BEETLE BAILEY 70TH

Happy 70th anniversary to comic strip, Beetle Bailey! It's actually a special week because cartoonist Mort Walker was born yesterday, in 1923! Mort is best known for comic strips Beetle Bailey and Hi & Lois, but in fact he was constantly creating new strips and projects he thought might benefit others (and maybe make a buck, too). He described himself to me as a “human inventing machine” and quipped “Seven days without laughter makes one weak.” Mort was a child prodigy who was endlessly enthusiastic about comics and jokes. He was selling work by 12, editorial designer at Hallmark by 18, humor mag editor in college, top magazine cartoonist by 27 -with Beetle syndicated that same year.

He loved the form and constantly fought to elevate comics, whether through battles over rights and contracts, leading the NCS, launching the comic US postage stamps, lending his talents to a variety of causes, or through his persistent dream to see a major comic museum thrive in the States. Mort was a great supporter of young cartoonists, sponsored new members in the NCS, and welcomed all into his life with a friendly, Huckleberry Hound voice (as Chance Browne once characterized it) and with a kind heart that seemed to say “the more the merrier.”

He sure loved the laughs, the wisecracks, but he could also listen when he needed to; his understanding and attitudes evolved. Trina Robbins told me this great story: “In about 1979 or 80, he came to the San Diego Comic Con and we women underground cartoonists all came to see his panel and challenge him. When I asked him about his in famous remark [about women not having a sense of humor], his reply showed how stereotyped his thinking was. He said (I’m paraphrasing) that he was surprised that there were so few women cartoonists because drawing comics was something you could do while the baby is sleeping or the laundry was getting done. We women walked out. But I’ll say this for him: he was good natured and open minded about it. Next time I saw him was at the SF Cartoon Art Museum, where I told him that I had considered pie-ing him, so that when he got mad I could tell him he had no sense of humor. My conversation with him opened his mind a little and he put on the first ever show of women cartoonists at his museum. And when he wrote to me announcing the show and asking my participation (remember letters?) he ended the letter by writing, ‘Next time we meet, I want the pie.’”

I began my book, Talking Mort Walker: A Life in Comics before he died in January 2018 and I was able to launch it in honor of his birthday that year. The book grew into a massive 700+ page anthology covering his entire career and it includes everything, from his first interviews to his memorial service, as well as articles, unpublished photos, college-era cartoons, and correspondences. After Mort’s passing, the cartoon community gathered in support and also contributed many tributes and memories, including Jim Davis, Patrick McDonnell, Jeannie Schulz, Lynn Johnston, Jenny Robb, R.C. Robert Harvey, Rick Marschall, Dave Astor, Cullen Murphy, Bill Griffith, Cathy Guisewite, Chance Browne, Guy Gilchristt, Jim Keefe, Rick Kirkman, Ray Billingsley, Mike Lynch, Jerry Scott, Mike Peters, Greg Evans, Blitz, Brian and Greg Walker, and many others.

Time marches on and I see my students discover the creative works of their own time (some of them now are even publishing in The New Yorker!). But I hope the cartooning community will always save a special place for that enthusiastic kid named Mort, who perpetually nurtured his first great love- the funnies. Happy Birthday, Mort! We miss you. Below: celebrating a couple of fun 1960s topical stories from Beetle Bailey.

Mort's character, Sarge, had an on-going series of gags that featured various fantasy and pop-culture inspired dreams caused by his culinary indulgences. One of the key moments for Spy Vibers was this fun August 1966 homage to James Bond and Thunderball.

Beetle Bailey #38 appeared on the newsstands one year after the construction of the Berlin Wall. The issue featured a memorable cover design that depicted Beetle roasting marshmallows over a campfire and the bold title, Beetle Bailey in West Berlin by Mort Walker. Released in 1962, the same year as Deighton's The Ipcress File and the first 007 film, Dr No, the lead story in the comic addressed themes that would become popularized later with Le Carre's The Spy Who Came in From the Cold (1963), Deighton's Funeral in Berlin (1964), and Trevor's The Quiller Memorandum (1965). 

