CSotD: Get me to the church on time … or at all
Skip to comments
Yesterday's sermonette on Photoshopping old comics reminded me of another source of originals, which is the Library of Congress, and, specifically, this collection of classic Blondies, with Blondie's wedding something of a centerpiece. As noted when I interviewed Dean Young in 2002, "Blondie's marriage revived the fading strip," and it became a colossos of the funny pages.
But it sure was hard to find on her wedding day, February 17, 1933.
In fact, I never did.
And having extended the search far longer than I should have, the dog is already at the door waiting to hit the park, and so I offer the following samples of that day with little commentary and, ironically, less cosmetic surgery than I usually perform in these looks back.
First, let's set the scene: President-elect FDR (Inauguration was still in March then) had just dodged an assassin's bullet, though Chicago Mayor Cermak was not so lucky. The League of Nations was condemning Japanese actions in Manchuria and Adolf Hitler was looking forward to a March election. Prohibition was on its last legs, which I guess meant it would soon be legal to be legless again.
Speaking of Hitler, he was the subject of this editorial cartoon, and, due to the deadline issue, I'm not going to research all these illegible signatures. But I will add this short editorial that ran next to the cartoon:
Fortunately, this was happening on another continent, as were the Japanese actions, and so would have no impact on us.
But the Depression was right here and did have an effect.
Fortunately, there was some relief, even before FDR got the New Deal under way.
First, however, we had to complete the Lame Duck Session, back when the term had real meaning.
And this young fellow, whose signature I can indeed make out, made a somewhat uninspiring comment on the upcoming World's Fair and fashion.
He did somewhat better with this cartoon, published in another paper on the same day.
Now you're onto something, kid. Keep it up and you might make a name for yourself in the business.
Speaking of women and fashion, there was this article:
And, given Jiggs' commentary, that makes a good segue to the comics:
(Note: I saw both "Popeye" and "Thimble Theater" as titles for the same strip. Apparently a time of transition!)
(You should find an obnoxious niece for that girl, Ernie. And for goodness sake, feed the poor thing!)
We'll be right back after this brief message:
That's funny. Ned never asks for a second cup of coffee when we're at home.
(Gasoline Alley has never extended much help to any readers who missed the previous day's strip.)
(The Gumps were considerably more hospitable in that sense)
(Familiar style, eh? Six years later, he'd launch The Neighbors)
(You've read the strip, now wear the shirt!)
And finally, to prove that comics are not just cheap entertainment but can be educational and character-building:
That's what she said.
(Chap on your left, their right, is Mike McGear,
aka, Michael McCartney, yes, his brother.)
Mike Peterson has posted his "Comic Strip of the Day" column every day since 2010. His opinions are his own, but we welcome comments either agreeing or in opposition.
Comments 4
Comments are closed.