Saturday, September 6, 2008
Today in Toons #2762
On this day in 1958 one of the less memorable of a generally unmemorable lot, '50s TV cartoons, made its debut. Spunky & Tadpole is 50 years old today.
Friday, September 5, 2008
Today in Toons #2761
On this day in 1977 the worldwide animation community lost a cartoon man whose work has stood the test of time. Tatsuo Yoshida, creator of Speed Racer, died at the tragically young age of 44, 31 years ago today.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
On this day in 1994 The King Features (Prince Valiant, Popeye) launched a new comic strip that would soon be carried in hundreds of newspapers. Mutts, by Patrick McDonnell, began 14 years ago today.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
On this day in 1996 The Disney Afternoon programming block added a new half-hour. Quack Pack started 12 years ago today.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
On this day in 1939 Dick Tracy's G-Men was released to theatres. It wasn't Tracy's first movie, but it did come out 69 years ago today.
Monday, September 1, 2008
On this day in 1997 a sequel series began on Saturday morning. Extreme Ghostbusters picked up a few years after Real Ghostbusters ended ,11 years ago today.
Sunday, August 31, 2008
On this day in 1948 Li'l Abner's world faced its deadliest menace. Shmoos invaded for the first time 60 years ago today.
Saturday, August 30, 2008
On this day in 1942 Famous Studios released Terror on the Midway. The last theatrically-released Superman cartoon came out 66 years ago today.
Friday, August 29, 2008
On this day in 2000 a classic post-final monster movie sequal came out. Alvin & the Chipmunkc Meet the Wolfman was released eight years ago today.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
On this day in 1957 Disney released another of those short featurettes that, ten years earlier, would have been swept into one of their compilation "features". The Truth About Mother Goose came out 51 years ago today.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
On this day in 2000 MTV (Beavis & Butthead) aired the full feature-length Is It Fall Yet?. Daria's first feature was seen eight years ago today.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
On this day in 1980 a legendary cartoon man died. The world has been limping along without Tex Avery. the creator of Bugs, Daffy and more, for 28 years today.
Monday, August 25, 2008
On this day in 1913 cartoonist Walt Kelly was born. The creator of Bumbazine, Albert and Pogo would, if living, have been 95 years old today.
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Today in Toons #2749
On this day in 1941 cartoonist Jim Scancarelli was born. The current artist of Gasoline Alley is 67 years old today. Happy birthday, Jim!
Saturday, August 23, 2008
On this day in 2003 Duck Dodgers in the 24½th Century started his weekly series on Cartoon Network. What had started in the '50s as a one-off role for Daffy Duck got his own show five years ago today.
Friday, August 22, 2008
On this day in 1880 cartoonist George Herriman was born in New Orleans. The creator of Major Ozone, Gooseberry Sprigg and of course Krazy Kat came into the world 128 years ago today.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
On this day in 1919, future cartoonist Alfred G. Caplin lost a leg in a traffic accident. One of the events that shaped the boy who grew up to create Li'l Abner occurred 89 years ago today.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
On this day in 1928, Disney released Hot Dog, its final cartoon in the Oswald the Lucky Rabbit series. After that, Oswald went elsewhere and Disney turned to new pursuits. Disney's last pre-Mickey cartoon came out 80 years today.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
>On this day in 1930, an orphan animated star was introduced. The Museum, first cartoon starring Toby the Pup was released 78 years ago today.
Sunday, August 17, 2008
On this day in 1956, a second-generation comic book artist was born. Marvel artist John Romita Jr. is 52 years old today. Happy birthday, John!
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Today in Toons #2742
On this day in 1892, cartoonist Harold R. Foster was born. The creator of Prince Valiant came into the world 116 years ago today.
Friday, August 15, 2008
On this day in 1920, a classic character of children's literature (although a somewhat different version) became a Sunday page star. Harrison Cady's Peter Rabbit (based on Thornton W. Burgess's Peter, not Beatrix Potter's) began 88 years ago today.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
On this day in 2007, a feature-length version of Doctor Strange was released to home video. Marvel Comics' Sorcerer Supreme became an animated star one year ago today.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
On this day in 1983, Kudzu became a live-action TV show — only not quite. A pilot episode, which was never made into a series, was broadcast on CBS 25 years ago today.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
On this day in 1902, comic book artist Jack Binder, brother of writers Earl and Otto Binder, was born. The man whose studio was involved with The Whizzer, Mary Marvel, Daredevil and much, much more, entered our world 106 years ago today.
