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.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
On this day in 2005 the trend to make movies out of Marvel Comics characters continued. Man-Thing's adaptation into that medium was released four years ago today.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
On this day in 1962 a classic comics teenager was tried out for a TV series of her own. Cartoonist Marty Links's Emmy Lou was featured in an episode of the sitcom Mr. Ed, which functioned as a pilot episode (unsuccessful) for her proposed new series, 47 years ago today,
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
On this day in 1947 a classic generational conflict started. Priscilla's Pop, by cartoonist Al Vermeer, began 62 years ago today.
Monday, April 27, 2009
On this day in 1987 the last of the many comic strips credited to Mort Walker (Beetle Bailey), and the only one not distributed by King Features Syndicate (Prince Valiant), began. United Feature Syndicate (Nancy) launched Gamin & Patches 22 years ago today.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
On this day in 1916 comics artist George Tuska was born. A prominent illustrator of Camilla, Buck Rogers and Uncle Sam, as well as the co-creator of Shark Brodie, Zanzibar the Magician and Luke Cage, is 93 years old today. Happy birthday!
Saturday, April 25, 2009
On this day in 1931 Paramount Pictures (Little Orphan Annie) released a movie based on one of the mose popular comic strips of its day. Skippy came out 78 years ago today.
Friday, April 24, 2009
On this day in 1932 Bucky Bug met his pal, Bo. The first Disney action hero to start in comics got a sidekick 76 years ago today.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
On this day in 1949 Warmer Bros. lsunched a new character whose psychological quirks made him fit right in with the decade to come. Mouse Wreckers, introducing Claude Cat, was released 60 years ago today.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
On this day in 1909 the actor who portrayed Vigilante in the 1947 movie serial was born. Ralph Byrd, who is much better known for the role of Dick Tracy, would, if still living, have been one century old today.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
On this day in 2004 B.D. of Doonesbury was seen without his formerly-ubiquitous helmet for the very first time. B.D. got his leg shot off in Iraq (the occasion for his unaccustomed deshabille) five years ago today.
Monday, April 20, 2009
On this day in 1971 a popular cartoonist-to-be was born. Michael Turner (Fathom, Witchblade) would, if living, have been 38 years old today.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
On this day in 1987 a new set of "bumpers" began appearing between the sketches of The Tracey Ullman Show. Long before they had a half-hour show of their own, The Simpsons were seen on television for the first time, 22 years ago today.
Saturday, April 18, 2009
On this day in 1977 a couple of guys who had been nameless comics stars were named, revamped and placed in an entirely new strip. Sam & Silo, starring the two lead players from Sam's Strip, began 32 years ago today.
Friday, April 17, 2009
On this day in 2003 the video game Astro Boy Tetsuwan Atomu was released. Osamu Tezuka's most famous creation starred in an ancillary medium six years ago today.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
On this day in 1934 King Features launched a comic in the Dick Tracy mold. Radio Patrol, by Eddie Sullivan and Charles Schmidt, began 75 years ago today.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
On this day in 1940 the Superman radio show introduced a new supporting character. Jimmy Olsen made his first appearance 69 years ago today.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
On this day in 1929 another puppet animator, following the tradition of George Pal and his Puppetoons, entered the world. Gerry Anderson, whose credits include Fireball XL5 and Supercar, is 80 years old today. Happy birthday!
Monday, April 13, 2009
On this day in 1924 America's probably-most reviled cartoonist, who is simultaneously probably America's cartoonist with the widest popular reach, in terms of readership and minds influenced, was born. Jack T. Chick, creator of The Crusaders, is, if living (accounts differ), 85 years old today. Assuming you're alive, happy birthday!
Sunday, April 12, 2009
On this day in 2001 graphic designer Harvey Ball died. The man who originally designed that round, yellow toon known as Smiley Face has been gone for eight years today.
Saturday, April 11, 2009
On this day in 1955 two TV stations, WABD in New York and KTLA in Los Angeles, launched shows consisting of a full half-hour of pre-1948 Warner Bros. cartoons. What may be the very first Saturday morning cartoon show began 54 years ago today.
