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.
Saturday, October 31, 2009
On this day in 1955 yet another Disney property became a daily newspaper comic. Scamp, the son of Lady & the Tramp, started appearing in his own King Features comic strip 54 years ago today.
Friday, October 30, 2009
On this day in 1959 Famous Studios, which was in the process of transferring ownership of its cartoon properties to Harvey Comics, let one of its animated series end in that medium. Katnip's Big Day, the final entry in its Herman & Katnip series, came out 50 years ago today.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
On this day in 1959 with Tintin already starting to appear in America, another French-language comics character that later achieved world-wide success was launched. Asterix the Gaul started 50 years ago today.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
On this day in 1948 Columbia Pictures (Blackhawk, Bruce Gentry) released the first chapter of a movie serial about a comic book jungle hero. Congo Bill started 61 years ago today.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
On this day in 2003 the U.S. Postal Service honored one of America's favorite cartoonists. Dr. Seuss, creator of Horton, The Grinch, The Cat in the Hat and so much more, appeared on a postage stamp six years ago today.
Monday, October 26, 2009
On this day in 1973 one of our most popular animation men entered the world. Seth MacFarlane, creator of Family Guy and American Dad, is 36 years old today. Happy birthday!
Sunday, October 25, 2009
On this day in 1943 Universal Studios released Meatless Tuesday, the Walter Lantz cartoon in which Charlie Chicken made his last appearance. Tho later revived in comic books, mostly as Andy Panda's constant companion, Charlie made his final bow in animation 66 years ago today.
Saturday, October 24, 2009
On this day in 1977 King Features Syndicate (Flash Gordon) launched a new comic strip by Bill Hoest (The Lockhorns). Agatha Crumm began 32 years ago today.
Friday, October 23, 2009
On this day in 2000 a cable TV toon branched out into video games. Daria's Inferno, based on the cartoon that originated on MTV, was released nine years ago today.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
On this day in 1993 Disney released the spookiest of its animated features — one so non-Disney-like, they used the name "Touchstone Pictures", usually reserved for films aimed at an older demographic than standard Disney fare, for the release. The Nightmare Before Christmas came out 16 years ago today.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
On this day in 1906 our language was enhanced with the name of a comic strip that, like Keeping Up with the Joneses, Caspar Milquetoast and Desperate Desmond, became part of everyday speech. Hairbreadth Harry, by C.W. Kahles, started 103 years ago today.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
On this day in 2005 we lost yet another of the veteran artists who made comic books what they are. Tom Gill, a long-time comics maker for Western Printing, first at Dell Comics and then at Gold Key (he was especially known for a lengthy run on Western's Lone Ranger title) died four years ago today.
Monday, October 19, 2009
On this day in 1935 the closest imitator Flash Gordon ever had, especially among comics that weren't even sci-fi in the first place, began. Assuming it hadn't (as some reports maintain) already been running for a couple of weeks, Don Dixon & the Lost Empire started 74 years ago today.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
On this day in 1969 one of our modern masters of animation was born. Randolph Severn "Trey" Parker III, one of the creators of South Park, hits the Big Four-Oh today. Happy birthday!
Saturday, October 17, 2009
On this day in 1967 The Walt Disney Company released its first animated feature following the 1966 death of Disney himself. The Jungle Book, Disney's first post-Walt feature, came out 42 years ago today.
Friday, October 16, 2009
On this day in 1955 United Feature Syndicate (Nancy, Peanuts) launched a short-lived but very memorable comic strip. Terr'ble Thompson, by Gene Deitch (Tom Terrific) started 54 years ago today.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
On this day in 1937 yet another newspaper comic strip became a movie. Universal Studios (The Hulk, Walter Lantz cartoons) released the first chapter of Radio Patrol, based on the popular King Features comic, 72 years ago today.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
On this day in 1988 Arnold Escapes from Church, the first Hey Arnold!
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
On this day in 1909 the first political cartoonist to enter the ranks of Al Capp, Chic Young, Roy Crane and others at the top of the profession, as winners of The Reuben Award, was born. Herbert "Herblock" Block, who won the award in 1956, would, if living, have been one hundred years old today.
Monday, October 12, 2009
On this day in 1923 a pioneer in clay animation was born. Art Clokey, creator of Gumby, is 86 years old today. Happy birthday!
Sunday, October 11, 2009
On this day in 1942 José Carioca became the star of Walt Disney's Silly Symphonys newspaper comic. The new character, who went on to co-star in Disney's feature The Three Caballeros, was first seen 67 years ago today.
Saturday, October 10, 2009
On this day in 1926 one of many non-superhero writer/artists for 1960s Archie Comics was born. Orlando Busino, whose creations include that company's Tales Calculated to Drive You Bats, is 83 years old today. Happy birthday!
Friday, October 9, 2009
On this day in 1961 the cartoonist responsible for a couple of modern classics was born. Matt Wagner, the man behind Grendel, Mage and more, is 48 years old today. Happy birthday!
