Today in Toons Archive - Don Markstein's Toonopedia

Thursday, May 8, 2008
On this day in 1943, MGM released Red Hot Riding Hood. Millions watched the Wolf go ga-ga over Red's stage persona, for the first time, 65 years ago today.

Wednesday, May 7, 2008
On this day in 1970, DC Comics editor Mort Weisinger died. The man who managed Superman for a generation has been gone for 38 years today.

Tuesday, May 6, 2008
On this day in 1986, Fred Dickenson died at 77. A very early writer of the Rip Kirby comic strip, which is often credited solely to artist Alex Raymond (Flash Gordon, Jungle Jim), left us 22 years ago today.

Monday, May 5, 2008
On this day in 1940, yet another movie serial was made from a comic strip. The first episode of the 15-part Terry & the Pirates "chapter play" was released 68 years ago today.

Sunday, May 4, 2008
On this day in 1919, America's typical teenager got his start. Harold Teen, who held that position long before Archie, first appeared as the star of a newspaper comic strip, 89 years ago today.

Saturday, May 3, 2008
On this day in 1996, one of the less blockbuster-like comic book films was released. Barb Wire, not one of comicdom's household words, was made into a movie 12 years ago today.

Friday, May 2, 2008
On this day in 1981, Star Hawks ended. The innovative sci-fi strip by Gil Kane and Ron Goulart bit the dust 27 years ago today.

Thursday, May 1, 2008
On this day in 1953, the height of the McCarthy Era, a caricature of him began appearing in what was rapidly becoming a highly politicized hewspaper comic strip. Simple J. Malarky made his first appearance in Walt Kelly's Pogo 55 years ago today.

Wednesday, April 30, 2008
On this day in 1972, a series of theatrically-released animated cartoons came to an end. Flight to the Finish, the final cartoon starring Tijuana Toads was released 36 years ago today.

Tuesday, April 29, 2008
On this day in 1887, cartoonist Thomas Aloysius Dorgen was born. The creator of Judge Rummy's Court, among others, entered this world 131 years ago today.

Monday, April 28, 2008
On this day in 1996, a series about a boy with a super brain began on Cartoon Network (Duck Dodgers, Krypto). Dexter's Laboratory started appearing regularly 12 years ago today.

Sunday, April 27, 2008
On this day in 1935, another comic strip took to the air. Flash Gordon's radio show began 73 years ago today.

Saturday, April 26, 2008
On this day in 1914, cartoonist Paul Norris was born. The co-creator of Aquaman died last year; otherwise, he'd have been 94 years old today.

Friday, April 25, 2008
On this day in 1926, a future EC Comics man was born. Johnny Craig entered this world 82 years ago today.

Thursday, April 24, 2008
On this day in 1930, the creator of an important late 20th century comic strip was born. Howie Schneider, the cartoonist behind Eek & Meek, died last year; otherwise he'd have been 78 years old today.

Wednesday, April 23, 2008
On this day in 1983, actor Larry "Buster" Crabbe died. The man who played both of comics' most famous sci-fi heroes, Flash Gordon and Buck Rogers, in the movie serials, has been gone for 25 years today.

Tuesday, April 22, 2008
On this day in 1986, cartoonist Dick Moores, well known for everything from Disney comic book stories to his work on Gasoline Alley, died. The creator of Jim Hardy has been gone for 22 years today.

Monday, April 21, 2008
On this day in 1945, Warner Bros. released a Bugs Bunny cartoon titled Hare Trigger, which introduced a new co-star. That co-star, Yosemite Sam, was first seen 63 years ago today.

Sunday, April 20, 2008
On this day in 1942, Barnaby, by Crocket Johnson, began in PM, a New York City daily newspaper. Barnaby stayed five years old for a decade, starting 66 years ago today.

Saturday, April 19, 2008
Today in Toons #2623
On this day in 1997, Disney departed from its usual style in debuting a half-hour animated TV show on ABC. Nightmare Ned began 11 years ago today.

Read about Ned in this new article.

Friday, April 18, 2008
On this day in 2006, cartoonist Richard Waring Rockwell died. The last artist on Milton Caniff's Steve Canyon left us one year ago today.

Thursday, April 17, 2008
On this day in 1944, United Feature Syndicate (Nancy, Li'l Abner began distributing an editorial cartoon by a popular contemporary cartoonist. Bill Mauldin began being syndicated nationwide 64 years ago today.