Friday, April 10, 2009
On this day in 1992 20th Century-Fox (distributor of the old Terrytoons theatrical cartoon shorts) released a new feature-length animated production. Ferngully: The Last Rainforest came out 17 years ago today.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
On this day in 1972 King Features turned a popular comic strip into a seven-day-a-week feature. The Lockhorns added a Sunday version to its already-extant daily 37 years ago today.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
On this day in 1995 yet another cartoon took to the air. MTV first aired The Maxx 14 years ago today.
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On this day in 2007 another of the old-time cartoonists died. We lost Johnny Hart, creator of BC, two years ago today.
On this day in 1948 cartoonist Larry Todd was born. The creator of Dr. Atomic is 61 years old today. Happy birthday!
On this day in 1939 caveman adventurer Alley Oop suddenly found himself in the 20th century. Doc Wonmug's time machine, which forever altered the focus of Alley's comic, was introduced 70 years ago today.
On this day in 1920 Betty, by cartoonist Charles Voight, began in The New York Herald (later known as Herald-Tribune). One more Sunday page joined the ranks of comics starring pretty girls, 89 years ago today.
On this day in 1998 a movie version of the old Lost in Space TV show was released. A second-order spin-off of Gold Key's comic book, Space Family Robinson came out 11 years ago today.
On this day in 1943 Disney released a cartoon titled Private Pluto, which introduced a pair of new characters. Chip & Dale were first seen by the public 66 years ago today.
On this day in 1973 a venerable newspaper comic came to an end. Smilin' Jack was no more, starting 36 years ago today.
On this day in 1995 another movie based on a comic book property was released. Tank Girl came out 14 years ago today.
On this day in 1968 a couple of kids in New York's Bowery district found the dead body of a drugged-out derelict, later identified as that of 31-year-old former child actor Bobby Driscoll. The voice of Walt Disney's Peter Pan was stilled 41 years ago today.
On this day in 1952 a long-standing comics storyline came to a successful conclusion. Li'l Abner married Daisy Mae 57 years ago today.
On this day in 2000 it became possible to see fuzz on the lip of an occasional Disneyland employee. The park's venerable ban on its workers maintaining facial hair, put in place in 1957 by Walt himself, was lifted (at least for well-manicured moustaches) nine years ago today.
On this day in 1939 Red Ryder's daily strip began. The most successful cowboy hero in comics history became a seven-day feature 70 years ago today.
On this day in 1995 Cartoon Network launched a bit of original programming. Johnny Bravo began 14 years ago today.
On this day in 1979 a comic strip by cartoonist Tom Batiuk, about a media personality, began. John Darling started 30 years ago today.
On this day in 1979 a comic strip about teenage antics ended. The Jackson Twins, by Dick Brooks, bit the dust 30 years ago today.
On this day in 1992 The Los Angeles Times Syndicate (Love Is …) revived a classic comic strip. Pogo, by creator Walt Kelly's kids Peter and Carolyn, began its second run 17 years ago today.
On this day in 1924 On this day in 1924 voice man Lionel Wilson was born. The man who spoke for Tom Terrific, Sidney the Elephant and more would, if living, have been 85 years old today.
On this day in 1940 at least, according to Watchmen, Walter Kovacs, aka Rorschach, was born. If Dr. Manhattan hadn't wasted him, the masked vigilante would have been 69 years old today.
On this day in 1902 at least, according to most sources, George Herriman, mostly a Hearst man, launched a comic in the rival Pulitzer papers (which later fielded such comics as Lady Bountiful and The Captain & the Kids). Professor Otto & His Auto started 107 years ago today.
On this day in 1992 embezzler Aran Stubbs was arrested, after stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars from the Colorado Department of Revenue, and buying collectible comic books with his ill-gotten gains. A spectacular collecting career was brought to an end 17 years ago today.
On this day in 1939 another adventure comics star became Hollywood's latest star. The Adventures of Jane Arden was released 70 years ago today.