Thursday, October 8, 2009
On this day in 1938 Warner Bros. released a cartoon which, a few years later, was considered strong enough to spark a comic book series — but today, would be considered so embarrassing the studio would never let it see the light of day. Little Pancho Vanilla came out 71 years ago today.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
On this day in 1996 Nickelodeon (Fairly OddParents, Rugrats) launched a new animated cartoon series. Hey Arnold! debuted on that network 13 years ago today.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
On this day in 1933 wedding bells rang at Emmy Schmaltz's boarding house, where Moon Mullins was a resident. Emmy and Lord Pluzhbottom, another resident, tied the knot 76 years ago today.
Monday, October 5, 2009
On this day in 1963 a Terrytoons character got his own TV show. Hector Heathcote starred, with Hashimoto-San and Sidney the Elephant in the back segments, in a show that debuted 46 years ago today.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
On this day in 1998 Nickelodeon (Spongebob Squarepants) launched a new cartoon with an unusual protagonist — or set of protagonists, anyway. CatDog debuted on that channel 11 years ago today.
Saturday, October 3, 2009
On this day in 1964 Dick Tracy became a father-in-law and the infamous "Space Race" era of his comic strip gained new legitimacy, as Tracy's adopted son, Dick Tracy Jr., married Moon Maid, an authentie alien. The venerable Chicago Tribune comic sank to hitherto-unheard-of depths of "modernity" 45 years ago today.
Friday, October 2, 2009
On this day in 1909 one of the most highly acclaimed comics artists ever was born. Alex Raymond, co-creator of Flash Gordon, Secret Agent X-9 and more, entered our world one hundred years ago today.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
On this day in 1994 newspaper editors looking to replace Doonesbury during its hiatus were given a choice. Thatch, which took a similar point of view and has been accused of being a character-for-character clone of Garry Trudeau's strip, began national syndication 15 years ago today.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
On this day in 1936 the bid for independence of a close Disney associate came to an end. Ub Iwerks returned to Disney after his studio, where Flip the Frog and Willie Whopper were born, released its last cartoon, Happy Days, 73 years ago today.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
On this day in 1988 we lost one of our acknowledged great cartoonists. Chas. Addams, creator of the family that bears his name, died 21 years ago today.
Monday, September 28, 2009
On this day in 1909 one of the greatest cartoonists of all time was born. Alfred Gerald Caplin, known to the world as Al Capp, creator of Li'l Abner, took his first breath one century ago today.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
On this day in 1840 in Landau, Germany, Thomas Nast was born. The greatest cartoonist of his generation, the man who made cartoon history by nailing the Boss Tweed gang, took his first breath 169 years ago today
Saturday, September 26, 2009
On this day in 1942 Paramount (Puppetoons, Famous Studios) released a Fleischer cartoon that had borne the working title "The Mad Scientist", but in release had been re-named after its main character. The first animated Superman cartoon came out 67 years ago today.
Friday, September 25, 2009
On this day in 1938 Milton Caniff's Terry & the Pirates took to the air — and not in the sense of joining the U.S. Air Force, which came later. Terry's radio show began 71 years ago today.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
On this day in 1950 in the Sunday-only comic Mitzi McCoy, Mitzi's 15th-century ancestor was first mentioned. Next thing you know, he was the star, and the strip was re=titled Kevin the Bold. This sudden change of direction occurred 59 years ago today.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
On this day in 1925 yet another movie series based on a comics character was launched. Educating Buster, the first of 39 live-action shorts in which Arthur Trimble starred as Buster Brown, was released 84 years ago today.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
On this day in 1931 the Mad magazine writer who first used put the words "What you mean 'we', white man?" into Tonto's mouth was born. Also an editor of DC Comics in later years, E. Nelson Bridwell would, if living, have been 78 years old today.
Monday, September 21, 2009
On this day in 1912 one of our best and best-known animation men was born in Spokane, Wa. Charles M. "Chuck" Jones, creator of Claude Cat, Pepe Lepew and The Road Runner, would, if living, have been 97 years old today.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
On this day in 1947 the creator of Howard the Duck was born. The late Steve Gerber, whose other co-creations include Thundarr the Barbarian and Omega the Unknown, would, if living, have been 62 years old today.
Saturday, September 19, 2009
On this day in 1942 Warner Bros. released The Dover Boys, directed by Chuck Jones, in an unusual style, which later became associated with United Productions of America, which had a huge effect on the animation industry of the 1950s and later. This innovative and influential cartoon came out 67 years ago today.
Friday, September 18, 2009
On this day in 1996 Disney launched a new half-hour TV show, to go with the many it already had. Marsupilami, based on a French-language comic book, began 13 years ago today.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
On this day in 1994 a new variation on an old comic strip started on Saturday morning TV. Phantom 2040, produced by King Features Syndicate, debuted in syndication 15 years ago today.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
On this day in 1972 Rankin/Bass (Santa, Frosty) launched a TV series based on a comic strip that was, at first, accused of succeeding because of political correctitude but eventually, it had to be admitted, owed its continuing success to the fact that people liked it. Kid Power, based on Morrie Turner's Wee Pals, began 37 years ago today.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
On this day in 1924 J.R. Bray (Col. Heeza Liar, Quacky Doodles released a cartoon titled The Magic Lamp, introducing a new animated character. Dinky Doodle, the very first creation of Walter Lantz (Woody Woodpecker, Chilly Willy) was first seen 85 years ago today.
