United Feature Syndicate Explained
United Feature Syndicate, Inc. (UFS) is a large American editorial column and comic strip newspaper syndication service based in the United States and established in 1919. Originally part of E. W. Scripps Company, it was part of United Media (along with the Newspaper Enterprise Association) from 1978 to 2011, and is now a division of Andrews McMeel Syndication. United Features has syndicated many notable comic strips, including Peanuts, Garfield, Li'l Abner, Dilbert, Nancy, and Marmaduke.
History
United Feature Syndicate was formed in 1919.[1] [2] From 1922 to 1958, United Features was the column, feature (and comics) division of Scripps' United Press Association. Authors syndicated by United Features in its early years included Frank A. Vanderlip, Octavus Roy Cohen, David Lloyd George, Vicente Blasco Ibáñez, Herbert Hoover, Sinclair Lewis, Benito Mussolini, Édouard Herriot, and Heywood Broun.[3]
It became a dominant player in the syndication market in the early 1930s. In March 1930, United Features acquired the Metropolitan Newspaper Service (ostensibly from the Bell Syndicate). And in late February 1931, Scripps acquired the New York World, which controlled the syndication arms of the Pulitzer company: World Feature Service and Press Publishing Co. (which unlike other syndicates were owned by the paper rather than being separate entities).
The Metropolitan Newspaper Service acquisition brought over the comic strips Tarzan and Ella Cinders. The World Feature Service acquisition brought over the comic strips The Captain and the Kids, Everyday Movies, Fritzi Ritz, Hawkshaw the Detective, Joe Jinks, and Little Mary Mixup. From this point, United Features became a successful distributor of newspaper comics,[4] for the first time distributing color Sunday strips. An April 1933 article in Fortune described United Features as one of the "Big Four" American syndicates (along with King Features Syndicate, Chicago Tribune Syndicate, and the Bell Syndicate).[5]
In 1934, United Features launched its first original strip, Al Capp's Li'l Abner. As Li'l Abner's popularity increased, creator Capp lampooned United Features in his strip-within-a-strip, Fearless Fosdick, which featured the abusive and corrupt "Squeezeblood Syndicate."
Robert M. Hall was a sales manager at United Features starting in 1935; he left in 1944 to start the Post Syndicate.
From 1936 to 1954, United Feature published their own line of comic books, using their comic strip features as characters. Lev Gleason, who in the 1940s and 1950s published a number of popular comics titles, was an editor at United Feature in the beginning, including the company's first title, Tip Top Comics.[6] Three United Feature titles published more than 100 issues: Tip Top Comics (188 issues, Apr. 1936–Sept./Oct. 1954), Sparkler Comics (120 issues, July 1941–Nov./Dec. 1954), and Comics on Parade (104 issues, Apr. 1938–Feb. 1955). The company even created its own original superheroes: Iron Vic, Mirror Man, and Spark Man (none of whom caught on). After ending the United Feature comics line in 1954, a few of their titles would be continued by St. John Publications. The rest of their comic book properties were acquired by Dell Comics in 1958.
In 1968, United Features syndicated about 50 features to 1500 clients.[7]
In 1972, United Features Syndicate acquired and absorbed the North American Newspaper Alliance and the Bell-McClure Syndicate into its operations.[8]
In May 1978 Scripps merged United Feature Syndicate and the Newspaper Enterprise Association to form United Media Enterprises.[9] [10] United Media continued to syndicate strips under the United Feature Syndicate brand.
In 1994, Jim Davis's company, Paws, Inc., purchased the rights to Garfield (including the strips from 1978 to 1993) from United Features. The strip is currently distributed by Andrews McMeel Syndication, while rights for the strip remain with Paws.
On February 24, 2011, United Media struck a distribution deal with Universal Uclick (now known as Andrews McMeel Syndication) for syndication of the company's 150 comic strip and news features, which became effective on June 1 of that year.[11] [12] While United Media effectively ceased to exist,[13] Scripps still maintains copyrights and intellectual property rights.[14] [15] The United Feature Syndicate brand still continues to be used on many strips.
