Thimble Theater

I’m still trying to process the 80th Annual Reuben Awards. For three days in Columbus, Ohio; cartoonists, illustrators, wirters, animators, editors, and fans came together to celebrate the people who make this art from so special. The National Cartoonists Society was founding in 1946, and there was something really meaningful about marking 80 years in a city with such a deep connection to cartooning history. Columbus was an amazing host. Between the National Cartoonists Society conference, the Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum, and the energy around Cartoon Crossroads Columbus, the whole weekend felt like a love letter to the craft. And honestly, I felt like a kid in the candy store! Working with King Features means I get to be around some truly legendary creators, but imposter syndrome definitely creeps in sometimes. Then you find yourself standing in a room with cartoonists whose work you’ve admired for years, talking shop, sharing a laugh, or watching them draw for a crowd, and it all becomes altogether rewarding. King Features was proud to be represented by an incredible group of nominees: Ricardo Siri, better known as Liniers (Macanudo), Ricardo Martinez (Goomer), […]

Ahoy there, Comics Kingdom fans! January 17th is a special day for us all: it’s Popeye The Sailor Man Day! Today, we’re tipping our sailor hats to the spinach-loving, pipe-chomping icon who’s been making us laugh and teaching us life lessons since January 17, 1929. Let’s dive into why Popeye remains one of the most beloved characters in comic history. A Brief History of Popeye Popeye made his debut on January 17, 1929, in Thimble Theatre, a comic strip created by E.C. Segar. Initially, the strip focused on Olive Oyl and her family, but everything changed when Popeye the Sailor first appeared. With his unique speech, scrappy attitude, and surprising strength, Popeye quickly stole the spotlight—and our hearts. Other notable moments in Popeye’s history include: 1933: Popeye’s first animated appearance in the Fleischer Studios cartoon Popeye the Sailor, where he became a box office sensation. 1941: Popeye appears in The Mighty Navy, a wartime cartoon showcasing his patriotism and resilience. 1980: Robin Williams brings Popeye to life in the live-action film Popeye, directed by Robert Altman, cementing his place in Hollywood history. 2022: Popeye celebrates his 93rd anniversary with special […]