Comic Strip / Comics

Who Wrote the Comic Strip Gasoline Alley?

Gasoline Alley is an American comic strip that has been syndicated since 1918. Created by Frank King, the comic strip has been running for over a century and is still being published in several newspapers across the United States. The strip is known for its engaging characters, warm humor, and its portrayal of everyday life in small-town America.

Frank King was born in 1883 in Cashton, Wisconsin. He started his career as a cartoonist in 1909 when he was hired by the Milwaukee Sentinel to create illustrations for their Sunday supplement.

In 1911, he moved to Chicago and started working for the Chicago Tribune as an Illustrator. It was at this time that he began thinking about creating his own comic strip.

In 1918, Frank King created Gasoline Alley and it was an instant hit with readers. The strip was originally about a group of men who hung out at a gas station, but it soon evolved into a story about family life and the ups and downs of parenthood. The most famous character in Gasoline Alley is Walt Wallet, a mechanic who becomes a father figure to several children over the years.

King continued to write and illustrate Gasoline Alley until his retirement in 1959. After that, he passed on the reins to his assistant Dick Moores who continued to write and illustrate the strip until his death in 1986. Since then, several other artists have taken over the drawing duties on Gasoline Alley.

Despite changing hands over the years, Gasoline Alley has remained one of America’s most beloved comic strips. Its longevity can be attributed to its relatable characters and its ability to depict everyday life with warmth and humor.

In conclusion, Frank King was the creator of Gasoline Alley which has been running since 1918. Over time, different artists have contributed their talents to drawing this beloved comic strip but its core themes of family life and small-town America have remained the same.