CAVALCADE OF AMERICAN COMICS

It's no secret that newspaper comics strips are an integral part of Americana and a colorful thread in the fabric of our culture. They have come a long way from the "funny pages", made the leap the "funny books" and over the last few decades have been scrutinized, studied and finally been recognized as the art form they are.

Back in 1963, a 16-page tabloid insert found its way into newspaper supplements. Titled, "Cavalcade of American Comics: A History of Comic Strips From 1896"", it was published by Greater Buffalo Press, Inc., sponsored by The Newspaper Comics Council and served as a promotion, as well as placing newspaper strips in a historical context. The result was a capsule summary of the tradition from the THE YELLOW KID to BEETLE BAILEY.

A second, full-color edition was distributed for the "Newspaper Comics Diamond Jubilee" at the Central Park Mall on 12 September 1971. Amazingly, it had an introduction by Pulitzer Prize winner poet and novelist, Conrad Aiken!

Seen here is the 1971 edition. The images are from worn and ragged-looking scans. I've cleaned them up a bit and brightened the colors for a more enjoyable read.