 years ago today.

Monday, January 18, 2010
On this day in 1952 the animation industry was unionized. The people who worked on Bugs, Woody, Tom & Jerry and all the rest chartered The Motion Picture Screen Cartoonist's Union (Local 839) 58 years ago today.

Sunday, January 17, 2010
On this day in 1947 Milton Caniff introduced a character in Steve Canyon, whom many critics, referring to his earlier Terry & the Pirates, called "The Dragon Lady of Wall Street." Copper Calhoun was first seen 63 years ago today.

Saturday, January 16, 2010
On this day in 1939 The McClure Newspaper Syndicate (King Aroo, There Oughta Be a Law!) launched a comic strip about the biggest star yet to emerge from the related comic book medium. Superman, by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, became the first property to go from comic books to newspaper comics 71 years ago today.

Friday, January 15, 2010
On this day in 1945 another comics adventure hero settled the question of whether or not the hero would wind up getting married, in the firmest possible way. Brenda Starr and Basil St. John tied the knot 65 years ago today.

Thursday, January 14, 2010
On this day in 1888 animation pioneer Emile Reynaud patented what he called the "Theatre Optique" (Optical Theatre), a device for entertaining audiences with animated shows. That technique eventually proved a dead end, as cinematic techniques leading to Gertie, Oswald and Mickey offered a better way of animating, but still, people were enjoying something very much like modern animation as early as 122 years ago today.

Wednesday, January 13, 2010
On this day in 1939 Terrytoons introduced one of its biggest stars — at least, to the extent that Hollywood's cheesiest '30s animation studio ever had such a thing as a star. The Owl & the Pussycat, where Sourpuss first appeared, came out 80 years ago today.

Tuesday, January 12, 2010
On this day in 1997 America's second-longest running prime-time animated show debuted on Fox TV (The Tick), which already had the first (The Simpsons). King of the Hill started 13 years ago today.

Monday, January 11, 2010
On this day in 1998 Winslow Mortimer, whose co-creations range from Merry, Girl of a Thousand Gimmicks to Nignt Nurse, died. We lost the co-creator of Stanley & His Monster twelve years ago today.

Sunday, January 10, 2010
On this day in 1929 the Belgian magazine Le Petit Vingtième started a new comics serial, introducing a new comics character that was eventually translated into over 50 languages. "Tintin in the Land of the Soviets" began 81 years ago today.

Saturday, January 9, 2010
On this day in 1901 cartoonist Murat "Chic" Young, the creator of Beautiful Babs, Dumb Dora, Blondie and Colonel Potterby & the Dutchess was born. If not for the unfortunate fact that he died in 1973, he'd be 109 years old today.

Friday, January 8, 2010
On this day in 2001 the tired but still functioning comic Gil Thorp got a new look. Frank McLaughlin (Judomaster) took over as artist nine years ago today.

Thursday, January 7, 2010
On this day in 2000 voice actor Bob McFadden (Cool McCool, Lovable Truly in Linus the Lionhearted) died. At age 77, the voice of Courageous Cat was stilled ten years ago today.

Wednesday, January 6, 2010
On this day in 1953 The New Orleans States launched a limited-run comic strip, which was given national distribution by The Register & Tribune Syndicate (Jane Arden, The Spirit). The States marked the sesquicentennial of The Louisiana Purchase, starting 57 years ago today.

Tuesday, January 5, 2010
On this day in 1925 a long-running character was introduced in a classic daily newspaper comic. Little Orphan Annie met her soon-to-be constant companion, Sandy, 85 years ago today.

Monday, January 4, 2010
On this day in 1946 Terrytoons launched the series that studio mogul Paul Terry later confided was his personal favorite among his own output. The Talking Magpies, introducing Heckle & Jeckle, was released 64 years ago today.

Sunday, January 3, 2010
On this day in 1921 a classic "working girl" comic strip, in the tradition of Cathy Guisewite's much later Cathy, began from King Features Syndicate. Tillie the Toiler, by cartoonist Russ Westover, started 89 years ago today.