Wednesday, April 16, 2008
On this day in 2006, an American comic book series was adapted into Japanese animation. The animé version of Witchblade began two years ago today.

Tuesday, April 15, 2008
On this day in 1917, character actor Hans Conried was born. The voice of Snidely Whiplash, Waldo Wigglesworth, The Magic Mirror, and much more, was first hears 91 years ago today.

Monday, April 14, 2008
On this day in 1947, cartoonist Tom Batiuk was born. The creator of Funky Winkerbean, Crankshaft and John Darling is 61 years old today. Happy birthday!

Sunday, April 13, 2008
On this day in 1902, Acrobatic Archie started in the Hearst papers. The first continuing character by cartoonist George Herriman (Krazy Kat) began 106 years ago today

Saturday, April 12, 2008
On this day in 1942, actor Kane Richmond (The Shadow) starred in a Republic Pictures (Nyoka the Jungle Girl) serial as Spy Smasher, the first chapter of which, tho the exact date is disputed, came out 66 years ago today.

Friday, April 11, 2008
On this day in 1941, Fleischer released a double-length cartoon based on a popular toy. Raggedy Ann & Andy, the Raggedys' first appearance in animation, came out 67 years ago today.

Thursday, April 10, 2008
On this day in 1988, Bill Amend's popular daily and Sunday newspaper comic began. FoxTrot has been entertaining its readers for 20 years today.

Wednesday, April 9, 2008
On this day in 2001, another in a long line of movies based on comic book was released. The live-action Josie & the Pussycats came out seven years ago today

Tuesday, April 8, 2008
On this day in 1997, Disney rekeased a movie made from episodes of one of its TV series. Mighty Ducks came out 11 years ago today.

Monday, April 7, 2008
On this day in 1992, an exemplary comic book was given an extraordinarily prestigious award. Art Spiegelman's Maus won the Pulitzer Prize 16 years ago today..

Sunday, April 6, 2008
On this day in 1991, The Disney Channel broadcast a special called Darkly Dawns the Duck, which introduced a major new character. Darkwing Duck was first seen 17 years ago today.

Saturday, April 5, 2008
On this day in 2005, America lost one of its pioneering female cartoonists. Dale Messick (Brenda Starr), only a week before her 99th birthday, died three years ago today.

Friday, April 4, 2008
On this day in 2005, Superman's dog got his on TV show. Cartoon Network (Dexter's Lab, Johnny Bravo) debuted Krypto three years ago today.

Thursday, April 3, 2008
On this day in 1943, Warner Bros. released a very early funny animal superhero. Bugs Bunny starred in Super-Rabbit (no relation), which came out 65 years ago today.

Wednesday, April 2, 2008
On this day in 1938, MGM released a short titled Blue Monday. The first cartoon directed by Bill Hanna came out 70 years ago today.

Tuesday, April 1, 2008
On this day in 2005, what has been called the most painstakingly authentic job in history of turning comics into a movie — no mean feat, considering what was done with Li'l Abner (1959), Dick Tracy (1990) and Popeye (1980) — was released. The general public, coast to coast, got its first look at Sin City two years ago today.

Monday, March 31, 2008
On this day in 1927, or thenabouts, Lucille Bliss was born. The voice of Crusader Rabbit, among others, was first heard (approximately) 81 years ago today.

Sunday, March 30, 2008
On this day in 1988, yet another movie which was turned into a successful cartoon series came out. Warner Bros. Pictures (Steel, Catwoman) released Beetlejuice 20 years ago today.

Saturday, March 29, 2008
On this day in 1961, a monster film which, like Konga before it, became an ongoing series from Charlton Comics, was released. Gorgo came out 47 years ago today.

Friday, March 28, 2008
On this day in 2001, a new office was created, one that involved "capturing all the bizarre and surreal goings-on in London government" and paid "one pint of London Pride [beer] per year". Cartoonist Martin Rowson became London's first Cartoonist Laureate seven years ago today.

Thursday, March 27, 2008
Today in Toons #2600
On this day in 1908, one of comicdom's most famous teams first got together. Mutt met Jeff one century ago today.

Wednesday, March 26, 2008
On this day in 2001, Floyd Buford "Bill" Yates died. The cartoonist who, among other things, created Professor Phumble left us seven years ago today.

Tuesday, March 25, 2008
On this day in 1945, even before Steve Canyon, the first post-war comic strip about an aviation hero began. Ray Bailey's Bruce Gentry started 63 years ago today.