Monday, September 14, 2009
On this day in 1991 a new star made the switch from the printed page to the small screen. Bucky O'Hare & the Toad Wars began on BBC 18 years ago today.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
On this day in 1937 a future giant of animation was born in El Paso, Tx. Don Bluth, whose credits include Banjo the Woodpile Cat, The Secret of NIMH and An American Tail, is 72 years old today. Happy birthday!
Saturday, September 12, 2009
On this day in 1993 Superman finally made it to prime-tine TV, with Dean Cain as The Man of Steel and Teri Hatcher in the other title role. Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman began 16 years ago today.
Friday, September 11, 2009
On this day in 1995 the ongoing Japanese Invasion of America's cartoon media took a giant step forward. Sailor Moon hit this country's airwaves 14 years ago today.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
On this day in 1958 one of our most prominent voice actors was born. Dan Castellaneta, voice of Earthworm Jim, Aladdin's genie (in sequels) and of course, Homer Simpson, is 51 years old today. Happy birthday!
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
On this day in 1979 a highly successful soap opera comic, with a family's kids growing up like in Gasoline Alley and eventually turning it into a multi-generational epic. For Better of for Worse, by cartoonist Lynn Johnston, started 40 years ago today.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
On this day in 1984 the success of Transformers led to more Saturday morning shows featuring robots that can combine into a bigger robot. Mighty Orbots began 25 years ago today.
Monday, September 7, 2009
On this day in 1959 the Walter Lantz studio released Space Mouse, a cartoon short that went nowhere. The title that inspired a series from Dell and later Gold Key Comics was appended to a completely unrelated cartoon that came out 50 years ago today.
Sunday, September 6, 2009
On this day in 1956 we lost one of the most highly-acclaimed comics artists of all time. Alex Raymond, co-creator of Flash Gordon, Jungle Jim, Secret Agent X-9 and Rip Kirby, had a fiery automobile accident and died instantly at age 46, 53 years ago today.
Saturday, September 5, 2009
On this day in 1941 the film version of a classic American comic strip was released. Reg'lar Fellers, by Gene Byrnes, became a movie 68 years ago today.
Friday, September 4, 2009
On this day in 1951 cartoonist Scott Shaw! was born. The man who spells his name with a bang, and who, not incidentally, co-created Captain Carrot & His Amazing Zoo Crew, is 58 years old today. Happy birthday, Scott!
Thursday, September 3, 2009
On this day in 1939 and 1945, the BBC's fledgling television service broadcast the beginning and end, respectively, of the Disney cartoon, Mickey's Gala Premiere, shutting down completely in between. World War II interrupted the BBC's operation between 70 and 64 years ago today.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
On this day in 1997 there was one less comic book plagiarist in the world. Roy Lichtenstein, who made a fortune "swiping" the work of more creative artists, died twelve years ago today.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
On this day in 1998 Nickelodeon (Ren & Stimpy, Fairly OddParents) launched a soon-to-be-popular new show. The Wild Thornberrys began eleven years ago today.
Monday, August 31, 2009
On this day in 2003 we lost one of our more prolific but lesser-known cartoonists. Dave Gerard, best known for Dell Comics' publication of his newspaper comic, Will-Yum, died six years ago today.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
On this day in 1943 one of the most highly-acclaimed cartoonists to work in comix was born. R. Crumb, creator of Fritz the Cat, "A Concise History of America", Mr. Natural and much more, is 66 years old today. Happy birthday!
Saturday, August 29, 2009
On this day in 1953 Warner Bros. launchd a new animated series. Cat-Tails for Two, the first cartoon to star Speedy Gonzales, was released 56 years ago today.
Friday, August 28, 2009
On this day in 1995 the ongoing Japanese invasion of American TV animation took a big step forward. Sailor Moon's adaption for American audiences was first seen 14 years ago today.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
On this day in 1929 love bloomed on the comics page. Several months after they first met, Olive Oyl kissed Popeye the Sailor, star of the King Features comic strip Thimble Theatre, 80 years ago today.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
On this day in 1980 former child actor Macaulay Culkin was born. The former child who played Richie Rich in the live-action movie of that name has long since grown up, and is 29 years old today.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
On this day in 1912 a print cartoonist who also has credits in animation was born. Ted Key, creator of Hazel ane Sherman & Peabody, entered our world 97 years ago today.
Monday, August 24, 2009
On this day in 1977 an already-successful cartoonist launched a new comic strip, one of several to his credit. King Features' Agatha Crumm, by Bill Hoest (The Lockhorns) began 32 years ago today.