On this day in 1985 a minor syndicate, which later became part of King Features, launched Luann, one of many comic strips starring a teenager. This well-plowed ground was worked once more, starting 24 years ago today.
On this day in 1939 DC Comics got its very first injunction to stop another publisher from violating its copyright on Superman. DC put a stop to Wonder Man 70 years ago today.
On this day in 1933 an illustrious career in animation began. Chuck Jones went to work at Leon Schlesinger's studio, which made the Warner Bros. cartoons, 76 years ago today.
On this day in 1971 NEA (Wash Tubbs, Red Ryder) launched a newspaper comic based on a TV show. Dark Shadows, by Ken Bald (Venus) began 38 years ago today.
On this day in 1951 a well-known newspaper comic assumed the final characteristic that made it what we know today. Beetle Bailey joined the army 58 years ago today.
On this day in 1946 a comic book institution began. According to the cover dates, Treasure Chese of Fun & Fact started 63 years ago today.
On this day in 1935 the comic that featured the the world's first costumed superhero began. The Adventures of Patsy started 74 years ago today.
On this day in 1939 Terrytoons released G-Man Jitters, which wasn't the first appearance of a character, but is still remembered as a landmark. Gandy Goose teamed up with Sourpuss for the first time, 70 years ago today.
On this day in 1944 a new supporting character turned up in Dick Tracy. Vitamin Flintheart made his first appearance 65 years ago today.
On this day in 1967 a new member entered the exclusive ranks of toons on Broadway. You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown opened 42 years ago today.
On this day in 1942 movie mogul Michael Eisner was born. The current head of Disney is 67 years old today. Happy birthday!
On this day in 1943 Warner Bros. released a cartoon that helped establish their policy of frequent crossovers among their characters. Daffy Duck met Elmer Fudd for the first time (tho he'd already met Egghead) in To Duck or Not to Duck, which came out 66 years ago today.
On this day in 1978 a night of passion resulted in the conception of a kid who later became a regular supporting character in a comic panel. Bongo, son of Binky, was conceived 31 years ago today.
On this day in 1938 Terrytoons introduced Gandy Goose in a cartoon succinctly titled Gandy the Goose. One of the studio's earliest stars was launched 71 years ago today.
On this day in 1924 a famous cartoon character found a new place to live. Moon Mullins moved into Emmy Schmaltz's boarding house 85 years ago today.
On this day in 1904 one of the 20th century's greatest cartoonists was born. Dr. Seuss, creator of The Cat in the Hat, The Grinch, and more, took his first breath 105 years ago today.
On this day in 1946 more than two dozen cartoonists, including Milton Caniff (Terry & the Pirates), Al Capp (Li'l Abner), Rube Goldberg (too many credits to mention) and more, got together for dinner in Manhattan. The first meeting of The National Cartoonists' Society occurred 63 years ago today.
On this day in 1926 a topper was added to King Features' Thimble Theatre, where Popeye was the star. John Sappo, who later added a supporting character named O.G. Wotasnozzle, began 83 years ago today.
On this day in 1965 an ongoing comic strip changed its title to match its characters and direction. Morty Meekle became Winthrop 44 years ago today
On this day in 1999 funnybook mogul John Goldwater died. The onetime head of Archie Comics has been gone for ten years ago today.
On this day in 1903 cartoonist Darrell McClure was born. The best-known of several handlers of the Little Annie Rooney comic strip would, if living, be 106 years old today.
On this day in 1966 actor Billy Zane was born. The man who played The Phantom in 1996 is 43 years old today. Happy birthday!
Monday, February 23, 2009
On this day in 1935 The Saturday Evening Post launched a new cartoon feature. Little Lulu began 74 years ago today.
On this day in 2002 we lost one of our greatest and best-known toon men. Chuck Jones, who, aside from his work on Bugs and Daffy, created Claude Cat, Hubie & Bertie, and The Road Runner, died seven years ago today.