Summary: The 8-page story begins with a simple delivery to General Halftrack. As Beetle makes his way through the compound with a box of food, Colonel Grimshaw shows the General a photograph of top Russian spy, Boris Popoffsky. Of course, the enemy agent is a dead ringer for Beetle and our poor hero is quickly arrested and threatened with the firing squad! Luckily the real Russian agent is captured on a jet bound for Germany, and interrogators go to work on him off-screen to get useful information about his operation. With Beetle's identity cleared, the government boys realize they can now use him to trap Popoffsky's network. Beetle finds himself on a mission to Berlin! 

Beetle's contact man leads him to a secret rendezvous, where the enemy is hiding in a tunnel under the wall. Agent Beetle doses them with tear gas and helps the Secret Service and Military Police capture the spy ring. The story includes some elements that function well as a time capsule, like US agents in black suits and hats, spies in trench coats, Beetle's disguise as a European sailor-type, and early commentary on the quality of life at the Wall. As Beetle looks at an East Berlin checkpoint, sporting the slogan of the so-called "Workers' Paradise" and teeming with barbed wire, water hoses, and a tank, he declares, "It's a mighty grim-looking paradise!" He seems to capture the popular response that many had at the time, suggesting that East Germany couldn't have been such an ideological utopia if its citizens were desperate to escape.

Spy Vibers can find my book, Talking Mort Walker, at all Amazon sites. Here are links to Amazon US, Amazon UK, and Amazon Australia. Enjoy! Below: Mort in his studio. No matter what age we found him, he was always that enthusiastic kid at the drawing table following his bliss. 