Sunday, August 23, 2009
On this day in 1965 a new series of short television cartoons, never before seen in theatres, debuted in syndication. DoDo, the Kid from Outer Space, was first televised 44 years ago today.
Saturday, August 22, 2009
On this day in 1903 early comic book impresario Samuel Maxwell "Jerry" Iger was born. Will Eisner's partner in the studio responsible for Sheena, Blsckhawk and much, much more is long since no longer with us, but living, he'd have been 106 years old today.
Friday, August 21, 2009
On this day in 1929 comic book artist and colorist Marie Severin, who entered the field when her brother John helped get her on at EC Comics and later helped establish Marvel as an industry powerhouse, was born. The woman whom writer Roy Thomas once called "one of the most under-rated people in the business" is 80 years old today. Happy birthday!
Thursday, August 20, 2009
On this day in 1947 comic book publisher Maxell C. Gaines was killed in a boating accident, making it possible for his son Bill to take over and remake EC Comics. The events that led to EC publishing everything from Tales from the Crypt to Mad were set in motion by the tragic event that occurred 62 years ago today.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
On this day in 1906 suspense ended on whether cartoonist F.M. Howarth's comic strip about courtship would be satisfactorily concluded. After many funny difficulties, The Love of Lulu & Leander led to their tying the knot 103 years ago today.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
On this day in 1945 wedding bells rang for a couple of former minor villains, turned Dick Tracy supporting characters. B.O. Plenty and Gravel Gertie were married 64 years ago today.
Monday, August 17, 2009
On this day in 1941 Walt Disney and large entourage took off for South America on a months-long goodwill tour, out of which came movies like The Three Caballeros, characters like José Carioca and more. Needing a little goodwill himself in the wake of a studio strike, Disney set sail 68 years ago today.
Sunday, August 16, 2009
On this day in 1890 one of our great animators was born. Grim Natwick, creator of Betty Boop, lived to the age of more than a century, but still died too soon to be 119 years old today.
Saturday, August 15, 2009
On this day in 1929 Columbia Pictures (Tito & His Burrito, Mr. Magoo) released Ratskin, the first of many cartoons that captured none of the style or flair of George Herriman's Krazy Kat, but were billed as being about Krazy anyway. Tho the kat-like creature on the screen looked and acted entirely too Mickey-like to be a real representation of the character, in name, at least, Krazy Kat became a post-silent film star 80 years ago today.
Friday, August 14, 2009
On this day in 1942 Cliff Nazarro (Egghead) became perhaps the only person ever to play Barney Google in live action. Hillbilly Blitzkrieg, the second of two shorts about Bud Duncan (Casper Hawkins) as Snuffy Smith in the Army (and the only one with Barney in it) was released 67 years ago today.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
On this day in 1997 the reaction against political correctitude in animation, epitomized by titles like The Get Along Gang, reached a milestone. Comedy Central (Futurama) debuted South Park, one of the least parent-friendly TV cartoons ever, 12 years ago today.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
On this day in 1996 at the untimely age of 43, Marvel writer and editor Mark Gruenwald suffered a fatal heart attack, following which he was cremated and his ashes mixed with the ink used to print his Squadron Supreme graphic novel. Mark Gruenwald "threw himself into his work" — literally — 13 years ago today.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
On this day in 1991 Nickelodeon, the kids' TV network, suddenly became a major player in animation. Nick's first toons, Rugrats, Doug and Ren & Stimpy, all debuted 18 years ago today.
Monday, August 10, 2009
On this day in 1966 Modesty Blaise's movie, out since May in the U.K., was released in America. U.S. fans got to see Modesty's adventures on the Big Screen for the first time 43 years ago today.
Sunday, August 9, 2009
On this day in 1944 the U.S. Forestry Service released its first poster with Smokey Bear replacing Disney's Bambi in the effort to impart an anti-wildfire message to the American public. Smokey (no relation) has been doing that job ever since — for 65 years today.
Saturday, August 8, 2009
On this day in 1924 one of our more creative and influential cartoon men was born. Gene Deitch, creator of Tom Terrific, Terr'ble Thompson and more, is 85 years old today. Happy birthday, Gene!
Friday, August 7, 2009
On this day in 1942 a new animation studio rose from the ashes of a recently-defunct one. Famous Studios, , which Paramount Studios had built from the wreckage of the old Max Fleischer cartoon factory, released its first cartoon, You're a Sap, Mr. Jap (starring Popeye) 67 years ago today.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
On this day in 1978 gangsters shot and killed Dick Tracy's daughter-in-law, who happened not to have been born on Earth. The "Moon Maid" era of Chester Gould's classic newspaper comic came to an end — not a moment to soon, say many fans — 31 years ago today.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
On this day in 1925 one of the greatest classic comic strips of all time debuted in The New York Daily News. Little Orphan Annie, by Harold Gray, started 84 years ago today.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
On this day in 1942 comic book publisher Rick Norwood was born. The publisher of Comics Revue magazine, what he calls "the biggest, most beautiful comic book of all time" (his edition of Prince Valiant) is 67 years old today. Happy birthday, Rick!