On this day in 1949 comic book artist Frank Brunner (Doctor Strange, Howard the Duck was born. One of the most collectible Marvel artists of the 1970s his the Big Six-Oh today. Happy birthday, Frank!
On this day in 1920 comics artist George Evans, famous for EC Comics, Secret Agent Corrigan and several things in-between, was born. This versatile illustrator would, if living, be 89 years old today.
On this day in 1913 animation director Frank Tashlin was born. With Bugs, Daffy and other Warner Bros. stars under his belt, Tashlin would, if living, have been 96 years old today.
On this day in 1917 animation pioneer J.R. Bray (Col. Heeza Liar, Farmer Alfalfa) launched a new, albeit short-lived series. Quacky Doodles' Picnic, the first of six cartoons starring the eponymous duck, was released 92 years ago today.
On this day in 1941 another comic strip took to the air. Gasoline Alley's radio show began 68 years ago today.
On this day in 1945 a prolific and highly-regarded voice man made his first utterance. Frank Welker, who has spoken for Dynomutt, Jabberjaw and many others, is 64 years old today. Happy birthday!
On this day in 1903 a classic King Features comic strip got a notable imitator. Der Fineheimer Twins, a strip by cartoonist Harold H. Knerr, that was just like The Katzenjammer Kids — which Knerr later took over from creator Rudolph Dirks, by the way — began 106 years ago today.
On this day in 1865 a classic comics creator was born. Carl Anderson, who wrote and drew Henry, took his first breath 144 years ago today.
On this day in 1937 one of the great, classic King Features comics debuted. Hal Foster's Prince Valiant began 72 years ago today.
On this day in 2000 cartoonist Charles M. Schulz died, even as the final installment of his comic strip was rolling off the presses. The creator of Peanuts left us nine years ago today.
On this day in 2000 Disney released a new feature about an old character. The Tigger Movie, which starred one of the Winnie the Pooh supporting characters, came out nine years ago today.
On this day in 2006 comic book writer Steve Gerber died at 60. The creator or co-creator of Omega the Unknown, Thundarr the Barbarian and Howard the Duck has been gone for one year today.
On this day in 1928 comics artist Frank Frazetta was born. The ghost artist on several newspaper comics, as well as the creator or co-creator of Thun'da, Johnny Comet, White Indian and several others, is 81 years old today. Happy birthday!
On this day in 1928 actor Jack Larson was born. TV's Jimmy Olsen is 81 years old today. Happy birthday!
On this day in 1946 an important supporting character made her first appearance in newspaper comics. Four days after the Archie comic strip began, Betty Cooper showed up in it for the first time — 63 years ago today.
On this day in 1914 voice artist Thurl Ravenscroft was born. The voice of Tony the Tiger was first heard 95 years ago today.
On this day in 1953 another animated classic came out from The Walt Disney Company. Peter Pan was released 56 years ago today.
On this day in 2006 animator Myron Waldman died at 97. We lost one of the old-time Fleischer Studio cartoon men three years ago today.
On this day in 1916 Terrytoons launched a series. Farmer Alfalfa's Catastrophe, the first appearance of that character, was released 93 years ago today.
On this day in 1966 DePatie-Freleng (The Pink Panther, Roland & Ratfink) released a cartoon that started a series. Never Bug an Ant, which introduced The Ant & the Aardvark, was released 43 years ago today.
On this day in 1938 Universal Pictures (Woody Woodpecker) released the first chapter of Flash Gordon's Trip to Mars. Buster Crabbe (Buck Rogers) starred as Flash (again) 71 years ago today.
On this day in 1915 Frank King (Gasoline Alley) launched a new Sunday-only comic, one of several about fantasy adventures. Bobby Make Believe began 94 years ago today.
On this day in 1866 humorist Gelett Burgess was born. Except for the fact that he since died, the man who wrote "The Purple Cow" would have been 143 years old today.
On this day in 1959 Disney released another of its animated classics. Sleeping Beauty came out 50 years ago today.
On this day in 1978 a new cartoon on CBS rang the changes on an old TV favorite. Three Robonic Stooges began 31 years ago today.
