Beetle Bailey is a comic strip that has been entertaining readers for over 70 years. It follows the life of a lazy and carefree army private named Beetle Bailey. The comic strip was created by Mort Walker, who passed away in 2018 at the age of 94.
Mort Walker was born in Kansas in 1923 and grew up to become a successful cartoonist. He began working on comic strips when he was just 18 years old and eventually created several popular strips such as Hi and Lois, Sam’s Strip, Boner’s Ark, and many others.
In 1950, Mort Walker came up with the idea for Beetle Bailey while serving in the United States Army during World War II. He based the character on his own experiences as an enlisted man and used the comic strip as a way to poke fun at military life.
The first Beetle Bailey comic strip was published on September 4th, 1950. It quickly gained popularity among readers because of its relatable characters, witty humor, and clever storytelling.
Over the years, Mort Walker continued to write and draw Beetle Bailey until his death in January 2018. The comic strip has since been taken over by his sons Brian and Greg Walker who continue to produce new strips.
One of the reasons why Beetle Bailey has remained so popular among readers is because of its ability to adapt with changing times. The comic strip has tackled various social issues such as women’s rights, racial equality, environmentalism, and many others.
Today, Beetle Bailey is read by millions of people around the world and has been translated into numerous languages. The character has also appeared in television shows, movies, video games, and even merchandise such as t-shirts and toys.
In conclusion, Mort Walker was the creative mind behind one of the most beloved comic strips of all time – Beetle Bailey. His legacy lives on through his work which continues to inspire new generations of cartoonists and readers alike.