Monday, August 3, 2009
On this day in 1949 cartoonist Reed Waller was born. The creator of Omaha the Cat Dancer is 60 years old today. Happy birthday, Reed!
Sunday, August 2, 2009
On this day in 1985 voice man Bob Holt died. The voice of The Great Grape Ape, Hoot Kloot, Avatar (in Wizards) and more was silenced 24 years ago today.
Saturday, August 1, 2009
On this day in 1920 comics artist Ken Bald was born. With credits at Marvel Comics, King Features Syndicate and more, the co-creator of Venus, Namora etc. is 89 years old today. Happy birthday!
Friday, July 31, 2009
On this day in 1936 Terrytoons (Fanny Zilch, Farmer Alfalfa) launched a new series. Kiko the Kangaroo may be virtually forgotten now, but he still began 73 years ago today.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
On this day in 1964 we lost one of our veteran animation men. Seymour Kneitel, director of many Famous Studios cartoons, died 45 years ago today.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
On this day in 1964 Columbia Pictures, whose cartoon stars used to include The Fox & the Crow and Tito & His Burrito, released Hey There, It's Yogi Bear. Hanna-Barbera's first feature-length cartoon came out 45 years ago today.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
On this day in 1945 another future cartoonist named Jim Davis was born. The one who did The Fox & the Crow was already working in the field, but the one who did Garfield is 64 years old today. Happy birthday!
Monday, July 27, 2009
On this day in 1954 actor David Kory was born. His only known role was to play Dondi in the 1961 movie of that name, but he's still 55 years old today. Happy birthday!
Sunday, July 26, 2009
On this day in 1929 one of the pioneers of sound animation abandoned silent cartoons once and for all. Chemical Koko, the final soundless film of The Max Fleischer Studio, came out 70 years ago today.
Saturday, July 25, 2009 On this day in 1970 cartoonist David Law's final episode of Dennis the Menace appeared in The Beano. Dennis (no relation) has been in hands other than his creator's for 39 years today.
Friday, July 24 2009
On this day in 1968 cartoonist Colleen Doran was born. The creator of A Distant Soil is 41 years old today. Happy birthday, Colleen!
Thursday, July 23 2009
On this day in 1952 (if comic books are to be believed) young Ollie Orwell found a cape in his attic, put it on, and instantly became Super Brat. This startling transformation occurred 57 years ago today.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
On this day in 1905 one of our pioneering daily newspaper cartoons began. The Outbursts of Everett True made its first apearance 104 years ago today.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
On this day in 2001 Nickelodeon (Ren & Stimpy, Spongebob Squarepants) aired an episode of Rugrats titled "All Growed Up". The babies were shown in a somewhat more advanced stage of their development, for the first time, eight years ago today.
Monday, July 20, 2009
On this day in 1989 Brooke Shields starred as Brenda Starr. A new feature-length treatment of the intrepid journalist was released 20 years ago today.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
On this day in 2007 the controversy over the world's most lucrative cartoon bear entered a new phase, as one of its major participants left the arena. Shirley S. Lasswell, owner of the Pooh property, died one year ago today.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
On this day in 1975 cartoonist Vaugn Bodé suffered a freak accident, resulting in his untimely death. The creator of Cheech Wizard died as long ago as he was old, 34 years ago today.
Friday, July 17, 2009
On this day in 1999 Nickelodeon (Ren & Stimpy, Rugrats) debuted a new show that turned out to be the biggest hit they'd ever had. Spongebob Squarepants started ten years ago today.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
On this day in 1954 work began on a massive, toon-related construction project. The first ground was broken in the building of Disneyland 55 years ago today.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
On this day in 1922 Murat "Chic" Young, the future creator of Blondie, launched a new comic from Bell Syndicate, in keeping with his pre-Blondie creations, pretty girls in the Polly/Fritzi mold. Young's Beautiful Babs began 87 years ago today.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
On this day in 1984 voice man Kenny Delmar, the radio personality on whose performance Mel Blanc based the voice of Foghorn Leghorn — in addition to voicing a number of characters in his own right — died. The voice of Commander McBragg, Klondike Cat's Major Minor, and more, was stilled 25 years ago today.
Monday, July 13, 2009
On this day in 2008 the traditional King Features line-up was reduced by one, as one of their ongoing comic strips bit the dust. Redeye folded one year ago today.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
On this day in 1919 one of our more prolific comic book writers was born. Joe Gill, who co-created everything from Captain Atom to Nukla (and points beyond) would, if he were still alive, be 90 years old today.
Saturday, July 11, 2009
On this day in 2003 20th Century Fox (Fantastic Four, Dixie Dugan) released the movie version of The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen. Alan Moore's (From Hell, V for Vendetta) treatment of 19th century literary heroes acting like a modern superhero team came out in film form six years ago today.
