By George: The Comic Art of George McManus
(W) George McManus, Peter Maresca, Joost Swarte, Paul C. Tumey (A/CA) George McManus
"By George" is a 500-year-old exclamation used to express astonishment; a euphemism to avoid naming a divinity. A fitting title for this collection of classic comic art-both astonishing and, in its own way, divine. In 1913, George McManus was already a successful cartoonist with over a dozen hit comic strips to his credit. That year saw the debut of his signature creation, Bringing Up Father, soon to become an international sensation-the most popular comic strip in the world. In 1918 it appeared as a Sunday feature in full color, full-page splendor that is now, along with the artist's earlier works, recreated by Sunday Press. This volume displays the long career of George McManus, from his early days as an artist for the St. Louis Republican, to his ground-breaking work for Joseph Pulitzer and William Randolph Hearst in New York. Early features like Panhandle Pete and Nibsy the Newsboy show McManus as one of the "Founders of the Funnies." With The Whole Blooming Family, The Newlyweds/Their Only Child, he pioneered the type of family-humor comic strip that led to the sitcoms of radio and television. This form reached a peak with the battling (yet loving) spouses, Jiggs and Maggie in Bringing Up Father. The story behind the over 150 strips found in this collection is related in great detail by historian Paul C. Tumey in his detailed biographical introduction. McManus and his wife, even more so than his characters, were the toast of society, both at home and abroad, which added to his fame and the popularity of the strip. The book's foreword by internationally renowned cartoonist and designer Joost Swarte offers an appreciation and a description of the important influence of McManus on European artists, including Tintin's Herge. Educator and historian Eike Exner chronicles McManus's Asian connection as one of the main American influences in the development of Manga. Completing this comprehensive volume are photographs, illustrations, and memorabilia highlighting the long career of one of the world's greatest cartoonists - making his readers laugh at his characters (and themselves) for over half a century. McManus has a well-deserved place in the pantheon of American cartoon artists, but never before has had a comprehensive collection of his work. Now, By George, here it is!