Have you ever wondered what the name of the first color comic strip was? Well, you’re in luck because we’re about to take a trip down memory lane to explore the origins of this beloved art form.
The Early Days of Comics
Before we dive into the first color comic strip, let’s take a moment to discuss the history of comics. The earliest known example of comics dates back to ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics, but it wasn’t until the late 1800s that comics as we know them today began to emerge.
One of the first successful comic strips was Hogan’s Alley by Richard F. Outcault, which featured the mischievous character known as The Yellow Kid. This comic strip was published in black and white in 1895 and quickly gained popularity.
The Birth of Color Comics
In 1907, a new comic strip called Little Nemo in Slumberland by Winsor McCay debuted in newspapers. What set Little Nemo apart from other comics at the time was its use of vibrant colors. McCay used a process called “Gertie the Dinosaur” to create his comics, which involved drawing each frame on rice paper and then tinting them with watercolors.
However, it wasn’t until 1910 that full-color printing became commercially viable for newspapers. The first color comic strip to be published using this new technology was called The Phables and it debuted on October 16th, 1910.
About The Phables
The Phables was created by cartoonist Clare Briggs and featured a cast of animal characters who lived in an urban setting. Each episode consisted of four panels with colorful illustrations and humorous dialogue.
Despite its groundbreaking use of color printing, The Phables only lasted for a few years before being replaced by other more popular comic strips like Krazy Kat and Gasoline Alley.
The Legacy of The Phables
Even though The Phables was short-lived, it paved the way for other comic strips to incorporate color into their illustrations. Today, full-color comics are the norm and we have The Phables to thank for helping to popularize this art form.
In conclusion, the first color comic strip was called The Phables and it debuted in 1910. While it may not be as well-known as other comic strips from that era, its use of vibrant colors helped to revolutionize the industry and set the stage for future generations of comic artists.