If you’re a fan of comic strips, you might have heard of Pogo. This popular comic strip has been around for decades and has captured the hearts of many readers.
But who exactly is the creator behind this beloved comic? Let’s take a closer look.
The Creator of Pogo
Pogo was created by Walt Kelly, an American cartoonist. Kelly was born in 1913 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He started his career as a cartoonist in the 1930s, working on various comic strips and books.
The Beginning of Pogo
Pogo first appeared in 1941 as a character in an issue of Dell Comics’ Animal Comics series. The character was a small alligator who lived in the Okefenokee Swamp, which is located on the border between Georgia and Florida.
In 1948, Kelly decided to turn Pogo into a full-fledged comic strip. The strip debuted on October 4th of that year and was an instant success. It became known for its charming characters, witty humor, and satirical commentary on politics and society.
The Characters of Pogo
One of the reasons why Pogo became so popular was because of its memorable cast of characters. In addition to Pogo the alligator, there were other swamp animals such as Albert the alligator, Churchy LaFemme the turtle, Porky Pine, Beauregard Bugleboy the hound dog, and many more.
Each character had their own unique personality and quirks that made them endearing to readers. They also often embodied certain political or social ideologies that Kelly wanted to comment on through his strip.
The Legacy of Pogo
Pogo continued to be published until 1975 when Kelly passed away. In total, there were over 9,000 strips published over the course of its run. The strip has since been reprinted in various collections and remains a beloved part of American comic strip history.
In addition to its cultural impact, Pogo also had a significant influence on the art of comic strips. Kelly’s use of language, character development, and storytelling techniques inspired many other cartoonists who followed in his footsteps.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Pogo was created by Walt Kelly and first appeared as a character in 1941 before becoming a full-fledged comic strip in 1948. Its charming characters, witty humor, and satirical commentary on politics and society made it a beloved part of American comic strip history. Although it is no longer being published, its legacy continues to inspire future generations of cartoonists.