United Feature Syndicate comic strips
Current United Features strips
Branded UFS
Branded Andrews-McMeel
Former and concluded United Features strips
- Abbie an' Slats by Al Capp and Raeburn Van Buren (July 12, 1937 – January 30, 1971)[21]
- Alice in Wonderland by Edward D. Kuekes and Olive Ray Scott (1934-1935) — based on the Lewis Carroll book[22]
- Ask Shagg by Peter Guren (1980–1995; moved to Creators Syndicate)[23]
- Back Home Again by Ed Dodd (1930 – 1945)
- Berry's World by Jim Berry (1963 – 2003)
- Billy Make Believe by Harry E. Homan (begun 1934; end-date uncertain)[24] [25]
- Biography (June 1, 1986[26] –1991)[27] by John Roman[28] (1986–1989) and Steve McGarry (1989–1991)
- Broncho Bill by Harry O'Neill (1928–1950) and then Fred L. Meagher[29] (1950–1956)[30] — originally Young Buffalo Bill (1928–c. 1930), then Buckaroo Bill (c. 1930–1932), then Broncho Bill (1932–1955), then Buffalo Bill (1955–1956); an early Western strip about a group called The Boy Rangers[31]
- The Captain and the Kids by Rudolph Dirks and later John Dirks (1919–1979) — acquired from World Feature Service in 1931
- Casey Ruggles by Warren Tufts (1949 – 1954)
- Committed by Michael Fry (1994 – 2006)
- Condorito originally by René Pepo Ríos (13 August 1949 – 1993; moved to Universal Press Syndicate)
- Cow and Boy by Mark Leiknes (2006–2012)
- Cynical Susie by Laverne Harding and "Becky Sharp" (Helen Sharp) (1933–c. 1937)[32] [33]
- Dickey's Dogs (also known as Buddie and his Friends, Just Dogs, and then after being acquired by UFS, Mr. and Mrs. Beans and then Buster Beans) by Robert L. Dickey (July 14, 1919 – July 21, 1940)[34] — acquired in 1930 from Metropolitan Newspaper Service
- Diesel Sweeties by Richard Stevens III (January 2007 – August 2008) — returned to web distribution
- Dilbert by Scott Adams (1989–2011;[35] moved to Universal Uclick/Andrews McMeel Syndication, where it continues today)
- The Doings of the Duffs originally by Walter R. Allman, then Ben Batsford & Buford Tune (1928 – 1931; originated with the Newspaper Enterprise Association in 1925)[36]
- The Dropouts by Howard Post (1968 – 1981)[37]
- Ella Cinders by Bill Conselman and Charles Plumb (June 1, 1925 – 1961) — acquired in 1930 from Metropolitan Newspaper Service
- Everyday Movies (also known as Metropolitan Movies) by Denys Wortman (1931–1954) — gag panel acquired from World Feature Service where it originated in 1921
- Ferd'nand by Henning Dahl Mikkelsen (Nov. 1937–2012)
- The Doodle Family (later Frankie Doodle) by Ben Batsford (1934 – 1938)
- Freshly Squeezed by Ed Stein (September 20, 2010 – October 19, 2014; in reruns)
- Fritzi Ritz, originally by Larry Whittington (1922 – 1938; Sundays 1929 – 1968) — acquired from World Feature Service in 1931
- Funny Side Up by Abner Dean (1940–c. 1941)
- Gamin and Patches by Mort Walker (April 27, 1987 – 1988)[38]
- Geech by Jerry Bittle (2000-2003; inherited from Universal Press Syndicate where it debuted in 1982
- Good Old Days by Erwin L. Hess (June 9, 1946 – March 29, 1981)[39]
- Gordo by Gus Arriola (November 24, 1941 – March 2, 1985)[40]
- Grin and Bear It by George Lichty (March 1932 – 1940; moved to Field Newspaper Syndicate and eventually King Features, where it ran until 2015)
- Hap Hopper, Washington Correspondent (1940 – May 14, 1949) by Jack Sparling, William Laas, Drew Pearson, and Robert S. Allen[41]
- Hawkshaw the Detective, originally by Gus Mager (1913 – 1922, 1931 – 1952) — acquired from World Feature Service in 1931
- Herman by Jim Unger (1975–1992)
- Howdy Doody written by Edward Kean & Stan Lee, and illustrated by Chad Grothkopf (October 15, 1950 – June 21, 1953)[42] — Sunday strip only
- It's Only a Game by Charles M. Schulz and Jim Sasseville (October 1957 – January 1959)[43]