Monday, March 24, 2008
On this day in 1899, a highly accomplished and versatile comic strip writer first saw the light of day. Allen Saunders, whose credits range from Mary Worth to Dan Dunn, was born 109 years ago today.

Sunday, March 23, 2008
On this day in 2001, an unprecedented work by an unknown cartoonist was destroyed. The first known cartoon in space, a smutty drawing in the bathroom of the Mir Space Station, burned to a cinder as Mir plunged to Earth, seven years ago today.

Saturday, March 22, 2008
On this day in 1914, one of cartoondom's greats first saw the light of day. John Stanley, creator of Oona Goosepimple but best known for his work on Little Lulu, was born 94 years ago today.

Friday, March 21, 2008
On this day in 1994, Fox TV (The Simpsons, The Tick) unveiled a new movie based on a graphic novel. Model by Day first aired 14 years ago today.

Thursday, March 20, 2008
On this day in 1895, the bane of EC, the biggest bugaboo haunting the history of comic books was born. Frederick Wertham came into this world 113 years ago today.

Wednesday, March 19, 2008
On this day in 1934, King Features Syndicate launched its own knock-off of Dick Tracy. Red Barry began 74 years ago today.

Tuesday, March 18, 2008
On this day in 1946, Universal Pictures released a well-remembered documentary about the comics. Milton Caniff (Terry & the Pirates), Bill Holman (Smokey Stover), Walter Berndt (Smitty) and more were veatured in Maestro of the Comics, which came out 62 years ago today.

Monday, March 17, 2008
On this day in 2006, a classic graphic novel became a critically-acclaimed movie. V for Vendetta came out two years ago today.

Sunday, March 16, 2008
On this day in 1908, a director of classic cartoons was born. Seymour Kneitel, who worked first for Fleischer and then for Famous Studios, came into the world one century ago today.

Saturday, March 15, 2008
On this day in 1969, The DePatie-Freleng cartoon studio, which had already tasted success with The Pink Panther and The Inspector, launched another series of theatrically-releaseld cartoons. The Ant & the Aardvark, which inaugurated a series of the same name, was released 39 years ago today.

Friday, March 14, 2008
On this day in 1920, cartoonist Hank Ketcham was born. The creator of Dennis the Menace would, if living, have been 88 years old today.

Thursday, March 13, 2008
On this day in 1921, a cartoonist whose work appeared in venues as diverse as Mad and Playboy was born. Al Jaffee, who created Mad's "Snappy Answers to Stupid Questions" and worked on Playboy's Little Annie Fannie, entered this world 87 years ago today.

Wednesday, March 12, 2008
On this day in 2007, we lost an accomplished comic book writer, with credits at DC, Marvel and all over the place. Arnold Drake, who (among other things) co-created Deadman, died one year ago today.

Tuesday, March 11, 2008
On this day in 1920, cartoonist Jack Kent was born. If the creator of King Aroo were still alive, he'd be 88 years old today.

Monday, March 10, 2008
On this day in 1920, cartoonist Jack Kent was born. If the creator of King Aroo were still alive, he'd be 88 years old today.

Sunday, March 9, 2008
On this day in 1966, the world got a sneak peek at a comics-related Broadway musical. It's a Bird, It's a Plane, It's Superman! opened in Philadelphia, three weeks before Broadway saw it — 42 years ago today.

Saturday, March 8, 2008
On this day in 1972, EC Comics entered a new medium. The movie version of Tales from the Crypt was released 36 years ago today.

Friday, March 7, 2008
On this day in 1959, the daily version of one of the first comic strips about a working woman bit the dust. Tho the Sunday managed to hang on for another week, the weekday Tillie the Toiler ended 49 years ago today.

Thursday, March 6, 2008
Today in Toons #2579
On this day in 2001, the town of Santa Rosa, Ca. got a brand-new landmark. A statue of Charlie Brown was unveiled there seven years ago today.

Wednesday, March 5, 2008
On this day in 1908, a well-known second-generation cartoonist was born. Bob Dunn, who took over They'll Do It Every Time from creator Jimmy Hatlo, would, if living, have been one hundred years old today.

Tuesday, March 4, 2008
On this day in 1950, a classic Chuck Jones cartoon was released. Daffy Duck starred in The Scarlet Pumpernickel 58 years ago today.

