Nancy (comic strip) explained

Nancy
Current:Olivia Jaimes (2018–present)
Status:Running
Syndicate:United Feature Syndicate / United Media / Andrews McMeel Syndication
First:October 30, 1938 (title changed from Fritzi Ritz)
Genre:Surreal humor, gag-a-day, satire, slice of life
Preceded By:Fritzi Ritz
Nancy
Series:Nancy
First:January 2, 1933
Gender:Female
Family:Fritzi Ritz (aunt)

Nancy is an American comic strip, originally written and drawn by Ernie Bushmiller and distributed by United Feature Syndicate and Andrews McMeel Syndication.[1] Its origins lie in Fritzi Ritz, a strip Bushmiller inherited from its creator Larry Whittington in 1925. After Fritzi's niece Nancy was introduced in 1933, Fritzi Ritz evolved to focus more and more on Nancy instead of Fritzi. The new strip took the old one's daily slot, while Fritzi Ritz continued as a Sunday, with Nancy taking the Sunday slot previously filled by Bushmiller's Phil Fumble strip beginning on October 30, 1938.[2]

History

1922 to 1982

The character of Nancy, a precocious eight-year-old, first appeared in the strip Fritzi Ritz, a comic about a professional actress and her family and friends. Larry Whittington began Fritzi Ritz in 1922,[3] and it was taken over by Bushmiller three years later. On January 2, 1933, Bushmiller introduced Fritzi's niece, Nancy.[4] In 1949, he was quoted as saying that he originally intended Nancy "just as an incidental character and I planned to keep her for about a week and then dump her ... But the little dickens was soon stealing the show and Bushmiller, the ingrate, was taking all the bows."[5] Nancy became the focus of the daily strip, which was renamed for her in 1938 after Lawrence W. Hager, the editor of the Owensboro, Kentucky Inquirer-Messenger (now the Messenger-Inquirer), lobbied for the change;[5] [6] Sluggo Smith, Nancy's friend from the "wrong side of the tracks" had been introduced earlier that year, and the strip's popularity rose. Comics historian Don Markstein ascribed the strip's success to Bushmiller's "bold, clear art style, combined with his ability to construct a type of gag that appealed to a very broad audience.

Fritzi Ritz became a secondary character, although her solo strip continued as a Sunday-only strip, where her relationship with Phil Fumble (who'd been featured in his own Sunday topper strip since 1932) was an ongoing presence until his departure in 1968. Fritzi Ritz continued as a Sunday feature (with Nancy as a topper) until that year when it too was replaced with Nancy permanently. At its peak in the 1970s, Nancy ran in more than 880 newspapers, before falling to 79 shortly before Guy Gilchrist's departure from the strip in 2018.[7]

1982 to 2018

After Bushmiller's death in 1982, the strip was produced by different writers and artists. Mark Lasky briefly handled the daily strip in 1982/1983 until his death from cancer at age 29. Al Plastino worked on Sunday episodes of Nancy from 1982 to 1984 after Bushmiller died. During that period, David Letterman showed on TV a Nancy panel with Plastino's signature and made a joke about Plastino as a superhero name. (Letterman's writers were apparently unaware that Plastino was known for his superheroes.)

The daily strip was handed to Jerry Scott in 1983 and the Sunday in 1985. Scott gradually started to draw the strip in a much different, more modern style than other incarnations. In 1994, the syndicate sought a replacement for Scott; applicants included Ivan Brunetti[8] and Gary Hallgren.[9] In 1995, Guy and Brad Gilchrist were given control of the strip; Guy Gilchrist subsequently became the sole writer and illustrator.

