Deadline Time

Kelly had his deadlines, I've got mine, this time a major MAJOR deadline. Won't be back until this weekend. See you all by Sunday, Kelly Sunday at the latest.

Kelly self-portrait—1961

Priceless Antique Percheron-Plaza Torque-Mada

I love Kelly bugs more'n any other bugs in the whirled.

And take a closer look at that opening shot. Wotta view. And take an even closer look at the birds—they have the face of the little mascot that Pat Oliphant drew into every editorial cartoon that he created. It just so happens that Oliphant tied with Johnny (BC) Hart to win the Cartoonist of the Year award the preceding year.

The City Rat & the Country Rat

I think it's rather fascinating to see Kelly's early renderings take on a feeling of dimensionality. And in this case, hinting at character development for the Pogo strip, as the City Rat looks an awful lot like Ol' Mouse will end up looking like, all resourceful and independent.

Oranges and Lemons

We're quite used to Kelly's renderings of swamp settings, so it's fun to see his drawing of a British horizon, pulled from The Complete Nursery Song Book of 1947.

"Oranges and lemons," say the bells of St. Clemens. "You owe me five farthings," say the bells of St. Martin's. "When will you pay me?" say the bells of Old Bailey. "When I grow rich," say the bells of Shoreditch. "When will that be?" say the bells of Stepney. "I do not know," says the great bell of Bow. Here comes a candle to light you to bed; And here comes a chopper to chop off your head!

"Pancakes and fritters," say the bells of Saint Peter's.

"Two sticks and an apple," say the bells of Whitechapel.

"Old father Bald-pate," say the slow bells of Aldgate.

"Pokers and tongs," say the bells of Saint John's.

"Kettles and pans," say the bells of Saint Ann's.

"Brickbats and tiles," say the bells of Saint Giles.

Yep, that's a real nursery song.

Bear Went Over the Mountain

Another Kelly illustration from The Complete Nursery Song Book, 1947. Kelly certainly could have made a career of children's book illustration, but I'm kinda glad he didn't. Still, awfully fun to look at, what with the bunrab and mouse.

The Bugs are Out

I've heard from enough of you to puzzle out the bugs in the system. Hopefully commenting will be easier for some of you now. Thanks to everyone I've heard from!

Work the Bugs Out

I received the nice email shown below, and I want to ask y'all if anyone else has had trouble with the comments feature. If so, please email me as well, so I can work the bugs out. Thanks Mark!

Hello!

As a long-time Kelly fan (a reader of the strips in the 1960s, a reader of the books since 1979), I wanted to thank you for posting all of the excellent Kelly scans on your pages.

I've actually tried to post comments on your site, but for some reason, the Comments feature has consistently defeated me. For that reason, I wanted to let you know here, by email, how much your work and dedication have meant to me. If you have the time and energy to continue, then I have the gratitude and enthusiasm to keep visiting your fine contribution to Pogo fans everywhere.

Best wishes,

Mark Dillon