- Jane's World by Paige Braddock (April 1, 2002 – October 19, 2018)
- Jim Hardy by Dick Moores (1936 – 1942)[44]
- Joe's Car by Victor Forsythe (1918–1928); became Joe Jinks (1928–1934); became Joe Jinks & Dynamite Dunn (1934–1945) by Pete Llanuza (1934–1936) and Sam Leff & Mo Leff (1944–1945); became Curly Kayoe by Henry Formhals (1945-1953)[45] — acquired from World Feature Service in 1931
- John Carter of Mars by John Coleman Burroughs (December 7, 1941–March 1943)
- Judge Wright by Robert Bernstein and Bob Fujitani (September 10, 1945 – April 3, 1948)[46]
- Li'l Abner by Al Capp[47] (August 13, 1934 – 1964; moved to Chicago Tribune New York News Syndicate)[48]
- Little Mary Mixup by Robert Moore Brinkerhof (1917–1956) — acquired from World Feature Service in 1931
- Long Sam by Al Capp and Bob Lubbers (1954 – 1962)[49]
- Mamie by Russell Patterson (1951–1956)
- Meg! by Greg Curfman (1997–c. 2007; in reruns)
- Mitzi McCoy (later titled Kevin the Bold, then Up Anchor) by Kreigh Collins (November 7, 1948 – 1972)[50]
- Off the Leash by W. B. Park (1989–1999)[51]
- Oh! Margy by John Held Jr. (April 6, 1924 – May 22, 1927)[52]
- Ophelia and Jake by Heidi Stetson[53] (January 25, 1988 – August 18, 1991)[54]
- Queen of the Universe by Sam Hurt (1990–1992)
- Race Riley and the Commandos by Milburn Rosser (1940s)
- The Real-Great Adventures of Terr’ble Thompson!, Hero of History, by Gene Deitch (October 16, 1955 – April 14, 1956)[55]
- Rudy by William Overgard (January 3, 1983 – December 22, 1985)
- Rudy Park by Theron Heir and Darrin Bell (2011–c. 2011; moved to Washington Post Writers Group, where it concluded in 2018)
- Secret Asian Man by Tak Toyoshima (July 16, 2007 – September 19, 2009)
- Skylark by Elmer Woggon (1929)
- Spot the Frog by Mark Heath (January 5, 2004 – July 5, 2008)
- Spunkie by Loy Byrnes (December 16, 1940 – March 21, 1942)[56]
- Star Hawks by Gil Kane and Ron Goulart (c. 1979 – May 2, 1981) — inherited from NEA, where it launched in 1977)[57]
- The Sunshine Club by Howie Schneider (October 6, 2003 – 2007; in reruns)
- Suzie View by Tauhid Bondia and Erik McCurdy (September 2004 – March 8, 2005)
- Tailspin Tommy by Hal Forrest (1940–1942; continued from Bell Syndicate where it was launched in 1928)[58]
- There Oughta Be a Law! (c. 1972–c. 1984) by Frank Borth, Warren Whipple, and Mort Gerberg — acquired from Bell-McClure Syndicate, where it was launched in 1944
- Tubby by Doc Winner (March 19, 1923 – June 5, 1926)[59]
- Twin Earths by Oskar Lebeck and Alden McWilliams (1952–1963)
- Up Front by Bill Mauldin
- U.S. Acres (AKA Orson's Farm or Orson's Place) by Jim Davis (1986 – 1989)[60]
- Wee Pals (1970s–c. 1987; moved to Creators Syndicate) — came over from Lew Little Enterprises
- Wright Angles by Larry Wright (1976-1990)[61]
United Feature comic books (selected)
- The Captain and the Kids (17 issues, 1949–1953)
- Comics on Parade (104 issues, Apr. 1938–Feb. 1955)
- Curly Kayoe (7 issues, 1946–1950)
- Fritzi Ritz (15 issues, 1949, Mar./Apr. 1953–Sept./Oct. 1954) — continued by St. John Publications
- Nancy and Sluggo (8 issues, 1949–1954) — continued by St. John Publications
- Single Series (30 issues, 1938–1942)
- Sparkle Comics (33 issues, Oct./Nov. 1948–Dec. 1953/Jan. 1954)
- Sparkler Comics (120 issues, July 1941–Nov./Dec. 1954)
- Tip Top Comics (188 issues, Apr. 1936–Sept./Oct. 1954) — continued by St. John Publications
- Tip Topper Comics (28 issues, Oct./Nov. 1949–Apr./May 1954)
- United Comics (19 issues, 1950–Jan./Feb. 1953)
Syndicated editorial cartoons
Syndicated columns
- A+ Advice for Parents: Helping Your Child Succeed in School by Leanna Landsmann
- The Aces on Bridge by Bobby Wolff
- Among Friends by Tad Bartimus
- Animal Doctor by Michael Fox, D.V.M.
