Is this the end for Dick Tracy?
The Gaylord Herald-Times, quoting from R.C. Harvey’s site, indicate that “Dick Tracy” writer-artist Dick Locher may retire at the end of this year. Tribune Media Services has made no official announcement, but speculation is that the service may end the strip.
“Dick Tracy” was created by cartoonist Chester Gould, who was born in Pawnee, Oklahoma.
Toys, cartoonists honored at Action Figure Museum
PAULS VALLEY – Oklahoma cartoonists and famous toy lines were among the honorees Saturday as the Toy and Action Figure Museum, 111 S. Chickasaw, celebrated its third anniversary.
Joining the museum’s action figure Hall of Fame were two action-figure lines that took the 1980s by storm: Masters of the Universe and G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero.
Masters of the Universe were supremely muscled characters who lived on the planet Eternia. The star of this line was He-Man, who gained his strength when he held aloft his magic sword and repeated the phrase “by the power of Grayskull.”
“G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero” was a 1980s update of the classic Joe action figure, which had been a 12-inch figure. “A Real American Hero” was in the 3 and ¾-inch size and introduced G.I. Joe, a special missions force for the U.S. military, who defended freedom against Cobra, a ruthless terrorist organization determined to rule the world. Rather than just one “G.I. Joe,” the brand now introduced a line full of characters, developed by comics and animation writer Larry Hama, including the ninja Snake-Eyes, leader Duke and counter-intelligence specialist Scarlett.
Introduced into the Oklahoma Cartoonists Collection Hall of Fame were four cartoonists – and it came as a surprise to one of them. Museum curator Kevin Stark, creator of the comic strip and comic book “Geezer,” was named to the Hall of Fame. “Geezer” ran for seven years in the Pauls Valley Daily Democrat, and further comic books are in development.
Also honored:
Russell Myers, the creator of “Broom Hilda,” who was raised and attended college in Tulsa.
George Storm, who created adventure strips “Phil Hardy” in 1925 and “Bobby Thatcher” in 1927. He co-created The Hangman for MLJ and drew Bugs Bunny for Dell. He died in 1976.
Terry Tidwell, who was born and raised in Claremore. He worked on “The Green Hornet” and “Conan.” Tidwell, who was in attendance at the ceremony, also co-created the Tulsa-based hero “The Twilight Avenger.”
– Matthew Price
Assistant Features Editor
From Friday’s The Oklahoman
Happy 75th Birthday, Alley Oop!
I went to the Toy and Action Figure Museum in Pauls Valley on Saturday to celebrate the 75th birthday of “Alley Oop” with Jack and Carole Bender, who are the creative team for the comic strip. Congratulations to them on their success! “Alley Oop” was created in 1933 by V.T. Hamlin. Jack Bender became an assistant on”Alley Oop” in 1990, and the full-time artist in 1991. Carole Bender has written the strip since 2001.
The Oklahoma-based Benders also work with the Oklahoma Cartoonists’ Collection, housed at the museum.
– Matt Price
Happy Mother’s Day
Much thanks to my mom, my kids’ mom, and all the other moms out there. You don’t get enough credit. (Calvin and Hobbes comic from Simply Calvin and Hobbes; check out http://www.simplych.com for more information about the strip.)
– Matt Price
Eisner award nominees announced
Pop on over to The Beat to see a complete list of this year’s Eisner nominees. With 148 nominations in 29 categories, this is going to be one looooong Eisner ceremony.
Good to see some love for longtime Nerdage faves Matt Fraction and Matt Silady.
And since I’m on a Caniff kick, it’s gratifying to see IDW’s “Terry and the Pirates” reprints getting some love as well.
– Matt Price
Matt goes on a Buck Rogers kick
If you’re as excited about the Buck Rogers announcement of new comics from Dynamite as I am, you can bide the time with other Buck-Rogers-related entertainment. For example, you can check out full episodes of the TV series free on NBC.com. Find out more about the comic strip at Toonopedia. I haven’t found any info about reprints of the comic strip, but if I do, I’ll post it. Dynamite’s release does indicate that reprints of classic material are included in their license, so maybe we’ll see reprints of the 1970s series and the original comic strip.
– Matt Price
Illinois’ Dick Tracy Museum to close
In sad news for fans of gumshoe Dick Tracy, created by Oklahoma’s Chester Gould, the Dick Tracy Museum of Woodstock, Ill., is slated to close.
The Chicago Tribune reports the Gould estate could no longer fund the museum, which opened in 1991, and it will close in June. Family members plan to make an internet site highlighting some of Gould’s letters and strips as a more accessible replacement.
– Matt Price