Friday, July 10, 2009
On this day in 1996 Nickelodeon (Aaahh! Real Monsters) aired a new movie, Harriet the Spy, and with it, a brand-new cartoon, debuting a new series. Hey Arnold! was first seen 13 years ago today.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
On this day in 1909 cartoonist Basil Wolverton (Powerhouse Pepper) was born. The creator of Spacehawk, who was catapulted into fame with his Lena the Hyena, would, if still living, have been one hundred years old today.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
On this day in 1967 a venerable newspaper comic came to an end. Buck Rogers, once the very epitome of sci-fi in the comics, folded 42 years ago today.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
On this day in 2000 Hollywood's "Walk of Fame" gave special recognition to animation. June Foray, voice of Rocky the Fllying Squirrel, Tweety's Granny and others, got her star there nine years ago today.
Monday, July 6, 2009
On this day in 1916 Americans first saw James Montgomery Flagg's famous painting of Uncle Sam's pointing finger, as Leslie's Weekly put it on the cover, with the caption "What are you doing for preparedness". President Wilson, who was about to be re-elected at least partly on the basis of having kept us out of World War I, was already getting ready to enter it soon as he'd safely been inaugurated again, 93 years ago today.
Saturday, July 4, 2009
On this day in 1883 Rube Goldberg entered our world. One of the most highly acclaimed cartoonists of all time, the man for whom the prestigious Reuben Award itself was named, was, as the song goes, "born on the Fourth of July" — 126 years ago today.
Friday, July 3, 2009
On this day in 1997 Cartoon Network (Dexter's Lah, Courage the Cowardly Dog) launched a new series of original programming. Johnny Bravo's half-hour series began twelve years ago today.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
On this day in 1982 animator Don Bluth's nascent production company, which had begun with Banjo the Woodpile Cat, released its first feature-length cartoon. The Secret of NIMH came out 29 years ago today.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
On this day in 1975 Rankin-Bass Productions (Silverhawks) broadcast Rudolph & Frosty's Christmas in July. Less than a week after Counter-Christmas (June 25, the day that's as long from last Xmas as it is before the next one), the farthest-from-Christmas Christmas special ever aired 34 years ago today.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
On this day in 1995 a collection of old Fleischer Studio short cartoons was strung together and released as a feature. Betty Boop Confidential came out 14 years ago today.
Monday, June 29, 2009
On this day in 1951 Famous Studios released Sing Again of Michigan, the final cartoon in its Screen Songs series. The ball on the screen bounced for the last time 58 years ago today.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
On this day in 1954 a minor syndicator of newspaper comics launched a comic strip that had a modest (tho more major than most of its others) impact on the comics world. General Features Corp. (Drift Marlo) started Jeff Cobb, by Pete Hoffman, 55 years ago today.
Saturday, June 27, 2009
On this day in 2008 cartoonist Michael Turner died. At the appallingly early age of 37, the creator of Witchblade departed our world one year ago today.
Friday, June 26, 2009
On this day in 1909 a note-worthy animation man was born. Wolfgang "Woolie" Reitherman, whose directorial credits for Disney features includes 101 Dalmatians, The Sword in the Stone, The Jungle Book and much more, would, if living, be one hundred years old today.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
On this day in 1928 comic book artist and animation designer Alex Toth, whose unique style was seen in comics characters like Eclipso and cartoon characters like Captain Fathom, was born. The co-creator of Thundarr the Barbarian would, if living, have been 81 years old today.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
On this day in 1904 voice actor and and band leader Phil Harris was born. The voice of Baloo the Bear from Disney's The Jungle Book was first heard 105 years ago today.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
On this day in 1942 another comic strip star joined the growing throng that appeared on radio. Major Hoople, known by millions as the main character of Gene Ahern's Our Boarding House, started on radio 67 years ago today.
Monday, June 22, 2009
On this day in 2001 veteran comic book artist George Evans, probably best known for his work at EC Comics, died. The final artist on the now-defunct King Features comic Secret Agent Corrigan left us eight years ago today.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
On this day in 1991 a Disney release catapulted a minor star from off-brand comic books into the limelight, The Rocketeer came out 18 years ago today,
Saturday, June 20, 2009
On this day in 1941 work at Walt Disney's animation studio continued to be disrupted, as strikers caused a disturbance at the world premiere of The Reluctant Dragon. Disney's new animated feature opened, discordantly, 68 years ago today.
Friday, June 19, 2009
On this day in 1963 Terrytoons, which was still in the theatrical cartoon business, launched a new series. The Missing Genie, which introduced Luno the White Stallion, was released 46 years ago today.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
On this day in 1959 cartoon writer Joe Ansolabehere, who has several modern animations, such as Duckiman and Rugrats, under his belt, was born. The creator of Disney's Recess is 50 years old today. Happy birthday!
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
On this day in 1935 a newspaper comic about medieval adventure began. No, it wasn't Hal Foster's Prince Valiant — Oakey Doaks, by Ralph Fuller,started 74 years ago today.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
On this day in 1959 we lost an important aspect of our comic book mythos, amid mysteries and unanswered questions. Actor George Reeves, whose most famous role was to play Superman in the 1950s TV version, died under suspicious circumstances 50 years ago today.