Monday, August 11, 2008
On this day in 1934, Disney released Orphans' Benefit. The first cartoon (of many) to feature all of his Big Three (Donald, Mickey and Goofy) came out 74 years ago today.
Sunday, August 10, 2008
On this day in 1953, Walter Lantz's studio launched a new series of animated cartoons. Maw & Paw may not have set the world on fire, but it did begin 55 years ago today.
Saturday, August 9, 2008
On this day in 1964, cartoonist Fontaine Fox died. The pool of comics pioneers grew smaller with the loss of the creator of Toonerville Folks, 44 years ago today.
Friday, August 8, 2008
On this day in 1908, comic book artist Louis Cazeneuve was born. The co-creator of Red Raven, The Dart and much else among 1940s comics, took his first breath one century ago today.
Thursday, August 7, 2008
On this day in 1933, after a brief stint with a smaller syndicate, a popular, long-running comic strip was picked up by Newspaper Enterprise Association (Wash Tubbs, The Born Loser). Alley Oop hit the big time 75 years ago today.
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Today in Toons #2732
On this day in 1945, at the age of six, cartoonist Keiji Nakazawa survived a disaster that devastated his home town. He grew up to create manga about the event. Hiroshima, the site of Nakazawa's Barefoot Gen, became the first city destroyed by an atomic bomb 63 years ago today.
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
On this day in 1924, The Chicago Trbune launched a daily and Sunday comic strip that went on to become probably the most successful (and, many say, most schmaltzy) melodrama in cartoon history. Little Orphan Annie was first seen 84 years ago today.
Monday, August 4, 2008
On this day in 2007, the Kudzu daily comic strip ended, due to the death of its creator, with the Sunday following three weeks later. The demise of Doug Marlette necessitated the demise of his comic strip, starting one year ago today.
Sunday, August 3, 2008
On this day in 1990, John Darling went out with a bang. The TV star (in his series) and comic strip star (in real life) was shot to death in the second-last episode of his daily comic, 18 years ago today.
Saturday, August 2, 2008
On this day in 1920, Bill Scott was born. The voice of Bullwinkle J. Moose, among his other accomplishments, was first heard 88 years ago today.
Friday, August 1, 2008
On this day in 2006, cartoonist Bob Thaves died. The creator of Frank & Ernest has been gone for two years today.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
On this day in 1987, another in a long line of feature films based on comic book heroes came out. The Spirit was released 21 years ago today.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
On this day in 1979, an experiment in comics formatting came to an end. The Star Hawks daily newspaper oomic, by comics historian Ron Goulart and artist Gil Kane (Iron Fist) dropped down from two tiers (the size of two daily strips, stacked vertically) to one (normal size) 29 years ago today.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
On this day in 1955, cartoonist Dave Stevens was born. The creator of The Rocketeer died a few months ago; otherwise, he'd have been 53 years old today.
Monday, July 28, 2008
Today in Toons #2723
On this day in 2000, another newspaper comic joined the ranks of animated TV specials. Baby Blues was aired on the WB network eight years ago today.
Sunday, July 27, 2008
On this day in 2001, Little Golden Books, a division of Whitman Publishing, which licensed the Disney, Warner Bros. and other major toon blocs of properties, declared bankruptcy. An American institution came to an end seven years ago today.
Saturday, July 26, 2008
On this day in 1910, a classic cartoon situation was established. Ignatz Mouse hurled his first brick at Krazy Kat 98 years ago today.
Friday, July 25, 2008
On this day in 1904, a minor comic by a major cartoonist began. Winsor McCay's Little Sammy Sneeze started 104 years ago today.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
On this day in 1931, an early superhero (albeit seldom identified as such) revealed the source of his superhuman strength. Popeye the Sailor first mentioned that he owed it all to spinach, 77 years ago today.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
On this day in 1923, kid gang comics took a great leap forward. Just Kids, by Ad Carter, began 85 years ago today.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
On this day in 1934, daydream adventure returned to the comics. Billy Make Believe, by cartoonist H.E. Homan, began 74 years ago today.
Monday, July 21, 2008
On this day in 1995, Judge Dredd's movie had its British release (after weeks out in the U.S.). The Judge was first seen on the screen in his native country 13 years ago today.
