Krazy & Ignatz

    (Fantagraphics, 2002-2010)
™ and © George Herriman

Edited and annotated by Bill Blackbeard and Derya Ataker, these large trade paperbacks provide an introduction by one of the few newspaper-strip analysts who have earned the word “historian.” Tidbits include [the fact] that Herriman, one of the icons of newspaper strips, actually created the “Jeff” character that joined Bud Fisher’s A. Mutt to star in Fisher’s Mutt & Jeff strip.

There are people who just don’t “get” Herriman; affection of those who do tends to grow from his wild layouts and equally delirious speech patterns of characters like Krazy. Strips aren’t to be barreled through; they’re designed to be savored. Alliteration, homonyms, Shakespearean wordplay: They’re layered in the world in which Ignatz Mouse pursues Krazy Kat with brick in hand—and Officer Pupp on hand to thwart Ignatz’ schemes.

“In time, discovery occurs, and the verbiage is ample and appropriate,” says the caption, in contrast to such Krazy dialogue as, “Odee odee, ever thing is so kwee,” and, “Thou has got a womm hott—like a stove it just rady aches wommt—” Sweet and infectious, Herriman’s work touches the hotts of all his fans. A bonus is a sampling of the 1931 dailies [in Vol. 4].

— Maggie Thompson
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November, 2004
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