Ahem. Thank you gentlemen who have commented recently (are there no vocal ladies of the female women-types who treasure Kelly?) about their desire to see this blog continue.
I would be sad to step away from this effort of love. Therefore, I will endeavor to continue demonstrating that love of all things Kelly...I just can't promise that the posts will be as regular as they have tried to be, but it sounds like the vocal Friends-of-Kelly are Oh-Kay with that. Someone has suggested that perhaps I make this blog by invitation only—to those that have spoken up of their love of Kelly's genius. Hmm. Still, my hope has been to keep Kelly's spirit alive by inspiring new followers of his work.
Remember that I intend showcasing ALL things Kelly — such as this very early effort by Kelly that originally was intended for the Sunday supplements, but ended up being archived in one of the very earliest comic books, somewhat before that fellow from Krypton started throwing his weight around.
Yes, I Go Pogo, but I also shout above the digital tumult:
LONG LIVE KELLY!
New Comics #2, January 1936
Whilst being the original "I GO POGO"-type, I definitely agree with you, Thom: "Long Live Kelly!"
ReplyDeleteI am flabbergasted to see how early he started to turn out such amazing works. How did you find this one?
Thanks!
Hun
Reminds me a bit of the stories in Pogo's Stepmother Goose, some of which feature pogo characters, and some do not. His take on the "Pied Piper of Hamlin" and his retelling of the "Trial and the Tarts" are masterful works of art with visual references and commentary included down to the tiniest details.
ReplyDeleteAnd, if you welcome an opinion (and this being the internet, I get to write one whether it is welcomed or not, and whether you choose to read it or not (still, I should mind my manners and speak my opinions as considerately as possible, etc.)), I discovered you blog by searching Google for pogo strips about a year ago. I do love it, and have pointed it out to countless of my family, friends, and acquaintances. First, I must tell you how much I appreciate your work. Secondly, I hope you continue it. Thirdly, as my own blog (dedicated to commentary on the writings of R. A. Lafferty) continuously falls behind the schedule I'd like to have for it because of nasty things like time and reality, I cannot blame you if you step down to a less frequent posting schedule. I will still check back and see if you've posted anything new. I'll still enjoy it when you do. I do ask you to keep it open, not on an invite-only basis. I think that way more people like myself (and some smarter ones too) can discover it as they stumble through the web.
Thank you!
Considering I'm a dyed-in-the-wool adorer of Kelly's older stuff (being an admirer of his Animal Comics era stuff), I honestly wonder how far back one would have to go to not marvel at his work.
ReplyDeleteHOLY COW! I've seen this piece before, but only in a cruddy image taken from fiche. This is an absolutely amazing find. Thank you for this, and everything you share, Thom.
ReplyDeleteYAY!
DeleteThere's a somewhat Howland Owl-esque Lilliputian on the bottom right, stirring the pot. Also, it appears that some of the "chefs" are mixing bathtub gin! (This being only two years after the repeal of Prohibition, such shenanigans would have been a fresh memory). The stray kangaroo perhaps foreshadows Kelly's fascination with Australia over the years.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous, gorgeous piece. Interesting to see Kelly at the top of his game so early on. Terrific find, Thom!
~Craig