Daily credits, post-Bushmiller:

Sunday credits:

2018 to present

After 22 years, Gilchrist's last Nancy strip came out on February 18, 2018, which involved the marriage between the characters of Fritzi Ritz and Phil Fumble.[10] The strip resumed on April 9 with a "21st-century female perspective" by Olivia Jaimes (a pen name), the strip's first female creator. At the time of the announcement, 75 newspapers still ran the strip. Jaimes said, "Nancy has been my favorite sassy grouch for a long time. I'm excited to be sassy and grouchy through her voice instead of just mine" and "the Nancy I know and love is a total jerk and also gluttonous and also has big feelings and voraciously consumes her world". Comics historian Tom Spurgeon described Jaimes as funny and talented, with an approach to the character that both breaks with and pays homage to Bushmiller's version.[11] [12] [13]

In the process, Jaimes updated the content of the strip, such as Nancy frequently using her smartphone and attending robotics classes. The September 3, 2018, strip spawned an Internet meme, depicting Nancy riding a hoverboard using two phones, one of which was attached to a selfie stick, and proclaiming that "Sluggo is lit." Jaimes described her aim with that strip to "most upset the person who likes me the least ... somebody who's like, 'Nancy sucks now' ... what I imagine my greatest hater would despise most is Nancy interacting with every piece of technology using words you don't understand."

In May 2024 Jaimes announced that she would take 'a temporary break' from Nancy, and that a host of guest artists would take the strip on for limited periods.[14] The first artist to do so was Leigh Luna, starting with a Sunday page on 23 June 2024.

Art styles

The artists who followed Bushmiller drew in a range of styles that deviated distinctly from his deceptively simple approach. Despite the changes in art style over the years, however, it is Bushmiller's work that is still most closely identified with the strip.

Bushmiller refined and simplified his drawing style over the years to create a uniquely stylized comic world. The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language illustrates its entry on comic strip with a Nancy cartoon. Despite the small size of the reproduction, both the art and the gag are clear, and an eye-tracking survey once determined that Nancy was so conspicuous that it was the first strip most people viewed on a newspaper comics page.

In a 1988 essay, "How to Read Nancy", Mark Newgarden and Paul Karasik offered a probing analysis of Bushmiller's strip:

Comics theorist Scott McCloud described the essence of Nancy:

Cartoonist Wally Wood described Nancys design more succinctly: "By the time you decided not to read it, you already had."

Characters

Primary characters

Secondary characters

Awards

Bushmiller won the National Cartoonists Society's Humor Comic Strip Award for 1961 and the Society's Reuben Award for Best Cartoonist of the Year in 1976.[52]

In 1995, the strip was selected as one of the 20 in the "Comic Strip Classics" series of commemorative U.S. postage stamps.

Comic books

There were first several Fritzi Ritz comic stories in comics published by United Feature Syndicate. These include Fritzi Ritz No. 1 (1948), 3–7 (1949), #27–36 (1953–1954); United Comics #8–36 (1950–1953); Tip Topper Comics #1–28 (1949–1954); St John published Fritzi Ritz #37–55 (1955–1957). Dell published Fritzi Ritz #56–59 (1957–1958)

Nancy appeared in comic books—initially in a 1940s comic strip reprint title from United Feature, later St. John Publications and later in a Dell comic written by John Stanley. Titled Nancy and Sluggo, United Feature published #16–23 (1949–1954), St. John published #121–145 (1955–1957). Titled Nancy, until retitled Nancy and Sluggo with issue No. 174, Dell published #146–187 (1957–1962). (Hy Eisman produced some of Dell's Nancy stories in 1960–61.[53] Gold Key published #188–192 (1962–1963). Dell also published Dell Giants devoted to Nancy (#35, No. 45 and "Traveltime"), and a Four Color #1034. Nancy and Sluggo also appeared in stories in Tip Top Comics published by United Feature (#1–188), St. Johns (#189–210), and Dell (#211–225), Sparkler #1–120 (1941–1954) and Sparkle #1–33 (1953–1954) published by United Feature. Fritzi Ritz and Nancy appeared in several Comics on Parade (#32, 35, 38, 41, 44, 47, 50, 53, 55, 57, 60–104) published by United Feature.

