Tom Heintjes

Happy 75th birthday to "The Far Side" creator Gary Larson, who was born on August 14, 1950.

The well-known phrase "truth, justice and the American way" was first used in the intro to Superman's radio show on August 31, 1942. (Superman had been on the radio since February 1940, but introductions in previous episodes only mentioned Supes fighting for "truth and justice." Ah, mission creep.)

Krazy Kat creator George Herriman, one of the great geniuses of cartooning who showed the medium’s literary potential, was born on August 22, 1880.

“Superman Comes to Earth,” the debut chapter in Superman’s first theatrical serial (and the character’s first live-action appearance on film), premiered on July 15, 1948. The 15-part serial heightened the character's mystique by leaving Superman actor Kirk Alyn uncredited at first.

Topper Tuesday (“No Brains But,” topper to “Bringing Up Father”):

The Spirit's archenemy, The Octopus, first appeared in "The Postage Stamp," which was published 80 years ago, on July 14, 1946.

The great Pat Oliphant has departed this mortal coil. He was truly one of the greats—a paradigm shifter if ever there was one. Hogan’s Alley #25 will have a long appreciation of this singular genius.

The More You Know Monday (“This Curious World” by William Ferguson):

In "Blondie," Dagwood first collided with Mr. Beasley, the postal carrier, 90 years ago, on July 13, 1936. (Their collisions would become one of the strip's most enduring tropes and even made it into the TV adaptation's opening credits.) Here's their first collision:

Fritzi and Nancy Before Sluggo (“Fritzi Ritz” strips from July 3-8, 1933):

Slice-of-Life Sunday:

Sluggo Saturday (“Nancy” strips from June 25-30, 1945):

Riverdale Week in Review (“Archie” strips from July 11-16, 1949):