Comics have been a part of our lives for a long time, and they continue to be a source of entertainment for people of all ages. But have you ever wondered which is the oldest still running comic strip? Let’s find out!
The Yellow Kid
The Yellow Kid is widely regarded as the first comic strip ever published. It was created by Richard F. Outcault and first appeared in a newspaper called The New York World in 1895.
The comic strip features a bald-headed child who wears nothing but a yellow nightshirt, hence the name ‘The Yellow Kid.’ The strip was so popular that it led to the coining of the term ‘yellow journalism,’ which referred to the sensationalist style of reporting popularized by newspapers like The New York World.
Other Early Comic Strips
After the success of The Yellow Kid, many other comic strips began to appear in newspapers across the United States. One such strip was Hogan’s Alley, also created by Richard Outcault. This strip featured various characters, including The Yellow Kid himself.
Another notable comic strip from this era was Buster Brown, created by R.F. Outcault as well. Buster Brown was a mischievous young boy who often got into trouble but always managed to come out on top.
Longest Running Comic Strip
While all these early comic strips were hugely popular in their time, none of them are still running today. The title for the oldest still running comic strip belongs to The Katzenjammer Kids.
The Katzenjammer Kids was created by Rudolph Dirks and first appeared in 1897 in the Sunday supplement of The New York Journal. The strip is about two mischievous boys named Hans and Fritz and their adventures with their family and friends.
Comic Strip Evolution
Over the years, comic strips have evolved from simple black and white illustrations to full-color masterpieces. They have also become more sophisticated in terms of storytelling and characterization. Some of the most popular contemporary comic strips include Peanuts, Garfield, Calvin and Hobbes, and Dilbert.
Conclusion
The world of comics has come a long way since the publication of The Yellow Kid, but it’s fascinating to see how it all began. While many early comic strips have fallen by the wayside, The Katzenjammer Kids continues to entertain readers to this day. Who knows which current comic strip will last as long?