The Evolution of Comic Strips in Storytelling

ElevatEd
English
August 8, 2024

Comic strips have their own set of audience over the years. Regardless of the age factor, everyone finds them funny and attractive. Studying the evolution of comic strips was fascinating as it revealed how it once ruled the 1900 era and is successfully ruling the digital world.

From being published in a corner of a newspaper to being adapted to full-fledge books and graphic novels, they have undergone massive transformations. Explore the history and evolution of comic strips over the years as 98thPercentile presents a detailed version in this blog.

History of Comic Strips

Comic strips were invented by a Swiss schoolmaster Rodolphe Töpffer. Histoire de Mr. Vieux Bois (published in English as The Adventures of Mr. Obadiah Oldbuck), is a picture story by him is considered to be first comic strip. It was created in 1827 and was published in 1837.

The existence of comic strips in newspapers is said to have started from the 19th century, with early examples like “The Yellow Kid” by Richard F. Outcalt in 1895, which is credited as one of the first comic strips published in newspaper. Back then strips were often simple drawings of single image with caption and series of images printed on a paper. In the United States comic strips started getting published in late 19th century.

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Evolution of Comics

The 1930s to the 1950s

This period is known as the “Golden Age of Comic Strips” in the United States.

During this time, the rise of newspaper comic strips happened with huge popularity among the readers making it the major form of entertainment and cultural influence.

Many iconic comic strips like “Peanuts”, “Popeye”, and “Dick Tracy” emerged during this time developing comic strips as an art form.

Newspaper comic strips used to be published in two different ways. One was daily strips and the other was Sunday strips.

Daily strips were published from Monday to Saturday in black and white.

Sunday strips were published in color.

Early daily strips were often covered by a full page of the newspaper, eventually with the time they started being published in small area of the newspaper page.

The 1960s to the 1970s

This period has witnessed a transformation of comic strips from being an entertainment medium to showcasing social shifts of that era.

Creators started pushing their horizons, from using humor for entertainment to adding wittiness and sarcasm to address political norms and critique politics.

Overall, the ‘60s to ‘70s has marked an important role in transitioning from traditional humor to usage of comic strips as social critique for diversity by artistic innovation.

The 1980s to the 1990s

In this period, it is discovered that readers have taste beyond mediocrity, leading them to pop the bubble.

During this era, comic strips underwent massive evolution by introducing intense subjects.

Even graphic novels were widening their ways to reach audience at that time by long narrations with heavy subjects like violence and darkness.

Comic Strips – A Wrap-Up

In today’s time we can witness the revolutionized forms of comic strips such as web comics and animes. Artists make use of digital tools to create cartoons, enhance artwork, and experiment with animation for a wide range of storytelling.

From simple handmade drawings from the 19th century to today’s dynamic graphic illustrations, comic strips have been being adapted to the changing times and trends.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q1: What is the origin of comic strips?

Ans: The comic strips were found in the 19th century; by the 1920s they were popular and started being frequently used.

Q2: What is the purpose of a comic strip?

Ans: The purpose of comic strips is to tell stories through illustrations.

Q3: Who invented the comic strip?

Ans: The Swiss Schoolmaster Rodolphe Töpffer invented comic strip.

Q4: How have comic strips evolved over time?

Ans: Comic strips have been traditionally published throughout the 20th and 21st century, eventually being adapted into graphic novels with full-fledged stories with comic illustrations.

Q5: When did comic strips become popular?

Ans: Comic strings were the main target in journalism in the early 20th century, and by 1920 they became widely popular.