Monday, March 3, 2008
On this day in 1997, a popular cartoon show on MTV had a genuine spin-off. Beavis & Butthead spun off Daria 11 years ago today.

Sunday, March 2, 2008
On this day in 2003, Archie Comics lost the creator of one of its more famous properties. Bill Woggon, the cartoonist who did Katy Keene, died five years ago today.

Saturday, March 1, 2008
On this day in 1950, Television animation was born. The first made-for-TV cartoon, Crusader Rabbit, debuted 58 years ago today.

Friday, February 29, 2008
On this day in 2000, one of Disney's old stars got the straight-to-video feature sequel treatment. An Extremely Goofy Movie was released that way eight years ago today.

Thursday, February 28, 2008
On this day in 1915, a retread began in the Sunday comics. Lady Bountiful began her second series 93 years ago today.

Wednesday, February 27, 2008
On this day in 1965, Warner Bros. released The Wild Taste, with a unique cast. The Road Runner made his (her?) only crossover (with Sylvester and Speedy) 43 years ago today.

Tuesday, February 26, 2008
On this day in 1908, a cartoon legend was born. Frederick Bean "Tex" Avery, the creator of Bugs, Daffy and a host of others, all the way down to Kwicky Koala, entered this world one hundred years ago today.

Monday, February 25, 2008
Today in Toons #2569
On this day in 1913, actor Jim Backus was born. The voice of Mr. Magoo was first heard 95 years ago today.

Sunday, February 24, 2008
On this day in 1850, The Sentimental & Dramatic Adventures of Mr. Green began its three-week run in London's Penny Illustrated News. Before The Yellow Kid, before Jimmy Swinnerton's Tykes and Bears, what is believed to be the first newspaper comic strip made its debut 158 years ago today.

Saturday, February 23, 2008
On this day in 1935, Little Lulu, by Marjory Henderson Buell, made her debut in The Saturday Evening Post. Lulu has gone on to star in animated cartoons, comic books, advertisements, and even live action, but she got her start 73 years ago today.

Friday, February 22, 2008
On this day in 1917, comic book artist Reed Crandall, whose credits include Blackhawk, The Ray and other Quality Comics features, was born. One of the mainstays of EC Comics would, if living, have been 91 years old today.

Thursday, February 21, 2008
On this day in 1950, cartoonist Robert "Bobbo" Armstrong was born. The creator of Mickey Rat is 58 years old today. Happy birthday!

Wednesday, February 20, 2008
On this day in 2004, Clifford the Big Red Dog starred in a feaure-length production. Clifford's Really Big Movie was released four years ago today.

Tuesday, February 19, 2008
On this day in 2001, less than a week after it opened, Don Markstein's Toonopedia was a Yahoo Daily Pick. The first of many accolades heaped on this Web site was bestowed upon it seven years ago today.

Monday, February 18, 2008
On this day in 2007, cartoonist Bob Oksner died. His positive impact on American comics ranged from Miss Cairo Jones to Super-Hip. But it ended one year ago today.

Sunday, February 17, 2008
On this day in 1933, the American newspaper comics celebrated one of their most eagerly-awaited joyful events. Blondie Boopadoop married Dagwood Bumstead 75 years ago today.

Saturday, February 16, 2008
On this day in 1970, King Features Syndicate launched Half Hitch, a comic strip about a U.S. Navy man. The vintage World War II character created by Hank Ketcham (Dennis the Menace) was revived for civilian papers 38 years ago today.

Friday, February 15, 2008
On this day in 2007, five days before that year's Mardi Gras, the Krewe of Muses staged their annual Carnival parade, from which they distributed the world's first Mardi Gras collectible which is also a collectable comic book. Supermuse made her public debut one year ago today.

Thursday, February 14, 2008
On this day in 2003 Disney released a straight-to-video sequel to its 1967 animated feature, The Jungle Book. Jungle Book II went on sale five years ago today.

Wednesday, February 13, 2008
On this day in 1988 comics artist Ron Embleton died at age 57. He was known in Britain for The Trigan Empire, Wulf the Briton and more, but in America was famous for just one thing. The man who painted Oh, Wicked Wanda! has been gone for 20 years today.

Tuesday, February 12, 2008
On this day in 1988 comics artist Ron Embleton died at age 57. He was known in Britain for The Trigan Empire, Wulf the Briton and more, but in America was famous for just one thing. The man who painted Oh, Wicked Wanda! has been gone for 20 years today.