Sunday, July 20, 2008
On this day in 1941, Disney released an early compilation feature — maybe the first, depending on whether or not you count Fantasia. The Reluctant Dragon came out 67 years ago today.
Saturday, July 19, 2008
On this day in 1929, a soon-to-be-famous cartoonist signed a deal for his already-existing feature with Hearst. Ripley's Believe It or Not achieved national distribution 79 years ago today.
Friday, July 18, 2008
On this day in 1915, one of the quirkier comic book writers was born. Robert Kanigher, responsible for Metal Men, The War That Time Forgot, The Trigger Twins and much more, would, if living, have been 93 years ago today.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
On this day in 1947, a vehicle that ascended to the level of a character was introduced. Gordo acquired La Cometa Halley 61 years ago today.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
On this day in 1954, one of Walt Disney's dreams began to take physical form. Ground was broken on the construction of Disneyland 54 years ago today.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
On this day in 1971, the world lost Droopy, Touché Turtle and more. Voice actor Bill Thompson died 37 years ago today.
Monday, July 14, 2008
On this day in 1894, a highly-acclaimed animation man was born in New York City. Dave Fleischer, who had his hand in Betty Boop, classic early Popeye and much more, took his first breath 114 years ago today.
Sunday, July 13, 2008
On this day in 1952, the number of Walt Disney comic strips distributed by King Features got one larger. Walt Disney's Treasury of Classic Tales, which adapted feature-length movies to comics, started 56 years ago today.
Saturday, July 12, 2008
On this day in 1937, cartoonist Al Capp compounded his success with Li'l Abner by getting another artist to draw a second comic, with his writing. Abbie & Slats started 71 years ago today.
Friday, July 11, 2008
On this day in 1913, a newspaper comic strip made the transition onto the screen. The animated version of Old Doc Yak was released 95 years ago today.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
On this day in 1945, Dick Tracy got himself a brand new but kind of disreputable supporting character. B.O. Plenty joined the cast 63 years ago today.
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
On this day in 1981, Apatoons, the first amateur press alliance specializing in fanzines devoted to animation, put out its first mailing. Fans of Bugs, Betty and Beany got together to discuss their mutual enthusiasm 27 years ago today.
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
On this day in 1949, we lost one of the pioneers of American comics. Harold Knerr, who took over The Katzenjammer Kids from creator Rudolph Dirks, died 59 years ago today.
Monday, July 7, 2008
On this day in 1941, a former comic strip adventurer settled down. Wash Tubbs married Carol McKee 67 years ago today.
Sunday, July 6, 2008
On this day in 1951, moviegoers were encouraged to sing along by following the bouncing ball for the last time in a new cartoon. Famous Studios released Slip Me Some Redskin, the last of its Screen Songs series, 57 years ago today.
Saturday, July 5, 2008
On this day in 1997, Minnie Pepito visited Disneyland. Since she isn't famous in animation or other types of cartooning, this would be a perfectly ordinary event — if not for the fact that she happened to be the 400 millionth person to do so. The theme park's guest log hit a milestone of the mid-nine-figures 11 years ago today.
Friday, July 4, 2008
On this day in 1942, Warner Bros. launched a new animated series. Bugs Bunny Gets the Boid, containing the first appearance of Beaky Buzzard, was released 66 years ago today.
Thursday, July 3, 2008
On this day in 1926, Jerry DeFuccio was born. The long-time associate editor of Mad magazine would if living, have been 82 years old today.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
On this day in 1997, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles was, if not displaced, at least seriously challenged for the title of biggest multi-media sensation made out of a black and white comic book. Men in Black came out as a movie eleven years ago today.
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
On this day in 1935, a Warner Bros. released I Haven't Got a Hat, a cartoon introducing several new stars, including one that became a big hit for them. Porky Pig was first seen 73 years ago today.
Monday, June 30, 2008
On this day in 1940, a journalist/protagonist was born. The Chicago Tribune launched Brenda Starr 68 years ago today.
Sunday, June 29, 2008
On this day in 2007, an old cartoon was brought back for new episodes in a new style. George of the Jungle was revived one year ago today.
Saturday, June 28, 2008
On this day in 1999, Disney released another new animated feature. The Tarzan property came to The Mouse Factory nine years ago today.