Nancy was reprinted in the British comic paper The Topper, between the 1950s and the 1970s. Nancy also had its own monthly comic book magazine of newspaper reprints in Norway (where the strip is known as Trulte) during 1956–1959.

Animation

Nancy was featured in two animated shorts by the Terrytoons studio in 1942: Doing Their Bit and School Daze.[54] A third cartoon, Nancy's Little Theatre, was announced with a release date of October 16, 1942,[55] but seems not to have been completed; Motion Picture Herald was the only trade journal to include it in booking listings, and later pulled it.[56]

In 1971, several newly created Nancy and Sluggo cartoons appeared on the Saturday morning cartoon series Archie's TV Funnies, which starred the Archie Comic Series characters running a television station. Nancy appeared along with seven other comic strip characters: Emmy Lou, Broom-Hilda, Dick Tracy, The Dropouts, Moon Mullins, the Captain and the Kids and Smokey Stover. The series lasted one season. In 1978, she was also featured in several segments of Filmation's animated show Fabulous Funnies, a repackaging of Archie's TV Funnies material minus the Archie characters wraparounds.[57]

Foreign versions

Nancy has been translated into a variety of languages, often with changes to characters' names. In Sweden, the strip is called Lisa och Sluggo. In French, Nancy is called Philomène in Canada, and Zoé in France, where the strip is called Arthur et Zoé (Arthur being the French name of Sluggo). Nancy also appeared on the back cover of the popular Arabic children magazine Majid during the 80s, she was known as Moza while Sluggo was portrayed as her brother Rashoud. In Mexico she is known as Periquita, while Sluggo is called Tito. In Brazil, Nancy and Sluggo were called Xuxuquinha and Marciano in the 60s and in the following decade as Tico and Teca (Sluggo and Nancy respectively).

Cultural references

Bushmiller's artwork has inspired other artists:

Comics
Other media

Collections

Comic strip (by Ernie Bushmiller)
Comic book (by John Stanley)
Comic strip (by Olivia Jaimes)

Random Acts of Nancy

A spin-off titled Random Acts of Nancy began March 19, 2014, consisting of sampled single panels of Nancy comics drawn by Ernie Bushmiller.[67] Following Guy Gilchrist's departure from Nancy, this strip was discontinued.

Nancy's Genius Plan

On October 1, 2019, Andrew McMeel Publishing released a spin-off board book, Nancy's Genius Plan, written and illustrated by Jaimes. In the book, Nancy's attempts to eat a slice of Fritzi's cornbread are aided by the reader, who is supposed to move the book in accordance with Nancy's commands.