Monday, February 11, 2008
On this day in 1908 cartoonist José Luis Salinas was born. He was known for several features in his native Argentina, but in the U.S. was famous for only one. The man who drew the comic strip adaptation of Fox's version of O.Henry's character The Cisco Kid for King Features Syndicate took his first breath one hundred years ago today.

Sunday, February 10, 2008
Today in Toons #2554
On this day in 1913, the first animated cartoon starring Mutt & Jeff, succinctly titled Mutt & Jeff, was released. Cartoonist Bud Fisher's comics stars hit the Silver Screen 95 years ago today.

Saturday, February 9, 2008
On this day in 2006, Disney announced the re-acquisition of its first all-animated, nationally distributed series star, in a complex trade involving entertainment properties in several different genres. Oswald the Lucky Rabbit came home two years ago today.

Friday, February 8, 2008
On this day in 1959, Sky Masters of the Space Force became a seven-day comic strip. Tho it had debuted the previous year as a daily, Sky was first seen in his Sunday form 49 years ago today.

Thursday, February 7, 2008
On this day in 1940, Disney staged the world premiere of its second feature-length animated story. Pinocchio was first seen by the public 68 years ago today.

Wednesday, February 6, 2008
On this day in 1994, the grandmaster of action/adventure comic book artwork died. Jack Kirby, whos minor credits include The Black Panther, Devil Dinosaur, The Demon and The Forever People, has been gone for 14 years today.

Tuesday, February 5, 2008
On this day in 1929, They'll Do It Every Time, cartoonist Jimmy Hatlo's long-running panel, began. This is especially timely, because it's ending right now — the last daily has already appeared, and the last Sunday will appear this weekend. It won't be around to celebrate its 80th anniversary, but They'll Do It Every Time is still 79 years old today.

Monday, February 4, 2008
On this day in 1938, Snow White, went into its general theatrical release. Disney's cartoon operation began a momentous but gradual change, phasing out its short subjects in favor of relying on feature production, as a result of what happened 70 years ago today.

Sunday, February 3, 2008
On this day in 1929, They'll Do It Every Time, cartoonist Jimmy Hatlo's long-running panel, began. This is especially timely, because it's ending right now — the last daily has already appeared, and the last Sunday will appear this weekend. It won't be around to celebrate its 80th anniversary, but They'll Do It Every Time is still 79 years old today.

Saturday, February 2, 2008

On this day in 1916, comics artist Alden McWilliams was born. If he were still alive, the co-creator of Twin Earths would be 92 years old today.

Friday, February 1, 2008
On this day in 1908, Gyorgy Pal Marczincsak was born in Cegled, Hungary. He emigrated to a new country, where, under a new name, he made a series of films using three-dimensional animation, called Puppetoons. George Pal began his journey through this world one hundred years ago today.

Thursday, January 31, 2008
On this day in 1961, Yogi Bear found a new place to star. McNaught Syndicate (Joe Palooka, Dixie Dugan) launched Yogi's daily newspaper comic 47 years ago today.

Wednesday, January 30, 2008
On this day in 1949, a Monday, Bobo Larkin, by Walt Kelly, was scheduled to start in The New York Star. It was to have represented a new direction for the cartoonist, if not for one unfortunate fact — The Star folded on Saturday the 28th. Walt Kelly's first and only adventure comic did not debut 59 years ago today.

Tuesday, January 29, 2008
On this day in 1939, Jack Sparling's Hap Hopper debuted. It wasn't the longest-lasting newspaper comic in the world, and it may or may not have given as authentic a depiction of a reporter's job as its creators strove for. But it did begin 69 years ago today.

Monday, January 28, 2008
On this day in 1930, movie producer Leon Schlesinger and a couple of former Disney men named Harman and Ising made a deal with Warner Bros. to produce and distribute a series of animated cartoons. Looney Tunes was born 78 years ago today.

Sunday, January 27, 2008
On this day in 1946, cartoonist. publisher and filmmaker Don Dohler was born. The creator of Projunior died in 2006; otherwise, he'd have been 63 years old today.

Saturday, January 26, 2008
On this day in 1945, Brenda Starr hit the movies. The first chapter of her serial was released 63 years ago today.

Friday, January 25, 2008
On this day in 1961, The Honolulu Herald printed an obituary for Mel Blanc, voice of Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck and many others — a few decades early, as Blanc had suffered only a near-fatal car accident. The voice of Porky Pig, Sylvester Pussycat and more did not die 47 years ago today.