Saturday, January 2, 2010
On this day in 1929 one of the mainstays of the so-called "Marvel Age of Comics" was born. Don Heck, who drew lengthy runs of Ant Man, Iron Man, The Avengers and more, took his first breath 81 years ago today.

Friday, January 1, 2010
On this day in 1933 The Chicago Tribune Syndicate launched Maw Green, by cartoonist Harold Gray. The topper to Little Orphan Annie began 77 years ago today.

Thursday, December 31, 2009
On this day in 1995 Cartoon Network's What a Cartoon! show aired The Chicken from Outer Space, where Hanna-Barbera's Courage the Cowardly Dog was introduced. One of the all-animation cable station's prominent series of the late 20th and early 21st centuries was first seen 14 years ago today.

Wednesday, December 30, 2009
On this day in 1939 animation's most notorious legal pirate ceased his larcenous activities forever. Charles Mintz, the man who hijacked Oswald the Lucky Rabbit from Walt Disney, died 70 years ago today.

Tuesday, December 29, 2009
On this day in 2001 the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles newspaper comic ended. The final episode of the actual story had already appeared, but publication of some fan art marked the demise of the strip itself — eight years ago today.

Monday, December 28, 2009
On this day in 1922 a cousin-in-law of Martin Goodman (Marvel Comics) named Stanley Lieber was born. Under a famous pseudonym, he became the comic book writer and editor who co-created Spider-Man, X-Men and most of the other properties that made Marvel mighty. Stan Lee is 87 years old today. Happy birthday, Stan!

Sunday, December 27, 2009
On this day in 1934 reporter/writer Lou Wedmar (who doesn't have other comics credits) and artist Paul Frehm (The Green Mask) launched a limited-run comic strip about the Lindbergh kidnapping. Frehm, who later became the regular artist on Ripley's Believe It or Not, got his start in non-fiction comics 75 years ago today.

Saturday, December 26, 2009
On this day in 1974 Everett M. "Busy" Arnold died. The founder of Quality Comics, which gave the cartoon world characters from Candy to Ken Shannon, departed our world 35 years ago today.

Friday, December 25, 2009
On this day in 1950 Walt Disney's very first television show appeared on the air, an hour-long special promoting Alice in Wonderland, and he's been a presence on TV ever since. An Hour in Wonderland was broadcast nationwide on Christmas Day, 59 years ago today.

Thursday, December 24, 2009
On this day in 1880 Johnny Gruelle was born. The creator of Mr. Twee Deedle and Brutus — to say nothing of Raggedy Ann & Andy — entered our world 129 years ago today

Wednesday, December 23, 2009
On this day in 1909 cartoonist George Herriman (Major Ozone, archy and mehitabel) launched one of the many pre-Krazy Kat comic strips he's remembered for today. Gooseberry Sprigg is one hundred years old today.

Tuesday, December 22, 2009
On this day in 1951 comic book writer and columnist Tony Isabella (Black Lightning, It the Living Colossus) was born. The guy who revived Everett True and made him a comics fan is 58 years old today. Happy birthday, Tony!

Monday, December 21, 2009
On this day in 1979 An animated featurette, marking the debut of a new studio, was released, at least for a trial run. Banjo the Woodpile Cat, the first production of Don Bluth Studios (The Secret of NIMH) came out 30 years ago today.

Sunday, December 20, 2009
On this day in 1941 Warner Bros. released Wabbit Twouble, the first Bugs Bunny cartoon directed by Robert Clampett (Beany & Cecil). After Chuck Jones, Tex Avery and others had already taken turns with him, Clampett's first directorial shot at the Wabbit came 68 years ago today.

Saturday, December 19, 2009
On this day in 1979 ABC aired a pilot adapting Archie for a live-action sitcom. It was never produced as a regular show, but for a little while, at least, it looked like the red-headed teenage star was headed for primetime TV — 40 years ago today.

