Comic Strip Showcase

Shelley Pleger (2021-2024), who followed…

Joe Staton (2011-2021), who followed

Jim Brozman (2009-2011), who followed

Dick Locher (1983-2009), who followed

Rick Fletcher (1977-1983), who followed

Dick Tracy creator Chester Gould (1931-1977).

Yes, there have been other signed “guest artists” during the Staton and Pleger years and certainly a number of unsigned assistants, especially during the Gould years, but the above lists the regular credited artists.

Also debuting today, I think, is Batton Thomas in Crankshaft.

Also making an appearance in his comic strip today, if in name only, is JumpStart creator Robb Armstrong:

So, 57 years ago Johnny Hart informed us:

Now his grandson Mason Mastroianni informs us:

L’eggs?

A World War I flying ace rides again in Thatababy.

Sometimes newspapers get letters about the comics they run.

Letter to The Cedar Rapids Gazette:

I recently saw a political cartoon in The Gazette by Clay Bennett, and was extremely disappointed in The Gazette for running it. It showed a ballot titled “2024 Presidential Election (Choose One).” The choices were “OLD” or “EVIL”. The implication not stated explicitly is that Joe Biden is old and Donald Trump is evil.

Really, Mr. Bennett. Evil. Since when is it OK to label those who disagree with us politically as “evil?” …

above: Clay Bennett; below: Mallard Fillmore

The same Cedar Rapids Gazette a couple days later:

The Gazette opinion editors hit a new low when they decided to publish the Mallard Fillmore comic strip on Feb. 20 which blatantly made fun of our president’s stuttering. Shame on you! That was a thoughtless and cruel attack on all who live with this disability…

More letters about cartoons and comics:

Way Out West at The Las Vegas Review Journal:

I think Michael Ramirez is the most remarkable and talented political cartoonist ever. His artistry cannot be matched.

Though I always appreciate his artistry, however, his consistent lambasting of former President Donald Trump and his supporters is getting old.

I am a Trump supporter who has experienced the enthusiasm of thousands of intelligent American citizens at the former president’s rallies and at Thursday’s caucus locations around our city…

above: Michael P. Ramirez; below: One Big Happy

The East Side Story from The New York Daily News (scroll way down):

I’m African-American and asking the same question as another Voicer about the comic strip “One Big Happy.” They used to be a white family. Now they are really tanned. I understand it’s only a comic strip, but really? Did they go to the Bahamas? It is so ridiculous. Couldn’t they have just added an African-American comic strip? … Why was the skin tone changed on a comic strip?

_{The Comic Strip Showcase was a 1980 tabloid comic strip magazine.}