Thursday, January 24, 2008
On this day in 1971, DePatie-Freleng released the cartoon The Snake in the Gracias through United Artists. The opening shot in the Blue Racer series came out 37 years ago today.

Wednesday, January 23, 2008
On this day in 1985, Thundercats was introduced in an hour-long special. A cult favorite TV show was first seen 23 years ago today.

Tuesday, January 22, 2008

On this day in 2003, cartoonist Bill Mauldin died. His recent work had been in political cartooning, but he first rose to fame on the basis of what he did during World War II. The author of Up Front has been gone for five years today.

Monday, January 21, 2008

On this day in 1996, cartoonist Jim Keefe assumed responsibility for the Flash Gordon Sunday comic. The last man to handle Flash for King Features came aboard 12 years ago today.

Sunday, January 20, 2008

On this day in 2003, cartoonist Al Hirschfeld died at 99. The famous Broadway and Hollywood caricaturist has been gone for five years today.

Saturday, January 19, 2008

On this day in 1947, Steve Canyon made his first appearance. His strip had been running for a week, but it opened with its star talked-about but not seen. He finally turned up in person 61 years ago today.

Friday, January 18, 2008
On this day in 1939, cartoonist Charles Edward "Bunny" Schultze died. The creator of Foxy Grandpa has been gone for 69 years today.

Thursday, January 17, 2008
On this day in 1970, aniamation man Genndy Tartakovsky was born. The creator of Dexter's Laboratory is 38 years old today. Happy birthday!

Wednesday, January 16, 2008
On this day in 1981, ABC aired a sequel to its 1978 Weekend Special starring Lauri Hendler as Little Lulu. The Big Hex of Little Lulu was birst broadcast 27 years ago today.

Tuesday, January 15, 2008
On this day in 1870, cartoonist Thomas Nast first used a donkey to represent the Democratic Party. The Democrats have had their official totem for 138 years today.

Monday, January 14, 2008
On this day in 1863, cartoonist Richard F. Outcault was born. If the creator of Pore Lil Mose, Buster Brown and The Yellow Kid himself were still alive, he'd be the wonder of the age — 145 years old today.

Sunday, January 13, 2008
On this day in 1947, cartoonist Milton Caniff launched the comic strip that built on his fame from Terry & the Pirates, and sustained him for the rest of his career. Steve Canyon debuted 61 years a go today.

Saturday, January 12, 2008
On this day in 1947, King Features Syndicate launched Dick's Adventures in Dreamland. The attempt, by writer Max Trell and artist Neil O'Keefe, to sugar-coat history lessons, was first seen 61 years ago today.

Friday, January 11, 2008
On this day in 1959, the "other" comic strip of Charles M. Schulz (Peanuts) ended. It's Only a Game was last seen 49 years ago today.

Thursday, January 10, 2008
On this day in 1932, two of the most popular animated cartoon series became King Features comic strips. Walt Disney's Mickey Mouse Sunday page, with Silly Symphonys as its topper, began 76 years ago today.

Wednesday, January 9, 2008
On this day in 1956, Newspaper Enterprise Association (Our Boarding House, Freckles & His Friends) launched Morty Meekle, by Dick Cavalli. This low-key but long-lasting series began 52 years ago today.

Tuesday, January 8, 2008

On this day in 1990, Bernard Krigstein, famous for his work at EC Comics, died of pneumonia. The comic book world lost one of its great illustrators 18 years ago today.

Monday, January 7, 2008
On this day in 1900, Foxy Grandpa, by Bunny Schultze, began — at least according to the best sources. (Others say it was the 14th.) The old man started turning the tables on his clever grandkids 108 years ago today.

Sunday, January 6, 2008
On this day in 1936, Warner Bros. released Gold Diggers of '49, which was significant not just because it was the second appearance of Porky Pig. The first cartoon directed by the legendary Tex Avery came out 72 years ago today.

Saturday, January 5, 2008
On this day in 1929, Mickey Rooney performed the voice of Oswald the Lucky Rabbit. It was not only the first time Rooney had done the voice — it was the first time anyone had. Oswald's first sound cartoon, Ozzie of the Circus, was released 79 years ago today.

Friday, January 4, 2008
On this day in 1982, Sally Forth sallied forth. cartoonist Greg Howard's comic strip about one woman's family began 26 years ago today.

