Mad magazine made it’s debut in 1952 originally as a comic book. It was almost written in its by Harvey Kurtzman, an editor and cartoonist who was best described by the New York Times as “being one of the most important figures in post-war America.” It was later upon his insistence that MAD be switched over to a magazine format. By doing this it removed them from the CCA, or Comics Code Authority, which policed comics to make sure the “code of ethics” was maintained, thus censoring comics greatly.

MAD magazine, free of the CCA, was now able to become Read the rest of this entry »

Brenda Starr, ace reporter and one of the original comic book heroines first appeared in 1940. Created by writer Dale Messick, the comic was initially published under the name “Brenda Starr, Reporter” and told the story of the fearless red-head and her many adventures as a journalist for the fictional newspaper “The Flash”.

A far cry from the ‘damsels in distress’ women featured in the comics at that time, Brenda was the prototype of today’s working woman. During her long run in the comics, Brenda traveled to exotic locales, had many romantic misadventures and Read the rest of this entry »

The Yellow Kid was an American comic strip, starring the first real comic character in U.S. newspapers. The series, also known as Hogan’s Alley, was drawn by Richard F. Outcault.

The Yellow Kid was set into the ghetto of turn of the century New York City. The titular “Kid” was an unnamed bald, snaggle-toothed child who wore an oversize yellow nightshirt and interacted with various other quirky characters. The series was popular for taking conventions that had Read the rest of this entry »

“It’s easy to become a father, but being one is harder rather” is a quote from Germany’s posthumously coined, “Grandfather of Comics”, Wilhelm Bush. If you have never heard this name, but love comics, it’s time for a meet and greet, because you have the famous artist, drawer, sculptor, poet and vegetarian, Wilhelm Bush, to thank for every chuckle and grin. Born in 1832, Wilhelm Bush is often referred to as one of the inventors of the modern comic strip because he drew characters and then added clever and wildly funny satirical Read the rest of this entry »