Selected Spy Vibe Posts: RSD Spies Vinyl, Ian Fleming Tribute, Fellini Box Set, Spy Vibe Radio: Vendetta, The Saint Podcast Bonus, The Saint Podcast, Barber Lotus, Diana Rigg at 82, Trad Roots, Morricone R.I.P., Fleetway Spy Designs, John Steel Casebooks, Paul at 78, ITC Podcast: The Persuaders, Dazzle Ships, Spy Vibe Radio: Raumpatrouille, Remembering Richard Sala, Crime & Spy Jazz books, Soviet Space Graphics, Numan is FAB, Bruce Lee Blu, John Barry Event, RSD Vinyl Spies, James Bond's DB5, UFO CD Set, Spy Vibe radio: Phantom Agents, Steranko is Revolutionary!, Interview: The Saint I Ain't, Diabolik Interview, New 007 Song, Diabolik Figures, Diabolik Sounds, Diabolik Set Design, Diabolik Park Ride, Danger Diabolik Blu, Count Arthur Strong, Honey West Title Cards, Bowie Day, New Year Cosmonauts, Neil Innes R.I.P., Claudine Auger R.I.P., OHMSS at 50, Italian Job 50th OST, Charles Schulz Modern, Paul Desmond, Python 50th, Randall Hopkirk 50th, Thunderbirds Day, Lazenby Returns to MI6, Dr. John R.I.P., Spy Vibe Radio: Lupin III, Lupin Ska, Spy Vibe Prime, Zigomar Translation, The Village: Part 1, Monkey Punch R.I.P., Bubble Girl 63, ITC Soundtracks, Spy Vibe Radio: Public Eye, UFO Prime, Spaceship to Mars, Modesty Blaise Companion, Spy Vibe Radio: Fantomas, George Day, Fantomas Blu, Dark Shadows Doc, Bedazzled Blu-ray, Mary Quant Exhibit, Laika Calypso, Lost in Space Japan, Spy Dust Calypso, Atomic Cafe, John Barry Mono, Interview: John Barry Book, Land of the Giants Score, Skyfall Concert, Dearest Emma, Spy Vibe Radio: Upperseven, Ogilvy at Elstree, Mabuse Propaganda, Bond Beatles Day, Spy Vibe Radio: Liquidator, Diabolik LP, Fab Dresses, Eurospy Music Collection, Beetle Bailey in West Berlin, Why Mort Walker?, Spy Vibe radio: The Beatles Help!, Avengers Critical Guide, The Spotnicks, Benny Spies, James Pond 0017', Satire Stones, Annette Andre Book, Cat Day, Spy Vibe Radio: Get Smart, Caine: My Generation, Interview: Ian Ogilvy, Horror of Party Beach, Sylvie Vartan Renown, Ringo At 78, Dark Shadows Strips, Spy Vibe Radio: Flint, Archie Batman 66, Paul at 76, Beatles Pac-Man, Spy Vibe Radio: Jerry Cotton, The Invaders, 007 Horowitz Book Tour, McGoohan/Prisoner Event at Elstree, The Prisoner Interviews Vol 1, British Underground Press, Interview: Fab4 Mania, Bond Cocktail Book, Bond at Bletchley, Spy Smasher, Spy Vibe Radio: Peter Gunn, Agent Zero M, New Prisoner Comic, Dr. No Villains Edition, Spy Vibe Radio: Danger Diabolik, Dr. No 60th, Oy-Oy-Seven, Spy Vibe Radio (UFO), Cold War Comic Strips, Thunderball Event, Mission to India, Mort Walker Celebration, Peter Wyngarde Celebration, Batman 66 Exhibit, Prisoner Fifty Event, Ian Fleming Publications 2017-2018, Interview: Ed Hulse Pulp, Avengers Audio Drama, Interview: Callan At 50, Interview: Playboys, Spies, Private Eyes, TWA Returns, Spy Vibe Radio 8, Interview: Ryan Heshka, Mid-Century Modern Schulz, Agent Werewolf, Johnny Sokko 50th, Interview: Trina Robbins, Eddie Izzard, The Prisoner Capt Scarlet 50th, Hugh Hefner R.I.P., Jack Good R.I.P., Interview: Shaken Not Stirred, Callan 50th, Spy Vibe Radio 7, The Prisoner 50th Event, Spy-Fi Event, Kaho Aso 007, Two Million, Bo Diddley, Carnaby Pop, Le Carre Events, Billy Bragg Skiffle, Elvis 68, Jack Kirby The Prisoner, Casino Royale Concert, Review: The Prisoner Vol 2, Interview: The Prisoner Essential Guide, Maud Russell Mottisfont, Spy Vibe Radio 4, Batman Gallants, Adam West R.I.P., Village Triangle, Roger Moore R.I.P., Spy Vibe Radio 3, Sgt Pepper 50th, Satanik Kriminal OST, 60s Overdrive, Make Love in London, Spy Vibe Radio 2, Spy Vibe Radio 1, James Bond Strips, Propaganda Mabuse, Interview: Police Surgeon, XTC Avengers, 1966 Pep Spies, Batman Book Interview, Exclusive Fleming Interview, Avengers Comic Strips, Robert Vaughn RIP, UNCLE Fashions, Thunderbirds Are Pop!, Interview: Spy Film Guide, Lost Avengers Found, The Callan File, Mission Impossible 50th, Green Hornet 50th, Star Trek 50th, Portmeirion Photography 1, Filming the Prisoner, Gaiman McGinnins Project, Ian Fleming Grave, Revolver at 50, Karen Romanko Interview, Mod Tales 2, Umbrella Man: Patrick Macnee, New Beatles Film, The Curious Camera, Esterel Fashion 1966, Exclusive Ian Ogilvy Interview, 007 Tribute Covers, The Phantom Avon novels return, Ian Fleming Festival, Argoman Design, Sylvia Anderson R.I.P., Ken Adam R.I.P., George Martin R.I.P., The New Avengers Comics, The Phantom at 80, 007 Manga, Avengerworld Book, Diana Rigg Auto Show, The Prisoner Audio Drama Review.

WHY MORT WALKER?

I published a new book about cartoonist Mort Walker today called Talking Mort Walker: A Life in Comics. Spy Vibers can find Kindle and paperback editions through Amazon worldwide. Mort was born on this day in 1923 and his love for comics and laughter set him on a course to become one of the most popular comic artists in the world. But who was he? What was he about? And why write a 716-page about him? I explore these questions below, illustrated with a fun Thunderball-related Beetle Bailey comic Mort did in 1966 (scanned from the collection of Richard Sala).

I was fortunate to grow up around a community of cartoonists on the east coast, who represented some of the most successful American comic strips ever made. Some years back I worked on a biographical archive project with the leader of the pack, Mort Walker, who syndicated nine strips during his life, including Beetle Bailey, Hi and Lois, and Sam's Strip. Mort passed away last January at the age of 94. Before he died, however, I began writing and editing a new book to chronicle his 83-year career. Yes, you read correctly- Mort was so passionate about his love of comics that he got started early and sold his first cartoon at age eleven! As a little kid, Mort's favorite thing was to watch his dad roar with laughter over the newspaper funnies. Young Mort became obsessed with drawing and crafting jokes. Humor became his great love and he pursued it throughout his life. 