Thursday, January 3, 2008
On this day in 1933, Dagwood Bumstead launched a hunger strike, because his family wouldn't let him marry Blondie Boopadoop. In these days when all our lives are touched, however lightly, by a strike in the entertainment industry, let's remember an important one that began 75 years ago today.

Wednesday, January 2, 2008
On this day in 1967, Rocket Robin Hood, already running in Canada, made its U.S. debut. This historical adventure masquerading as sci-fi reached its main market 41 years ago today.

Tuesday, January 1, 2008
On this day in 1943, Disney released Der Fuehrer's Face, whose Spike Jones soundtrack is remembered as one of the livelier songs to come out of World War II. The only Donald Duck cartoon to win an Oscar came out 65 years ago today.

Monday, December 31, 2007
On this day in 2003, Martin Sheridan author of Comics & Their Creators (1944) died. We lost one of our early historians, whose interviews with George McManus (Bringing Up Father), Frank King (Gasoline Alley), Carl Ed (Harold Teen) and dozens more have been such a wonderful source of information, four years ago today.

Sunday, December 30, 2007
On this day in 2001, citing greater freedom in subject matter, cartoonist Frank Cho moved his comic strip, Liberty Meadows, from newspapers into comic books. The move that, from the newspaper readers' point of view, looked like ending the strip on a cliffhanger, took place six years ago today.

Saturday, December 29, 2007
On this day in 1944, newspaper readers first saw Christy Jameson. The future wife of Buz Sawyer was introduced 63 years ago today.

Friday, December 28, 2007
On this day in 2001, the story in the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles daily newspaper comic ended. The series continued for one more day of fan art, but the strip was essentially over as of six years ago today.

Thursday, December 27, 2007
On this day in 1931, Paramount Pictures released Sooky. The sequel to Skippy, the feature about cartoonist Percy Crosby's most famous creation, came out 76 years ago today.

Wednesday, December 26, 2007
On this day in 1942, Warner Bros. released the infamous Coal Black and de Sebben Dwarfs. Director Bob Clampett's notorious parody of Disney's Snow White was first seen in public 65 years ago today.

Tuesday, December 25, 2007
On this day in 1911, cartoonist Burne Hogarth was born. If the man most famous for his work on Tarzan were still living, he'd be 96 years old today.

Monday, December 24, 2007
Today in Toons #2506
On this day in 1943, Famous Studios started a new licensed series. Eggs Don't Bounce, the first Little Lulu cartoon, was released 64 years ago today.

Sunday, December 23, 2007
On this day in 1966, a holiday classic was born. How The Grinch stole Christmas was first aired 41 years ago today

Saturday, December 22, 2007
On this day in 1948, Churchy LaFemme (of Pogo) sang the immortal song that begins "Deck us all with Boston Charlie", for the very first time. "The Carol" (as it quickly became known) was first heard 59 years ago today.

Friday, December 21, 2007
On this day in 1991, Sheldon Mayer died. His contributions to DC Comics ranged from relatively insignificant (e.g., Doodles Duck) to absolutely seminal (as editor of All-American Comics, he probably created The Justice Society of America); but large and small, they ended 16 years ago today.

Thursday, December 20, 2007
On this day in 1996, Beavis & Butthead hit a new length. The first feature to star the young lads, Beavis & Butthead Do America, was released 11 years ago today.

Wednesday, December 19, 2007
On this day in 2001, cartoonist Dan DeCarlo died — just after losing his attempt to have the property Josie returned to him as having been an independent creation rather than a company assignment. We lost the creator of Sabrina the Teenage Witch and the man who, for decades, set the look for Betty & Veronica, six years ago today.

To help keep his memory alive, read this new article on Jetta of the 21st Century

Tuesday, December 18, 2007
On this day in 2006, animation man Joe Barbera died. Half of the team that gave us Tom & Jerry, Spike & Tyke, Huckleberry Hound and so much more was lost to us one year ago today.

Monday, December 17, 2007
On this day in 1936, Barney Baxter took to the air. Barney Baxter in the Air, by Frank Miller (not that Frank Miller) began 71 years ago today.

Sunday, December 16, 2007
On this day in 1972, Daffy Duck and Porky Pig met The Groovie Goolies. Daffy & Porky Meet Groovie Goolies aired 35 years ago today.

Saturday, December 15, 2007
On this day in 1978, Superman, the movie version with Christopher Reeve in the title role, had its general theatrical release. You would believe a man could fly, starting 29 years ago today.