Friday, December 18, 2009
On this day in 1966 comics artist Dan Heilman died, ruining his plans, following his stint on Judge Parker, of making his next comic a sci-fi one. At the highly untimely age of 44, Dan Heilman was found dead 43 years ago today.

Thursday, December 17, 2009
On this day in 1950 Famous Studios carried its program of replacing Little Lulu, whom they had to pay licensing fees to use, with a character of their own, Little Audrey. A newspaper comic about Audrey, to match the one about Lulu that had been running for several months, was commissioned at King Features Syndicate, to start running 59 years ago today.

Wednesday, December 16, 2009
On this day in 1918 a new theme began to be explored in American comics — women on the job, as exemplified by Winnie Winkle, Tillie the Toiler and any number of others over the years. Somebody's Stenog, by cartoonist A.E. Hayward, said to be the first "working girl" series in American comics, started 91 years ago today.

Tuesday, December 15, 2009
On this day in 1966 at age 65, Walter Elias Disney, as the saying goes, departed this mortal coil. The man who built an empire on the likes of Mickey Mouse died 43 years ago today.

Monday, December 14, 2009
On this day in 1957 Hanna-Barbera solidified its position as the leading up-and-coming producer of animation for the new medium of television, by debuting a new show. Ruff & Reddy started 52 years ago today.

Sunday, December 13, 2009
On this day in 1959 Broadway ingenue Mary Perkins married photographer Pete Fletcher. The comic strip where this happened, Mary Perkins on Stage, has been defunct for 30 years; otherwise, this would be the happy couple's 50th wedding anniversary.

Saturday, December 12, 2009
On this day in 1909 one of our highly-accomplished cartoonists was born. Dick Moores, creator of Jim Hardy, who is better known for his years as Frank King's successor on Gasoline Alley, died during the 1980s, but if he were still alive, this would be his one hundredth birthday.

Friday, December 11, 2009
On this day in 1909 a classic character made a first tentative appearance. In a Baron Mooch section devoted to Herriman's funny animal, Gooseberry Sprigg, a "kat" was spotted, that was eventually to evolve into something we've all seen. Krazy Kat was first seen one hundred years ago today.

Thursday, December 10, 2009
On this day in 1939 another newspaper comic based on the creations of the Walt Disney studio began. After a stint starring in Silly Symphonies, Donald Duck got a series of his own, 70 years ago today.

Wednesday, December 9, 2009
On this day in 2002 a nine-day wonder, fraught with controversy and recriminations, broke out all through the U.S. news media. CNN reported that Marvel Comics had announced a new Rawhide Kid mini-series, depicting the title character as America's first homosexual western star, seven years ago today.

Tuesday, December 8, 2009
On this day in 2001 a giant in toons died — just not the kind of guy a fan of cartoon entertainment tends to think of in that context. Don Tennant, the advertising executive behind The Pillsbury Doughboy, Tony the Tiger, The Jolly Green Giant and similar world-famous characters, left our world eight years ago today.

Monday, December 7, 2009
On this day in 1969 Rankin/Bass Productions (Rudolph, Smokey) adapted yet another holiday icon into a TV cartoon. Frosty the Snowman became a television star in a Christmas special first aired 40 years ago today.

Sunday, December 6, 2009
On this day in 1958 animation man Nick Park, who works for Britain's Aardman Animations, was born. The creator of Wallace & Gromit is 51 years old today. Happy birthday!

Saturday, December 5, 2009
On this day in 1954 one of the shortest-lived daily strips since the early days, when cartoonists like George Herriman (Baron Mooch) and Winsor McCay (Little Sammy Sneeze) would flit at will from one comic to another, began. The Lone Spaceman, by Warren Tufts (Casey Ruggles started 55 years ago today.

Friday, December 4, 2009
On this day in 1941 the second feature-length cartoon by Disney rival Max Fleischer was released. Mr. Bug Goes to Town came out 68 years ago today.

