If you’re a fan of comic strips, you may be familiar with the beloved “BC” comic strip created by Johnny Hart. The strip, which featured prehistoric characters and their humorous adventures, was a staple in many newspapers for over four decades.
However, in recent years, “BC” has become increasingly scarce. So what happened to the iconic comic strip? Let’s take a closer look.
The Origins of BC
“BC” was first published on February 17, 1958, and quickly became popular for its unique blend of humor and satire. The comic strip followed the adventures of prehistoric characters such as Thor, Curls, and Peter as they navigated life in a primitive world. Creator Johnny Hart drew inspiration from his own experiences growing up on a farm in rural New York.
The Controversy Surrounding BC
Despite its popularity, “BC” was not without controversy. In particular, some readers took issue with Hart’s religious themes and references.
As a devout Christian, Hart often incorporated biblical references into his work. However, some readers felt that this made the strip too preachy or exclusionary.
In 2001, Hart drew criticism for an Easter Sunday cartoon that depicted a menorah transforming into a cross. Many Jewish readers found the cartoon offensive and accused Hart of insensitivity. Despite the backlash, Hart defended his work as an expression of his faith.
The Death of Johnny Hart
Sadly, Johnny Hart passed away on April 7th, 2007 at the age of 76. His death left many fans wondering what would happen to “BC”.
Initially, it appeared that the strip would continue without him – Hart had been working on cartoons up until his death. However, controversy erupted when several posthumous strips were criticized for being overly political or offensive.
Ultimately, it was decided that “BC” would not continue without Johnny Hart. The final strip was published on April 1st, 2007, one week after his death. It featured a panel of the characters saying goodbye to their creator.
The Legacy of BC
While “BC” may no longer be appearing in newspapers, its legacy lives on. The comic strip won numerous awards during its run and inspired countless other cartoonists. Many fans still remember the strip fondly and collect old editions.
In recent years, there have been efforts to revive “BC”. In 2018, Hart’s grandson Mason launched a Kickstarter campaign to create new “BC” strips. The campaign was successful, and new comics are now being produced.
Conclusion
While “BC” may have had a controversial past and uncertain future, it remains an important part of comic strip history. Johnny Hart’s unique blend of humor and satire continues to inspire new generations of cartoonists. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just discovering the strip for the first time, there’s no denying the impact that “BC” has had on popular culture.