Existing comment:
(71) Li'l Abner. Midnight Madness. Warnin to all Dogpatch Bachelors--Sadie Hawkins Day Comes on Nov. 6th, 1943, 1943. Published by United Feature Syndicate,
Inc., September 25, 1943.
Ink and white-out over graphite underdrawing.
Art Wood Collection of Cartoon and Caricature
Prints and Photographs Division
© Capp Enterprises, Inc. (71)
Cartoonists often have a profound impact on social life. In 1937 Al Capp (1909-1979) introduced Sadie Hawkins Day, in which women pursued men with the goal toward marriage. It quickly became a national institution. In this 1943 Sadie Hawkins series, L'il Abner reads the notice about the upcoming event, and, while he boasts he will be far away from Daisy Mae's grasp, the stars belie him. L'il Abner eluded Daisy Mae's grasp until Capp wed his two characters in 1952. The bold cartooning style, use of black to effect, and his ability to spin a yarn made L'il Abner an award-winning comic strip from 1934 to 1977. |