Thursday, December 3, 2009
On this day in 1933 Mutt & Jeff joined the increasingly popular movement for full-page Sunday comics to add toppers, doubling the number of comics the paper can advertise without increasing the size of the comics section. Cicero's Cat began 76 years ago today.

Wednesday, December 2, 2009
On this day in 1924 Jack Davis was born. The EC Comics veteran who went on commercial art jobs in some of America's most prestigious magazines is 85 years old today. Happy birthday!

Tuesday, December 1, 2009
On this day in 1941 comic book veteran Elmer "Ed' Wexler (Miss America, Zambini) and a writing collaborator who used the name "Paine" launched a new comic in New York's newspaper PM. Less than a week before Pearl Harbor, Vic Jordan began 68 years ago today.

Monday, November 30, 2009

On this day in 1949 largely in response to the somewhat insistent application of Hilda Terry (Teena), the National Cartoonists' Society voted to stop excluding women from its ranks. The NCS opened its membership to all cartoonists, irrespective of gender, 60 years ago today.

Sunday, November 29, 2009
On this day in 1940 a large-scale movement had its humble beginning. Joe Palooka became the first of many comic strip characters to respond to the growing threat of World War II by enlisting in the U.S. Army, 69 years ago today.

Saturday, November 28, 2009
On this day in 1985 (a Thursday) a a couple of dozen newspaper cartoonists did a joint project — while America was gorging itself on turkey, Gasoline Alley, B.C., Hi & Lois and many others touched, perhaps tangentially, on the subject of hunger. "The Thanksgiving Day Hunger Project", as the event is remembered, occurred 24 years ago today.

Friday, November 27, 2009
On this day in 1950 a former King Features cartoonist moved to McNaught Syndicate (Joe Palooka, Dixie Dugan) and launched a new comic. The Jackson Twins, by Dick Brooks, began 59 years ago today.

Thursday, November 26, 2009
On this day in 1914 one of our most highly-acclaimed early comic book artists was born. Lou Fine, who co-created The Flame, The Black Condor, The Ray and more would, if still living, have been 95 years old today.

Wednesday, November 25, 2009
On this day in 1992 Disney released another of its latter-day animation classics. Aladdin came out 17 years ago today.

Tuesday, November 24, 2009
On this day in 1918 cartoonist Frank King (Bobby Make-Believe) took a small section of The Chicago Tribune's Sunday page called The Rectangle for the doings of his own set of characters. Thus ignominiously, Gasoline Alley began, 91 years ago today.

Monday, November 23, 2009
On this day in 1902 the Hearst papers announced the avaibility of The Katzenjammer Kids, Alphonse & Gaston and other comics, in collected reprint form. America's first comic book line started 107 years ago today.

Sunday, November 22, 2009
On this day in 1991 The Walt Disney Company put its latest feature (which had its world premiere a little over a week earlier) into general release. Beauty & the Beast was first seen nationwide 18 years ago today.

Saturday, November 21, 2009
On this day in 1916 Pathé Film Exchange (Aesop's Fables) released Father Goes to the Movies. The first animated cartoon adapting George McManus's King Features comic strip, Bringing Up Father, came out 93 years ago today.

Friday, November 20, 2009
On this day in 1966 cartoonist Jill Thompson was born. The creator of Scary Godmother is 43 years old today. Happy birthday!

Thursday, November 19, 2009
On this day in 1938 a giant in animation took his very early steps. Warner Bros. released The Night Watchman, the very first cartoon directed by the legendary Chuck Jones, 71 years ago today.

Wednesday, November 18, 2009
On this day in 1932 The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Scientists established a new category for its Academy Awards. Walt Disney won the very first Oscar given in the category of animation, for his Silly Symphony Flowers & Trees, 77 years ago today.

Tuesday, November 17, 2009
On this day in 1929 The New York Herald-Tribune (Betty, The Timid Soul) launched a new Sunday page by the creator of Raggedy Ann. Johnny Gruelle's Brutus began 80 years ago today.