- Ask Mr. Know-It-All by Gary Lee Clothier
- From Consumer Reports
- Cook Well, Eat Well by Dana Carpender
- Desperation Dinners by Beverly Mills and Alicia Ross
- Eat in and Save by Marialisa Calta
- First Aid for the Ailing House by Henri deMarne
- Frugal Living by Sara Noel
- Dr. Gott by Peter Gott
- Harper's Magazine
- The Harvard Medical School Adviser
- The Housing Scene by Lew Sichelman
- Dick Kleiner
- Harvey Mackay
- Mary Mitchell
- Miss Manners by Judith Martin
- The New Republic
- NextSteps by Jan L. Warner and Jan K. Collins
- On Nutrition by Ed Blonz
- Parent-to-Parent by Betsy Flagler
- Parenting by the staff of Parenting magazine
- Salon
- Smart Money by Bruce Williams
- Soap Opera Review by Nancy Johnson
- Starlight
- Sweet Land of Liberty by Nat Hentoff
- Talking Money with Jean Chatzky
- Tune in Tomorrow by Nancy Reichardt
- Tune in Tonight by Kevin McDonough
- Diana West
- workplace911 by Bob Rosner
- World Almanac Databank
- You Be the Critic by Bob Habes
- Your Birthday by Stella Wilder
- Your Stars This Week by Stella Wilder
Licensed properties
Discontinued features
Notes and References
- Booker, M. Keith. "United Feature Syndicate," in Comics through Time: A History of Icons, Idols, and Ideas (ABC-CLIO, 2014), p. 399.
- "United Feature Syndicate Buys Metropolitan Service From Elser: Both Firms Will Retain Separate Identities, With Elser Remaining as Vice-President — Monte Bourjaily to Direct Both Organizations," Editor & Publisher (March 15, 1930). Archived at "News of Yore 1930: Another Syndicate Gobbled," Stripper's Guide (May 4, 2010).
- Hudson, Frederic, Alfred McClung Lee, and Frank Luther Mott. American Journalism 1690-1940, Volume 4 (Psychology Press, 2000), p. 591.
- Ron Goulart, The Adventurous Decade. Arlington House, New Rochelle, N.Y. 1975. (p. 26-7,93-5).
- [Jeet Heer]
- Web site: Gleason, Lev . Who's Who of American Comic Books, 1928–1999 . Jerry . Bails . Jerry Bails . Hames . Ware . January 8, 2014 . https://web.archive.org/web/20150908040248/http://www.bailsprojects.com/bio.aspx?Name=GLEASON%2C%2BLEV . September 8, 2015 . live .
- Maley. Don. 30 November 1968. Super Roads to Riches are Paved with Comics. Editor & Publisher. 15 November 2023.
- Astor, Dave. "Goldberg To Retire From United Media," Editor & Publisher (December 17, 2001): "The executive joined United in 1972 when it bought Bell McClure Syndicate and North American Newspaper Alliance, where Goldberg was president."
- News: May 19, 1978 . News Features Services Merge As United Media . . 2015-02-23 .
- "United Features consolidates," The Comics Journal #44 (Jan. 1979), p. 17.
- http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/universal-uclick-to-provide-syndicate-services-for-united-media-116811443.html Universal Uclick to Provide Syndicate Services for United Media
- http://www.editorandpublisher.com/Magazine/united-media-outsources-content-to-universal-uclick-64912-.aspx United Media Outsources Content to Universal Uclick
- News: Cavna . Michael . July 1, 2011 . RIP, UNITED MEDIA: A century-old syndicate closes its historic doors. .
- http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/universal-uclick-to-provide-syndicate-services-for-united-media-116811443.html Universal Uclick to Provide Syndicate Services for United Media
- http://www.editorandpublisher.com/Magazine/united-media-outsources-content-to-universal-uclick-64912-.aspx
- Astor, Dave. "Comic Creator and ‘Cartoonist Profiles’ Editor Jud Hurd Dies," Editor & Publisher (September 19, 2005).
- Gardner, Alan. "MIKE THOMPSON JOINS STEVE BREEN ON GRANDE [sic] AVENUE," The Daily Cartoonist (February 5, 2009).
- Willett, Johanna. "Comic strip creators talk life, laughs," Arizona Daily Star (July 13, 2014).
- https://lambiek.net/artists/m/mcgarry_steve.htm McGarry entry
- E&P Staff. "‘World of Wonder’ Celebrates a Decade in Syndication," Editor & Publisher (September 2, 2010).
- http://www.toonopedia.com/abnslats.htm Abbie and Slats
- Dave Strickler, Syndicated comic strips and artists, 1924-1995 : the complete index, Cambria, Cal. :Comics Access, 1995. (p. 150, 172)
- Astor, David (July 29, 1995). "'Shagg' to Creators". Editor & Publisher. Pg. 34
- http://toonopedia.com/bilmkbel.htm''Billy Make Believe
- [Ron Goulart]
- Thompson, Maggie. "TURNING POINTS by Maggie Thompson," Scoop (May 27–June 2, 2016).