On this day in 1917 Ross Bagdasarian was born. The creator of The Chipmunks. would, if living, have been 92 years old today.
On this day in 1948 King Features Syndicate launched a new comic strip. Rusty Riley, by by Rod Reed and Frank Godwin, began 61 years ago today.
On this day in 1955 Terrytoons ended one of its longest-running cartoon series. Barnyard Actor, the last cartoon featuring Gandy Goose and Sourpuss, was released 54 years ago today.
On this day in 1943 Milton Caniff's famous World War II comis strip started. Male Call was first seen 66 years ago today.
On this day in 1942 the co-creator of The Sandman died. Comic book artist Bert Christman was piloting a plane for World War II, which was shot down 67 years ago today.
On this day in 1934 King Features launched its own comic strip about a law enforcer. Secret Agent X-9 began 75 years ago today.
On this day in 1909 voice man Sid Raymond was born. The voice of Baby Huey, Katnip and others was first heard one century ago today.
On this day in 1983 a new character, who eventually wound up taking over the series, was introduced in Robotman. Monty first appeared 16 years ago today.
On this day in 1948 cartoonist Joe Staton was born. The man behind E-Man, Power Girl and much more is 61 years old today. Happy birthday, Joe!
On this day in 1970 The Chicago Tribune Syndicate launched a new newspaper comic that was more of a history maker than its lackluster success would seem to indicate. Friday Foster started its brief run 39 years ago today.
On this day in 1921 cartoonist Antonio Prohias was born. The creator of Spy Vs. Spy would, if living, have been 88 years old today.
On this day in 1943 Warner Bros. released its most notorious forbidden cartoon. Coal Black an' de Sebben Dwarfs came out 66 years ago today.
On this day in 1976 wedding bells were heard in the Chicago Tribune Syndicate newspaper comic line-up. Brenda Starr married Basil St. John 33 years ago today.
On this day in 1964 Hanna-Barbera launched a new star. Magilla Gorilla debuted 45 years ago today.
On this day in 1939 Terrytoons launched a new series character with its cartoon The Owl & the Pussycat. Sourpuss was first seen 70 years ago today.
On this day in 1891 cartoonist" Raeburn van Buren was born. Today is the 128th birth anniversary of the man who, with Al Capp (Li'l Abner) launched Abbie & Slats.
On this day in 1912 actor Don "Red" Barry (no relation was born. The man who played Red Ryder on the silver screen would, if living, have been 97 years old today.
On this day in 1943 a popular star made the transition from one cartoon medium to another. Bugs Bunny's newspaper comic strip started 66 years ago today.
On this day in 1956 NEA (Alley Oop, Red Ryder) launched a rare comic about courtship. Morty Meekle started 53 years ago today.
On this day in 1945 McNaught Syndicate (Dixie Dugan, Joe Palooka) launched a short-lived knock-off of Li'l Abner. Cranberry Boggs began 69 years ago today.
On this day in 1945 Walt Disney's Silly Symphonys comic strip got a new star. Panchito, one of the Three Caballeros, first appeared in that venue 64 years ago today.
On this day in 1945 a rare first-person narrator/hero began in comics. Vic Flint, by O'Malley and Lane, started 64 years ago today.
On this day in 1943 a long-standing comics star branched out into new media. Smilin' Jack, in comics for ten years, appeared in the first chapter of his movie serial, released 66 years ago today.
On this day in 1922 a major character made his first appearance in the comics panel that's now remembered mostly for him alone. Major Hoople first turned up in Our Boarding House 87 years ago today.
On this day in 1983 United Feature Syndicate (Peanuts, Tarzan) launched Rudy, by William Overgard. The show biz ape in a world of humans hit newspapers nationwide 26 years ago today.
On this day in 1929 comic book artist Don Heck was born. One of the mainstays of 1960s Marvel would, if living, have been 80 years old today.
On this day in 1963 Tetsuan Atomu debuted on Japanese TV. Astro Boy, as we know him, is 36 years old today.
©2009 Donald D. Markstein.