And Krazy Kat, LR, drawn and written by the Great George Herriman?
Here's a quote from Fantagraphics, which just published the complete George Schultz Peanuts, about Krazy Kat. It's on the same advertising web site that features the Schultz book!
(quote)
"In 1999, The Comics Journal named Krazy Kat the greatest example of the artform in the history of the medium. "Krazy Kat has been the acknowledged greatest comic for so long, by so many esteemed critics, that it becomes tempting to knock it from its perch,"
Here's the link to the Fantagraphics site featuring Krazy Kat:
(link)
http://www.fantagraphics.com/classic/kr ... krazy.html
I agree, firsty; it's an absurd claim.
Of course, unfortunately many critics of the comix ( the spelling I prefer-- it suggests the widest range) use the word "success" the way it is used as an epithet to describe Oprah Winfrey, Jack Nicholson, or Donald Trump.
It's true that the Peanuts marketing ( of dolls, logo-ed shirts, etc. ad nauseum) made a lot of money for Charlie Schultz and Company.
Mr. Schultz was arguably one of the best "comic" artists on a newspaper strip. He lacks the virtuoso brushwork of Walt Kelly and the magnificent screwy scratchiness of George Herriman.
I have read a little on Charles Schultz. Like Norman Rockwell, another American art icon ( and a damned good artist all around, too), he was touchingly naive.
As a friend of mine said about a Brazilian couple we both know:
They're very sweet people, but I wouldn't want them responsible for balancing my checkbook.
But, as I said, he was sweet. Here's a bit of trivia while you grind your teeth, firsty. And remember, I agree with your opinion. I also might add that, being from the Northwest myself, such nuttiness as the Seattle paper declaims is familiar.
(Charles Schultz's Philosophy of Life)
The following is the philosophy of Charles Schultz, the creator of the "Peanuts" comic strip.
You don't have to actually answer the questions. Just read the e-mail straight through, and you'll get the point.
1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world.
2. Name the last five Heisman trophy winners.
3. Name the last five winners of the Miss America contest.
4. Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer Prize.
5. Name the last half dozen Academy Award winner for best actor and actress.
6. Name the last decade's worth of World Series winners.
How did you do? The point is, none of us remember the headliners of yesterday. These are no second-rate achievers. They are the best in their fields. But the applause dies. Awards tarnish. Achievements are forgotten. Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners.
Here's another quiz. See how you do on this one:
1. List a few teachers who aided your journey through school.
2. Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time.
3. Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile.
4. Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special.
5. Think of five people you enjoy spending time with.
6. Name half a dozen heroes whose stories have inspired you.
Easier?
The lesson: The people who make a difference in your life are not the ones with the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards. They are the ones that care.
Pass this on to those people who have made a difference in your life.
"Don't worry about the world coming to an end today. It's already tomorrow in New Zealand"
(Charles Schultz)
--Zlatko