Monday, June 15, 2009
On this day in 1941 comic book artist Neal Adams was born. The guy who is more closely associated with DC's Deadman than any other comics creator, helped team up Green Lantern and Green Arrow when they first got together, and has done any number of other critically-acclaimed things in comics, is 68 years old today. Happy birthday!
Sunday, June 14, 2009
On this day in 1937 wedding bells rang for a prominent Chicago Tribune Syndicate comic strip star. Winnie Winkle married Will Wright 72 years ago today.
Saturday, June 13, 2009
On this day in 1926 a voice man whose distinctive work made his few roles unique was born. Paul Lynde, whose characters include Mildew Wolf, Claude in Where's Huddles? and Templeton Rat in Charlotte's Web, would, if living, have been 83 years old today.
Friday, June 12, 2009
On this day in 1948 a veteran comic book writer and editor entered our world. Len Wein, whose credits include Teen Titans, The Human Target, Brother Voodoo and much more, is 61 years old today. Happy birthday, Len!
Thursday, June 11, 2009
On this day in 1933 cartoonist Roy Crane (Buz Sawyer), a pioneer in daily strip adventure, brought his particular brand of storytelling to the weekends as well. Crane's Captain Easy, Soldier of Fortune began 76 years ago today.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
On this day in 1957 a new segment began on the kids' TV show, Captain Kangaroo, taking advantage of a process that had thus far been under-used in television. The animated Tom Terrific started 52 years ago today.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
On this day in 1934 Disney released The Wise Little Hen, a Silly Symphony that intrroduced an important new character. The first cartoon starring Donald Duck came out 75 years ago today.
Monday, June 8, 2009
On this day in 1921 artist LeRoy Neiman was born. He was associated with the early Playboy magazine (where Little Annie Fanny later became a regular), and in 1955, created the Femlins as that magazine's mascots. This is only a small part of the long career or this acclaimed artist, who is 88 years old today. Happy birthday!
Sunday, June 7, 2009
On this day in 1996 Lee Falk's famous King Features character, The Phantom, came out in feature-length movie form. Actor Billy Zane (voice of Etrigan the Demon in Batman animation) played The Ghost Who Walks in a film released 13 years ago today.
Saturday, June 6, 2009
On this day in 2004 comic book writer Kate Worley died of cancer. The project of completing the storyline of Omaha the Cat Dancer, which she scripted, received its most severe setback to date, five years ago today.
Friday, June 5, 2009
On this day in 1969 adventure stories in animated form made a leap forward, as ABC debuted a new one. Skyhawks started 40 years ago today.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
On this day in 1917 King Features added a daily version to one of its longest-tenured Sunday pages. Tho it didn't last a long time, a daily strip about The Katzenjammer Kids began 92 years ago today.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
On this day in 1934 a cartoonist whose career had thus far consisted of ghosting the work of others got a comic of his own to sign. United Feature Syndicate (Li'l Abner, Gordo) launched Peter Pat, by Mo Leff (Joe Palooka, Curley Kayoe) 75 years ago today.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
On this day in 1991 what is probably the longest tenure of a single creator on a single feature in the history of American comics came to an end. The Moon Mullins strip was canceled, bringing 2/3 of a century of the involvement of former assistant Ferd Johnson (who also did Texas Slim) with the series to a close, 18 years ago today.
Monday, June 1, 2009
On this day in 1998 Cartoon Network (Dexter's Lab, Johnny Bravo started airing Sailor Moon reruns. That particular Japanese import assumed a higher American profile, 11 years ago today.
Sunday, May 31, 2009
On this day in 1977 wedding bells rang in Gasoline Alley. Clovia Wallet (Skeezix's daughter) married Slim Skinner 32 yeara ago today.
Saturday, May 30, 2009
On this day in 1947 a major supporting character in Dick Tracy, the child of two supporting characters, was introduced (by being born). Sparkle Plenty, daughter of B.O. Plenty and Gravel Gertie, is 62 years old today.
Friday, May 29, 2009
On this day in 1961 another in a long line of space-adventure comic strips was launched — this one more along the lines of Sky Masters than Flash Gordon, in that it depicted relatively mundane near-future adventures in close Earth orbit, rather than highly exotic ones on far-away planets. Drift Marlo, by Tom Cooke and Phil Evans, started 48 years ago today.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
On this day in 1958 the final creation of one of our great cartoonists appeared. Betsy & Me, by Jack Cole (Plastic Man) was launched 51 years ago today.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
On this day in 1929 an up-and-coming new popular genre of newspaper comics solidified its hold on the American public, as another new strip joined Tailspin Tommy in the category of aviation heroes. Skyroads, by Lester Maitland and Lt. Dick Calkins (who went on to start Buck Rogers shortly) was launched 80 years ago today.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
On this day in 1998 Marvel's Nick Fury, Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D., became a movie. Fox TV (The Tick, The Simpsons) aired the made-for-broadcast film for the first time eleven years ago today.