Friday, June 27, 2008
On this day in 1942, Republic Pictures (Spy Smasher, King of the Royal Mounted) released the first chapter of The Perils of Nyoka. The Jungle Girl starred in her second movie serial, starting 66 years ago today.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
On this day in 2003, MTV (Beavis & Butthead) launched a new animated TV show. Stripperella, the latest creation of Stan Lee (X-Men) debuted five years ago today.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
On this day in 1979, an important part of animation history was lost forever. Cartoon director Dave Fleischer died 29 years ago today.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
On this day in 1938, the cartoon studio where Betty Boop was born launched another new series, albeit a very minor one. Fleischer introduced Hunky & Spunky 70 years ago today.
Monday, June 23, 2008
On this day in 1995, yet another Disney animated feature went into general release. Pocahontas came out 13 years ago today.
Sunday, June 22, 2008
On this day in 1988, a the bar was raised on combining animation with live action. Disney released Who Framed Roger Rabbit? 20 years ago today.
Saturday, June 21, 2008
On this day in 1916, cartoonist Jack Sparling was born. The creator or co-creator of Claire Voyant, Tiger Girl, Pirana and much more first saw the light of day 92 years ago today.
Friday, June 20, 2008
On this day in 1986, animated films took a step forward. The full-length My Little Pony feature was released 22 years ago today.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
On this day in 1992, superhero movies took a step forward. Batman Returns was released 16 years ago today.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
On this day in 1908, actor Bud Collyer was born. The voice of Superman not only on radio but also in cartoons from Fleischer, Famous Studios and eventually Filmation was first heard one hundred years ago today.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
On this day in 1927, cartoonist Wallace Wood was born. The old EC man, who went on to create Sally Forth among others, would, if living, have been 81 years old today.
Monday, June 16, 2008
On this day in 1874, cartoonist Clare Victor Dwiggins was born. The creator of Ophelia's Slate, School Days and more entered our world 134 years ago today.
Sunday, June 15, 2008
On this day in 1952, Li'l Abner's comic strip within a strip entered a new medium. Fearless Fosdick's short-lived TV show began 56 years ago today.
Saturday, June 14, 2008
On this day in 1958, a new and perennially popular attraction opened in Disneyland. The Alice in Wonderland Mad Teacups ride has been part of Fantasyland for one half-century today.
Friday, June 13, 2008
On this day in 2003, Rugrats Go Wild was released to theatres. The first theatrical appearance of The Wild Thornberrys, who guest-starred with them, came out five years ago today.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
On this day in 2001, TNT inaugurated a Witchblade series, Augmenting the made-for-cable movie of the previous year. Yancy Butler starred as the wielder of the ancient weapon seven years ago today.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
On this day in 1984, Disney was the victim of a successful attempt at greenmail. The company paid $32 million so corporate raider Saul Steinberg would leave them alone, 24 years ago today.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
On this day in 1949, MGM released a cartoon titled The Bear Who Couldn't Sleep. Barney Bear was introduced 69 years ago today.
Monday, June 9, 2008
On this day in 1954, cartoonist George Perez was born. The co-creator of The Teen Titans and revamper of Wonder Woman is 54 years old today. Happy birthday!
Sunday, June 8, 2008
On this day in 1947, an important strike in the cartoon world was settled. The Gordo characters resolved their grievances and went back to work 61 years ago today.
Saturday, June 7, 2008
On this day in 1908, The San Francisco Chronicle did not run an episode of Mutt & Jeff. Thus, it became the first newspaper to acknowledge a cartoonist's legal ownership of his own work — one hundred years ago today.
Friday, June 6, 2008
On this day in 1932, the characters of cartoonist Clifford McBride began entertaining readers on a regular basis. Napoleon & Uncle Elby began 76 years ago today.
Thursday, June 5, 2008
On this day in 1949, voice actor Paul Frees (Dinky Duck, Ludwig Von Drake starred in a radio show about a superhero who did not originate in comic books. The Green Lama's show began 59 years ago today.
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
On this day in 1989, cartoonist Dik Browne died. The creator or co-creator of Hi & Lois, The Tracy Twins and oh yes, Hagar the Horrible, has been missing from the world for 19 years today.
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
On this day in 1992, Mad magazine publisher William M. Gaines died. The world lost one of the men most responsible for the greatness of EC Comics 16 years ago today.
Monday, June 2, 2008
On this day in 1940, Lady Luck and Mr. Mystic were both introduced to the comics-reading public. The innovative Spirit Sunday comic book section began 68 years ago today.