Friday, December 14, 2007
On this day in 1913, cartoonist Johnny Gruelle (Mr. Twee Deedle) made a new toy for his daughter, Marcella. Later expanded to entertain the world, Raggedy Ann was created 94 years ago today.

Thursday, December 13, 2007
On this day in 1976, Deanna Sobinski Patterson was born — despite the fact that the comic strip she was a character in, For Better Or for Worse, didn't yet exist. When Deanna was added to the cast, her back-story was added as well — including a birthday that made her three years older than the comic itself. Deanna Patterson is 31 years old today.

Wednesday, December 12, 2007
On this day in 1919, cartoonist Dan DeCarlo was born. The creator of Sabrina the Teenage Witch died a few years ago — otherwise, he'd have been 88 years old today.

Tuesday, December 11, 2007
On this day in 1907, cartoonist Bud Fisher moved his comic strip, A. Mutt (the first reliable daily, by the way), from The San Francisco Chronicle to that city's Examiner — and got away with it, thus establishing legal ownership of his work. This historic blow for creators' rights was struck one hundred years ago today.

Monday, December 10, 2007
On this day in 1990, The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles added another notch to their resume, if you don't mind some serious metaphor mixing. The Turtles' daily newspaper comic began 17 years ago today.

Sunday, December 9, 2007
On this day in 2006, cartoonist Martin Nodell died. The creator of Green Lantern left us one year ago today.

Saturday, December 8, 2007
On this day in 1962, cartoonist Erik Larsen was born. The creator of Savage Dragon is 45 years old today. Happy birthday!

Friday, December 7, 2007
On this day in 1941, King Features Syndicate launched It's a Girl's Life, by Hilda Terry. The comic that started its creator on the way to cracking The National Cartoonists' Society's gender barrier began 66 years ago today.

Thursday, December 6, 2007
On this day in 1967, actor Sparky Marcus was born. The 1980 voice of Richie Rich left show biz a few years after his voice changed, but wherever he is, he's 40 years old today. Happy birthday!

Wednesday, December 5, 2007
On this day in 1932, Alley Oop began at a teenie weenie off-brand syndicate. It switched to the Big Time at Newspaper Enterprise Association (Freckles & His Friends, Eek & Meek) soon enough, but it still started at a backwater of the syndication world 75 years ago today.

Tuesday, December 4, 2007

On this day in 1941, the Max Fleischer Studio released Mr. Bug Goes to Town, its second and final feature-length animated film. Fleischer's Snow White-inspired feature production, the only successful contemporary non-Disney animated feature production program, came to an end 66 years ago today.

Monday, December 3, 2007
On this day in 1971, the first newspaper that existed only to carry comic strips debuted. With Flash Gordon, The Phantom and many others already on its roster, The Menomonee Falls Gazette began 36 years ago today.

Sunday, December 2, 2007

On this day in 2006, a minor but unique comix creator died. Don Dohler, creator of ProJunior, left us one year ago today.

Saturday, December 1, 2007

On this day in 1963, cartoonist Jimmy Hatlo died. His legacy includes They'll Do It Every Time and its spin-off, Little Iodine, but their creator has been gone for 44 years today.

Friday, November 30, 2007

On this day in 2005, cartoonist Jim Sasseman died. Charles Schulz's collaborator on It's Only a Game departed this world two years ago today.

Thursday, November 29, 2007

On this day in 1888, cartoonist Martin Branner was born. Today is the 119th anniversary of the birth of the man who created Winnie Winkle.

Wednesday, November 28, 2007

On this day in 1957, cartoonist Jerry Ordway was born. The creator of the 1990s version of DC's Shazam!, who also has extensive credits on All-Star Squadron, Infinity Inc. and more, hits the Big Five-Oh today. Happy birthday!

Tuesday, November 27, 2007

On this day in 1986, Disney let fly with perhaps its least-famous attempt at an animated TV series. The first, last and only episode of Fluppy Dogs aired 21 years ago today.

To celebrate this momentous occasion, take a look at the brand-new article on Fluppy Dogs

Monday, November 26, 2007

On this day in 1922, cartoonist Charles M. Schulz was born. The creator of Peanuts would, if living, have been 85 years old today.

Sunday, November 25, 2007

On this day in 2006, cartoonist Dave Cockrum (X-Men, Legion of Super Heroes) died at 63. The creator of The Futurians has been gone for one year today.