Monday, May 25, 2009
On this day in 1949 the future wife of Steve Canyon was first seen. Summer Smith-Oleson was introduced into Canyon's newspaper comic 60 years ago today.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
On this day in 1925 comic book artist and later executive Carmine Infantino (The Flash, Adam Strange) was born. The man who eventually became Editorial Director at DC Comics is 84 years old today. Happy birthday!
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Friday, May 22, 2009
On this day in 1949 United Feature Syndicate (Peanuts, Li'l Abner) launched a Sunday-only western. Casey Ruggles started 60 years ago today.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
On this day in 1980 Warner Bros. revived one of its classic characters. Bugs Bunny's Bustin' Out All Over, containing the new segment Spaced Out Bunny, which featured the first appearance of Marvin Martian in 17 years, aired 29 years ago today.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
On this day in 1899 future comic book mogul Everett "Busy" Arnold was born. The man behind Quality Comics (The Human Bomb, Plastic Man) would, if living, have been 110 years old today.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
On this day in 1998 the owner of the Vampirella character took legal steps to protect his property. Jim Warren (also at one time a publisher of The Spirit) filed suit against Harris Publications for literary piracy eleven years ago today.
Monday, May 18, 2009
On this day in 1969 Walt Kelly's Pogo had a birthday — or at least, a birthday special. The Pogo Birthday Special was first seen on the air 40 years ago today.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
On this day in 1966 (according to the TV show Lois & Clark) Jonathan and Martha Kent witnessed the landing of an alien spacecraft. Within the context of that show, at least, Superman arrived on Earth 43 years ago today.
Saturday, May 16, 2009
On this day in 1942 MGM launched a minor but fairly long-lasting character. Little Gravel Voice, which made a minor star of Benny Burrom a long-time associate of Barney Bear, at least in comic books, was released 67 years ago today.
Friday, May 15, 2009
On this day in 2004 we lost one of our links to animation and comics-illustrating history. At the age of 84, Disney animator and comic book artist Jack Bradbury, whose work is seen in many stories about Mickey Mouse, Chip & Dale, etc., died five years ago today.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
On this day in 1994 we lost an established comic strip with a kid protagonist. Winthrop last ran in syndication 15 years ago today.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
On this day in 1921 animation man Paul Terry, with the release of the (necessarily silent and black & white) The Cat & the Canary, first applied the name "Aesop's Fables" to his output. It wasn't exactly his first series (it was neither a series nor his first), but it did come out 88 years ago today.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
On this day in 1947 the future editor of Eclipse Comics (Airboy, Zot!) was born. Catherine Yronwode is 62 years old today. Happy birthday, Cat!
Monday, May 11, 2009
On this day in 1932 cartoonist Percy Crosby made an attempt, at least, to stop people from ripping off his most valuable commercial property. Skippy Inc. was chartered 77 years ago today.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
On this day in 1929 with the release of The Skeleton Dance, Walt Disney launched a second ckassuc series of cartoons. The first Silly Symphony came out 80 years ago today.
Saturday, May 9, 2009
On this day in 1954 wedding bells rang for one of the most prominent families in American animation. Diane Disney, Walt's daughter, married Ron Miller, 55 years ago today.
Friday, May 8, 2009
On this day in 1984 we lost the cartoonist who defined the look of Alfred E. Neuman. At the age of 84, Mad cover artist Norman Mingo died 25 years ago today.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
On this day in 1982 at an appallingly advanced age, a guy who wrote Bucky Bug, edited Comics Revue and did one or two other minor tasks in the cartoon world, finally became a father. Rachel Adriann Markstein is 27 years old today. Happy birthday, Rae!
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
On this day in 2002 comic book writer and editor Robert Kanigher died at the age of 87. The co-creator of The Trigger Twins, Metal Men, Rex the Wonder Dog and many other diverse DC characters, left us seven years ago today.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
On this day in 1975 the Pulitzer Prize for cartooning, which usually goes to a political cartoonist, was first given for a syndicated comic strip. Garry Trudeau of Doonesbury won the coveted Pulitzer 34 years ago today.
Monday, May 4, 2009
On this day in 1902 both a comic strip character and a commercial icon started. Buster Brown has been part of the American consciousness for 107 years today.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
On this day in 1935 the Van Beuren Studio (Parrotville, Cubby Bear) launched what was, for them, a major new star. Picnic Panic, which introduced Molly Moo Cow, was released 74 years ago today.
Saturday, May 2, 2009
On this day in 1947 psychiatrist William Moulton Marston died. The man who, under the pen name Charles Moulton, created Wonder Woman, has been gone for 62 years today.
Friday, May 1, 2009
On this day in 1982 a major animation studio burst onto the scene. Banjo the Woodpile Cat, the opening release of Don Bluth Studios (The Secret of NIMH) came out 27 years ago today.