Monday, November 16, 2009
On this day in 1961 New York City climaxed the Moosylvania for Statehood campaign with its Moose Day Parade. The drive to win statehood for Bullwinkle's home region came to a shattering conclusion 48 years ago today.

Sunday, November 15, 2009
On this day in 1907 The San Francisco Chronicle (The Far Side, King Aroo) launched the first successful newspaper comic that appeared on a reliable daily basis. A. Mutt, later called Mutt & Jeff, began 102 years ago today.

Saturday, November 14, 2009
On this day in 2004 Niclelodeon (Rugrats, Fairly OddParents celebrated Spongebob Squarepants's success by airing a movie version. Spongebob Squarepants: the Movie was shown five years ago today.

Friday, November 13, 2009
On this day in 1927 Bunker Hill Jr. (aka "Bunky") was born. The precocious baby, who quickly, in the absence of his delinquent father, became the star of Bedroom, Parlor & Sink, the topper to Billy DeBeck's Barney Google, would, if he aged normally and his comic were still running, be 82 years old today.

Thursday, November 12, 2009
On this day in 1944 the topper to cartoonist George McManus's Bringing Up Father was replaced with Snookums, a revival of McManus's earlier comic, The Newlyweds. America's first family comic, first revived under the title Their Only Child, began its third and final run 65 years ago today.

Wednesday, November 11, 2009
On this day in 1952 cartoonist Keith Giffen was born. The co-creator of Ambush Bug is 57 years old today. Happy birthday!

Tuesday, November 10, 2009
On this day in 1697 William Hogarth was born. Tho he lived long before the time of Outcault, Ross or even Töpffer, Hogarth was a practitioner of what Will Eisner (The Spirit, John Law) called "sequential art". Today is the 312th anniversary of this early modern cartoonist's birth.

Monday, November 9, 2009
On this day in 1964 one of our great, classic newspaper comics started. The Wizard of Id, by Johnny Hart (BC and Brant Parker (Crock) debuted 45 years ago today.

Sunday, November 8, 2009
On this day in 2001 Fox TV (The Simpsons, Family Guy) launched a live-action TV sitcom about The Tick. The independent comic book character joined Superman, The Flash and all the other superheroes that have starred in non-animated television shows, eight years ago today.

Saturday, November 7, 2009
On this day in 2000 Lex Luthor was elected president of the United States — at least, if you got your news from DC Comics. Hard as it is to believe American voters would have chosen an evil plutocrat for office that year, that's exactly what they did in the DC Universe, nine years ago today.

Friday, November 6, 2009
On this day in 1960 Emmy Lou had a brief encounter with television. Shirley Temple Storybook, hosted by the 32-year-old former child star, did an episode about that panel 49 years ago today.

Thursday, November 5, 2009
On this day in 2007 comics illustrator Paul Norris died. The co-creator of Aquaman and long-time artist on Brick Bradford has been gone from the world for two years today.

Wednesday, November 4, 2009
On this day in 1940 Donald Duck's girlfriend made her first appearance in the Silly Symphonies Sunday newspaper comic. Daisy Duck has been a comics character for 69 years today.

Tuesday, November 3, 2009
On this day in 1981 Wallace Wood (Sally Forth, EC Comics) was found dead in his studio. Wood, who had last been seen alive half a week earlier, was seen to have committed suicide 28 years ago today.

Monday, November 2, 2009
On this day in 1917 cartoonist Rudolph Dirks, creator of both The Katzenjammer Kids and its clone, The Captain & the Kids, became a father. John Dirks, who grew up to succeed his dad on the latter comic, was born 92 years ago today.

Sunday, November 1, 2009
On this day in 1909 cartoonist George Herriman launched one of the many comic strips, like Professor Otto & His Auto and Major Ozone's Fresh Air Crusade, that he did before settling down with Krazy Kat. Baron Mooch began one century ago today.