Further reading

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Andrews McMeel Syndication - Home . syndication.andrewsmcmeel.com . March 18, 2021.
  2. Book: Holtz . Allan . American Newspaper Comics: An Encyclopedic Reference Guide . 2012 . The University of Michigan Press . Ann Arbor . 9780472117567 . 283.
  3. https://www.hoganmag.com/blog/fritzi-ritz-before-bushmiller-shes-come-a-long-way-baby "Fritzi Ritz Before Bushmiller: She's Come a Long Way, Baby!"
  4. Web site: The Lawrence Welk of Cartoonists: Ernie, Nancy, and the Bushmiller Society. Harvey. R. C.. April 10, 2012. 2012-04-10.
  5. Virginia Irwin, 'Nancy: Ernie Bushmiller Rates High as Comic Artist, but He Wasn't Doing So Good Until Little Girl With Bangs Popped Out of an Ink Bottle', St Louis Post-Dispatch, February 13, 1949 p. 63
  6. "'Nancy' took Ernie Bushmiller into big time of comic strips' Owensboro, Kentucky Inquirer, June 30, 1948 p. 3
  7. Schmitt, Brad. "'Nancy' comic strip's Guy Gilchrist to step away after 22 years of Sluggo-ing it out," USA TODAY (January 2, 2018).
  8. http://mikelynchcartoons.blogspot.ca/2007/08/i-almost-drew-nancy-by-ivan-brunetti.html I ALMOST DREW NANCY
  9. http://www.garyhallgren.com/upload/portfolio/250_1.jpg garyhallgren.com gallery
  10. News: 'Nancy' comic strip's Guy Gilchrist to step away after 22 years of Sluggo-ing it out. Schmitt. Brad. The Tennessean. January 2, 2018. January 9, 2018.
  11. News: For the first time in her 85 years, 'Nancy' will be drawn by a woman. Cavna. Michael. The Washington Post. April 8, 2018. April 9, 2018.
  12. News: The private cartoonist behind 'Nancy' will make her public debut at the CXC festival . Michael Cavna . September 20, 2018 . The Washington Post. December 2, 2018.
  13. Web site: Olivia Jaimes, the Mysterious Cartoonist Behind Nancy, Gives Rare Interview . Riesman . Abraham . . November 26, 2018 . November 26, 2018.
  14. D. D. Degg, 'Olivia Jaimes to take a leave from Nancy' The Daily Cartoonist 26 May 2024 https://www.dailycartoonist.com/index.php/2024/05/26/olivia-jaimes-to-take-a-leave-from-nancy/
  15. Web site: . Nancy . September 7, 2009 . Universal Uclick.
  16. Web site: Comic Strip Nancy Shines International Spotlight on Beloved Hometown This Weekend, Revealing Location of Fictional Suburb 'Three Rocks' . nancyandsluggo.com . September 6, 2013 . 2013-09-12.
  17. Web site: Nancy by Olivia Jaimes for March 16, 2020 . GoComics . 2022-02-21.
  18. Rod Mickleburgh, 'Carry On, Nancy' Vancouver Sun April 28, 1976 p. 4
  19. Ernie Bushmiller, "Fritzi Ritz" Moline, Illinois Dispatch February 2, 1933, p. 14
  20. Charlie Upchurch, 'Relationship Goals: Nancy and Sluggo through the years' https://www.gocomics.com/comics/lists/1721862/relationship-goals-nancy-and-sluggo
  21. Web site: Nancy by Olivia Jaimes for July 24, 2018 . GoComics . 2022-02-21.
  22. Web site: Nancy by Olivia Jaimes for October 22, 2020 . GoComics . 2022-02-21.
  23. Web site: Nancy by Olivia Jaimes for July 12, 2019 . GoComics . 2022-02-21.
  24. Web site: Nancy by Olivia Jaimes for July 31, 2018 . GoComics . 2022-02-21.
  25. Web site: Nancy by Olivia Jaimes for June 17, 2022 . GoComics . 2022-06-17.
  26. Web site: Nancy by Olivia Jaimes for October 21, 2020 . GoComics . 2022-02-21.
  27. Web site: Nancy by Olivia Jaimes for April 10, 2021 . GoComics . 2022-02-21.
  28. Web site: Nancy by Olivia Jaimes for May 20, 2022 . GoComics . 2022-05-19.
  29. Web site: Nancy by Olivia Jaimes for March 21, 2020 . GoComics . 2022-02-21.
  30. Web site: Nancy by Olivia Jaimes for September 28, 2022 . GoComics . 2023-05-09.
