Tip-Topper Comics

    (United Features, 1949-1954)
™ and ©1951-1952 United Features Syndicate

Tip-Topper Comics served as a showcase for United Features Syndicate’s popular comic strip characters of the 1940s and 50s, including Fritzi Ritz (a.k.a. Nancy), Li’l Abner, and Curly Kayoe. Ernie Bushmiller’s Fritzi Ritz, with its utterly goofy storylines and diagrammatic illustration, stands as a masterpiece of stylization. Its influence can still be felt today in the work of Chris Ware (Acme Novelty Library) and even underground artist Trina Robbins. L’il Abner was, at the time, just off its peak in terms of satirical power, but the ghost hand of Al Capp’s then-assistant, Frank Frazetta, can be seen in some of the panels. Curly Kayo was a short-lived Joe Palooka rip-off. Ferdinand, a one page humor strip, also appeared in the back pages.
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