As with many cartoonists of the early years, it apparently took Herriman time to realize that placing words balloons from right to left didn’t work. Who knew to read the captain’s first?
Sort of sad that even a genius cartoonist who was most likely African American still used the stereotype shorthand image and dialect of the day in depicting the porter.
I remember reading microfilms of an African-American newspaper from Philadelphia and seeing a comic strip that drew its characters the same way (dating from the 20s or 30s). Despite the style and idiomatic speech, the characters there were just normal people — comical, but not because of presumed racial characteristics.
SKJAM! Premium Member about 10 years ago
But the exercise is good too.
Thomas Scott Roberts creator about 10 years ago
As with many cartoonists of the early years, it apparently took Herriman time to realize that placing words balloons from right to left didn’t work. Who knew to read the captain’s first?
grainpaw about 10 years ago
It looks like Mutt and Jeff to the left of the steps in panel 4.
Kip W about 10 years ago
Sort of sad that even a genius cartoonist who was most likely African American still used the stereotype shorthand image and dialect of the day in depicting the porter.
I remember reading microfilms of an African-American newspaper from Philadelphia and seeing a comic strip that drew its characters the same way (dating from the 20s or 30s). Despite the style and idiomatic speech, the characters there were just normal people — comical, but not because of presumed racial characteristics.