In our era, where printed newspapers have become less common, Spy Vibers might not have a sense of just how popular a medium comic strips have been. But just imagine someone like Mort sending his comics out to 2,000 newspapers, who in turn would distribute the paper each day to their massive population of readers. Not only did it mean big business for artist, it also meant a shared common experience across the culture. I guess we'd now say someone like Mort went viral... every day!

Another aspect that might be hard to fathom is the nature of humor and how it continues to change. Dana Carvey and Jerry Seinfeld recently discussed on Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee how comedy these days is about "authenticity." Both Jerry and Dana agreed they didn't care about a comedian's personal life; they just want to hear funny material! Mort grew up in an era when jokes were king, and I think deep down he was a habitual wise-cracker. He was always looking for ways to fit a punchline into daily experiences. He didn't explore inner anxieties as Charles Schulz did with Peanuts. Making jokes was his niche. But in a way, focussing on "funny" did actually reflect his own life experience and was perhaps his version of autobiography. Mort surrounded himself with family and friends and his comics echoed a man who prized good company and belly laughs. My friend, cartoonist Brian Fies (Mom's Cancer, A Fire Story), and I have been discussing this lately. Perhaps Mort's approach was like a Seinfeld or Bob Hope -guys who focused on the joke- whereas cartoonists like Schulz (Peanuts) or Watterson (Calvin and Hobbes) added more poetry and philosophy. Regardless of taste, I do think all of these artists generated sincere work that flowed from their individual sensibilities- and from their genuine passion to do the work. 

It's no wonder Mort focussed on the gags, given the course of his career: He sold comics and strips to magazines and newspapers as a little kid (rewarded for his jokes!), became chief editorial designer of Hallmark cards at age 18, then editor of Mizzou Showme and 1,000 Jokes magazine, then top-selling gag cartoonist in the country, and finally syndicated Beetle Bailey in 1950 with King Features. Beetle was a massive success! But Mort's love for making comics didn't end there; He syndicated 8 other strips, including Hi and Lois and Sam's Strip, all in the pursuit of laughter and, as he reflected at the end of his life, the pursuit to provide friends for people on the comics page. And he produced it all in his distinctive visual style. The little kid who had fallen in love with comics on his dad's knee generated so much output at one point that he jokingly put up a sign on his studio that said "King Features East".

As the workload expanded, Mort naturally needed help meeting deadlines. And being a social and collaborative guy, he eventually brought people in to help in the studio. Although others assisted with inking and contributing gags for the various strips, Mort kept the penciling duties for Beetle- his breakthrough creation- for himself. He penciled his last Beetle dailies and Sundays on December 16, 2017- the day before the fall that would lead to his death in January, 2018. Mort often talked about how much he adored writing gags. Even when he began to lose his memory a bit in the final years, he told me that he still loved to brainstorm and craft jokes. One his famous quotes sums it up: "Seven days without laughter makes one weak." 

Although my personal taste in comics leans more toward the philosophical, I certainly have recognized and respected Mort's role in helping to bring comics into the modern era. He came of age in the golden era of the form, streamlined the look of comics, and became a bridge between the old masters and the new guard. And I admired him for his absolute devotion to creating and celebrating his true love- comics. For those who aren't aware, Mort also created the Museum of Cartoon Art to elevate comics as Art in the public view, was a leader in the National Cartoonists Society and supported young artists, championed a series of comic-strip US stamps, and even pushed for legal precedent so that comic artists could deduct their original artwork. Whether or not one is a fan of Mort's jokes, one can't deny the impact he made. It was a great labor of love to document his 83-year career and I look forward to sharing Talking Mort Walker: A Life in Comics with you.

From the press release: "Besides syndicating nine comic strips, including Beetle Bailey and Hi and Lois, Mort Walker devoted his life to creating, collecting, curating, and chatting about his one true love- the funnies! Talking Mort Walker: A Life in Comics takes readers on a journey for the first time through Walker’s career between 1935-2018, where over 700 pages of rare interviews, articles, letters, unpublished photographs, and drawings reveal insights about the child prodigy who grew up to become the Dean of American cartooning. Talking Mort Walker: A Life in Comics is a touchstone for comic scholars, fans, and budding cartoonists." Kindle and paperback editions available at Amazon, AmazonUK, and Amazon around the world. Enjoy! Up next: Beetle Bailey in Berlin! 