- Kleefeld, Sean. "On Strips: Pre-Panther Biographics," Kleefeld on Comics (February 09, 2018).
- https://www.lambiek.net/artists/r/roman_john.htm Roman entry
- [Maurice Horn]
- https://www.lambiek.net/artists/m/meagher_fred.htm Meagher entry
- Markstein, Don. "Broncho Bill," Don Markstein's Toonopedia. Accessed Nov. 23, 2011.
- Holtz, Allan. "Obscurity of the Day: Cynical Susie," Stripper's Guide (April 03, 2017).
- [Trina Robbins]
- Holtz, Allan. "Robert L. Dickey and his Dogs," Stripper's Guide (November 3, 2005).
- Gardner, Alan. "DILBERT LEAVES UNITED MEDIA FOR UNIVERSAL UCLICK (UPDATED)," The Daily Cartoonist (December 28, 2010).
- http://bailsprojects.com/bio.aspx?Name=BATSFORD%2c+BEN Batsford entry
- Ron Goulart,The Funnies : 100 years of American comic strips. Holbrook, Mass. : Adams Pub., 1995. . (pp.66 72,117,148-9,159,176,189,194-5,211)
- http://toonopedia.com/gamin.htm Gamin and Patches
- Jay, Alex. "Ink-Slinger Profiles by Alex Jay: Erwin L. Hess," Stripper's Guide (April 19, 2018).
- Moira Davison Reynolds, Comic Strip Artists in American Newspapers, 1945-1980. McFarland, 2003. (pp. 126-7)
- http://toonopedia.com/haphoppr.htm Hap Hopper
- https://www.lambiek.net/artists/g/grothkopf_chad.htm Grothkopf entry
- Stephen D. Becker, Comic Art In America. (New York : Simon and Schuster, 1959), pp. 159, 326, 327, 366.
- http://toonopedia.com/jimhardy.htm Jim Hardy
- Markstein, Don. "Joe Jinks," Don Markstein's Toonpedia. Accessed Dec. 7, 2017.
- Holtz, Allan. "Obscurity of the Day: Judge Wright," Stripper's Guide (July 07, 2008).
- Web site: Looking Back at the Class of '34. January 17, 2014. cartoonician.com. March 17, 2018.
- Harvey, R.C. "REVIEWS: Al Capp: A Life to the Contrary," The Comics Journal (MAR 14, 2013).
- Heintjes. Tom. The Life (and Death?) of Robin: Bob Lubbers' Robin Malone. Hogan's Alley. 19. Bull Moose Publishing. February 28, 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20160325155058/http://cartoonician.com/the-life-and-death-of-robin-bob-lubbers-robin-malone/. March 25, 2016. live. mdy-all.
- Markstein, Don. "Kevin the Bold," '"Toonpedia. Accessed Nov. 5, 2018.
- News: The Indianapolis Star from Indianapolis, Indiana on November 17, 1987 · Page 16. Newspapers.com. 2016-12-01.
- Holtz, Allan. "Obscurity of the Day: Oh Margy," Stripper's Guide (March 25, 2008).
- [Jeff Rovin]
- Holtz, Allan. "Obscurity of the Day: Ophelia and Jake," Stripper's Guide (September 05, 2009).
- http://www.toonopedia.com/terrble.htm The Real-Great Adventures of Terr’ble Thompson!, Hero of History
- Jay, Alex. "Ink-Slinger Profiles by Alex Jay: Loy Byrnes/Roy B. Nyles," Stripper's Guide (February 19, 2015).
- "An Interview with Gil Kane", The Comics Journal #38 (February 1978), pp. 39-41
- Web site: CollectAir: "Hal Forrest and Tailspin Tommy" . 2018-11-09 . https://web.archive.org/web/20090307223106/http://www.collectair.com/tailspin.html . 2009-03-07 . dead .
- http://strippersguide.blogspot.com/2007/03/obscurity-of-day-tubby.html Holtz, Allan. Stripper's Guide, March 1, 2007.
- Ray Banta, Indiana's Laughmakers : The Story of over 400 Hoosiers : Actors, Cartoonists, Writers, and Others. Indianapolis, Ind. : PennUltimate Press, (pp. 58-64)
- GoComics Team. "'Kit 'N' Carlyle' Creator Larry Wright Passes Away At 77," Go Comics (May 25, 2017).
- https://auislandora.wrlc.org/islandora/object/pearson%3A1 "Drew Pearson's Washington Merry-Go-Round,"