Sunday, June 1, 2008
On this day in 2003, one of the highest-grossing non-Disney animated features was first seen. Rugrats Go Wild, which guest-starred The Wild Thornberrys, premiered five years ago today.
Saturday, May 31, 2008
On this day in 1940, cartoonist Gilbert Shelton was born. The creator of Wonder Warthog and The Fabulous Furry Freak Brothers is 68 years old today. Happy birthday!
Friday, May 30, 2008
On this day in 1923, one of comics' early domestic comedy stars took on a new look. Toots Hawkins dropped her "flapper" image 85 years ago today.
Thursday, May 29, 2008
On this day in 1920, EC artist Jack Kamen was born. The co-creator of The Lone Rider is 88 years old today. Happy birthday!
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
On this day in 1938, Warner Bros. released The Isle of Pingo Pongo, starring Egghead. Tex Avery's first mock travelogue came out 70 years ago today.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
On this day in 1940, a classic King Features comic became a seven-day feature. Flash Gordon added a daily version 68 years ago today.
Monday, May 26, 2008
On this day in 1941, cartoonist Dudley Fisher's teenage daughter got a comic strip of her own, of sorts. Fisher's Myrtle, a spin-off of his Right Around Home, began 67 years ago today.
Sunday, May 25, 2008
On this day in 1866, cartoonist Charles Edward "Bunny" Schultze was born. The creator of Foxy Grandpa entered our world 142 years ago today.
Saturday, May 24, 2008
On this day in 1931, King Features' Thimble Theatre comic strip, where Popeye had been the star for two years, added an important new character. Rough House, who ran the waterfront diner, was first seen 77 years ago today.
Friday, May 23, 2008
On this day in 1926, King Features Syndicate revived one of its stars from years gone by. F.B. Opper's Maud the Mule became the topper to his Happy Hooligan 82 years ago today.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
On this day in 1915, cartoonist George Baker was born. The creator of Sad Sack took his first breath 93 years ago today.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
On this day in 1893, The New York World, where Keeping Up with the Joneses and Caspar Milquetoast later began, launched The Sunday World Comic Weekly a whole section of the Sunday paper in full color. The Sunday funnies have been a part of American culture for 115 years today.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
On this day in 1939, Warner Bros. launched a minor but enduring cartoon series. Naughty But Mice, the first to star Sniffles the Mouse, was released 69 years ago today.
Monday, May 19, 2008
On this day in 1970, cartoonist Martin Branner died. The creator of Winnie Winkle has been gone for 38 years today.
Sunday, May 18, 2008
On this day in 1931, the cartoonist later known as Mad's maddest artist was born. Don Martin, creator of Captain Klutz, died in 2000, but otherwise would have been 77 years old today.
Saturday, May 17, 2008
On this day in 1956, cartoonist Dave Sim was born. The creator of Cerebus the Aardvark is 52 years old today. Happy birthday!
Friday, May 16, 2008
On this day in 1926, King Features launched toppers to two different Sunday comics. Bedroom, Parlor &Sink (topper to Barney Google) and Dinglehoofer & His Dog (topper to The Katzenjammer Kids started 82 years ago today.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
On this day in 1928, the Disney organization released Plane Crazy. The first Mickey Mouse cartoon came out 80 years ago today.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
On this day in 1942, at age 41, songster Frank Churchill died. Citing boredom and fear of old age, Churchill, who wrote songs sung in many Disney cartoons, including The Big Bad Wolf (1934) Donald & Pluto (1936) and Snow White (1937), blew his brains out 66 years ago today
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
On this day in 1963, London's Evening Standard launched a daily comic strip that was soon famous all over the world. Modesty Blaise began 45 years ago today.
Monday, May 12, 2008
On this day in 1915, a veteran Disney comic book artist was born. Tony Strobl came into the world 93 years ago today.
Sunday, May 11, 2008
On this day in 1985, one of America's great cartoonists, who made a classic comic strip, died. Chester Gould, creator of Dick Tracy, departed this vale of tears 23 years ago today.
Saturday, May 10, 2008
On this day in 1943, PM magazine (Hank, Vic Jordan) launched a new comic strip. Claire Voyant, by Jack Sparling (Pirana, Tiger Girl) began 65 years ago today.
Friday, May 9, 2008
On this day in 1960, Bill Yates, later editor of King Features Syndicate, launched a daily comic strip. Professor Phumble started 48 years ago today.
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.
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