Spy Vibers, please also check out my new episode of Cocktail Nation radio. This month I introduce The Beatles Help! with 007-style score by Ken Thorne (I misspoke during the taping of the show and mentioned producer George Martin -who scored Live and Let Die- oops, sorry Ken!). More info about the episode on Spy Vibe.

Selected Spy Vibe Posts: Spy Vibe radio: The Beatles Help!, The Avengers Critical Guide, The Spotnicks, Benny Spies, James Pond 0017', Satire Stones, Annette Andre Book, Cat Day, Spy Vibe Radio: Get Smart, Caine: My Generation, Interview: Ian Ogilvy, ITC Elstree Event, Horror of Party Beach, Sylvie Vartan Renown, Ringo At 78, Dark Shadows Strips, Spy Vibe Radio: Flint, Archie Batman 66, Paul at 76, Beatles Pac-Man, Spy Vibe Radio: Jerry Cotton, The Invaders, 007 Horowitz Book Tour, McGoohan/Prisoner Event at Elstree, The Prisoner Interviews Vol 1, British Underground Press, Interview: Fab4 Mania, Bond Cocktail Book, Bond at Bletchley, Spy Smasher, Spy Vibe Radio: Peter Gunn, Agent Zero M, New Prisoner Comic, Dr. No Villains Edition,  Spy Vibe Radio: Danger Diabolik, Dr. No 60th, Oy-Oy-Seven, Spy Vibe Radio (UFO), Cold War Comic Strips, Thunderball Event, Mission to India, Mort Walker Celebration,  Peter Wyngarde Celebration, Batman 66 Exhibit, Prisoner Fifty Event, Ian Fleming Publications 2017-2018, Interview: Ed Hulse Pulp, Avengers Audio Drama, Interview: Callan At 50, Interview: Playboys, Spies, Private Eyes, TWA Returns, Spy Vibe Radio 8, Interview: Ryan Heshka, Mid-Century Modern Schulz, Agent Werewolf, Mata Hair Exhibit, Johnny Sokko 50th, Interview: Trina Robbins, Eddie Izzard, The Prisoner Capt Scarlet 50th, Hugh Hefner R.I.P., Jack Good R.I.P., Interview: Shaken Not Stirred, Callan 50th, Spy Vibe Radio 7, The Prisoner 50th Event, Spy-Fi Event, Kaho Aso 007, Two Million, Bo Diddley, Carnaby Pop, Le Carre Events, Billy Bragg Skiffle, Elvis 68, Jack Kirby The Prisoner, Casino Royale Concert, Review: The Prisoner Vol 2, Interview: The Prisoner Essential Guide, Maud Russell Mottisfont, Spy Vibe Radio 4, Batman Gallants, Adam West R.I.P., Village Triangle, Roger Moore R.I.P., Spy Vibe Radio 3, Sgt Pepper 50th, Satanik Kriminal OST, 60s Overdrive, Make Love in London, Spy Vibe Radio 2, Spy Vibe Radio 1, James Bond Strips, Propaganda Mabuse, Interview: Police Surgeon, XTC Avengers, 1966 Pep Spies, Batman Book Interview, Exclusive Fleming Interview, Avengers Comic Strips, Robert Vaughn RIP, UNCLE Fashions, Thunderbirds Are Pop!, Interview: Spy Film Guide, Lost Avengers Found, The Callan File, Mission Impossible 50th, Green Hornet 50th, Star Trek 50th, Portmeirion Photography 1, Filming the Prisoner, Gaiman McGinnins Project, Ian Fleming Grave, Revolver at 50, Karen Romanko Interview, Mod Tales 2, Umbrella Man: Patrick Macnee, New Beatles Film, The Curious Camera, Esterel Fashion 1966, Exclusive Ian Ogilvy Interview, 007 Tribute Covers, The Phantom Avon novels return, Ian Fleming Festival, Argoman Design, Sylvia Anderson R.I.P., Ken Adam R.I.P., George Martin R.I.P., The New Avengers Comics, The Phantom at 80, 007 Manga, Avengerworld Book, Diana Rigg Auto Show, The Prisoner Audio Drama Review.