  31. Web site: Nancy by Olivia Jaimes for December 13, 2022 . GoComics . 2023-05-09.
  32. Web site: Nancy by Olivia Jaimes for January 11, 2023 . GoComics . 2023-05-09.
  33. Web site: Nancy by Olivia Jaimes for March 23, 2023 . GoComics . 2023-05-09.
  34. Web site: Nancy by Olivia Jaimes for March 27, 2023 . GoComics . 2023-05-09.
  35. Web site: Nancy by Olivia Jaimes for May 21, 2018 . GoComics . 2022-02-21.
  36. Web site: Nancy by Olivia Jaimes for November 26, 2020 . GoComics . 2022-02-21.
  37. Web site: Nancy by Olivia Jaimes for September 08, 2021 . GoComics . 2022-02-21.
  38. Web site: Nancy by Olivia Jaimes for May 18, 2020 . GoComics . 2022-02-21.
  39. Web site: Nancy by Olivia Jaimes for February 15, 2020 GoComics.com. Jaimes. Olivia. February 15, 2020. GoComics. en. 2020-02-15.
  40. Web site: Nancy by Olivia Jaimes for May 29, 2019 . GoComics . 2022-02-21.
  41. Web site: Nancy by Olivia Jaimes for December 06, 2018 . GoComics . 2022-02-21.
  42. Web site: Nancy by Olivia Jaimes for July 10, 2020 . GoComics . 2022-02-21.
  43. Web site: Nancy by Olivia Jaimes for April 27, 2018 . GoComics . 2022-02-21.
  44. http://www.toonopedia.com/oona.htm Toonopedia entry for Oona Goosepimple
  45. see for instance Ernie Bushmiller "Fritzi Ritz" San Mateo Times January 24, 1933, p. 9; a 'new boyfriend' is announced in Ernie Bushmiller, "Fritzi Ritz" Tulare Advance-Register February 18, 1933, p. 4
  46. see for instance Ernie Bushmiller, "Phil Fumble", Napa Valley Register July 16, 1932 p. 12
  47. Ernie Bushmiller, "Fritzi Ritz" Moline, Illinois Dispatch January 13, 1933 p. 24
  48. Ernie Bushmiller "Fritzi Ritz" Chico Record February 11, 1933 p. 7
  49. Web site: Nancy by Olivia Jaimes for June 27, 2018 . GoComics . 2022-02-21.
  50. Web site: Nancy by Olivia Jaimes for September 23, 2019 . GoComics . 2022-02-21.
  51. Ernie Bushmiller "Fritzy Ritzi: A Catsy Trick" Tulare Advance-Register January 18, 1933 p.6
  52. Web site: Reuben Award Winners 1946–present. April 15, 2012. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20120420080045/http://www.reuben.org/reuben.html. April 20, 2012. mdy-all.
  53. http://cartoonician.com/getting-hy-on-comics-a-profile-of-hy-eisman/ "A Profile of Hy Eisman"
  54. Book: Lenburg . Jeff . The Encyclopedia of Animated Cartoons . 1999 . Checkmark Books . 0-8160-3831-7 . June 6, 2020 . registration . 113.
  55. . Color Subject Titles Listed by Movietone . Showmen's Trade Review . New York . Charles E. "Chick" Lewis . October 3, 1942 . September 23, 2023.
  56. . Shorts Chart . Motion Picture Herald . New York . Quigley Publishing Co. . November 7, 1942 . September 23, 2023.
  57. Book: Scheimer . Lou . Creating the Filmation Generation . 2015 . TwoMorrows Publishing . 978-1-60549-044-1 . 157 . 2nd.
  58. http://www.scottmccloud.com/4-inventions/nancy/index.html 5-card Nancy
  59. Web site: Pearls Before Swine by Stephan Pastis, May 16, 2003 Via @GoComics. Pastis. Stephan. GoComics. 2016-10-12.
  60. http://www.thrillingdetective.com/trivia/triv234.html If Mickey Spillane Wrote Nancy
  61. Web site: elmashojaldra Karma Tycoon . Meanwhile in Mafalda's comic strip... | Childhood Enhanced . Know Your Meme . April 29, 2013 . 2022-02-21.
  62. Web site: Archives.
  63. Web site: Katz & Goldt Hommage an Ernie Bushmiller. 2022-06-08. de.
  64. Web site: Katz & Goldt Vierzig Millionen. 2022-06-13. de.
  65. Web site: Mystery Hoard: ROMA IS LIT!. January 29, 2019.
  66. Web site: GDC entry. March 25, 2012.
  67. Web site: Gilchrist . Guy . Comics RSS for Random Acts of Nancy . Comicsrss.com . July 6, 2019.