Comic Strip / Comics

What Happened to the Comic Strip Pogo?

Comic strips have been a popular form of entertainment for decades. From the adventures of Charlie Brown to the antics of Garfield, comic strips have brought joy and laughter to readers around the world. However, one beloved comic strip that has faded into obscurity is Pogo.

Pogo was created by cartoonist Walt Kelly in 1948 and quickly gained a following for its lovable characters and witty humor. The strip was set in the Okefenokee Swamp and featured an array of animals, including Pogo Possum, Albert Alligator, and Howland Owl.

One of the unique aspects of Pogo was its use of political satire. Kelly often used his characters to comment on current events and social issues. This earned him both praise and criticism from readers.

Despite its popularity, Pogo began to decline in the 1970s. Kelly’s health was deteriorating, and he struggled to keep up with the demands of producing a daily comic strip. In addition, many newspapers began to drop Pogo from their publications due to its political content.

In 1975, Kelly made the difficult decision to retire Pogo. The final strip featured Pogo walking off into the sunset with his friends bidding him farewell.

Since then, there have been occasional attempts to revive Pogo, but none have been successful. The strip remains a fond memory for those who grew up reading it but is largely unknown by younger generations.

Despite its disappearance from newspapers, Pogo remains an important part of comic strip history. Its use of political satire paved the way for future strips such as Doonesbury and The Boondocks. And while it may no longer be in print, fans can still enjoy collections of old strips and appreciate the impact that Pogo had on the world of comics.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, what happened to Pogo? It fell victim to declining health and changing times. But its legacy lives on, and it remains a testament to the power of humor and satire.