November 29th, 2015

Zero

by Mort Walker

Everyone knows someone like Zero who is not quite with it. His name is a clue to his IQ. Zero may be dense and uninformed, but he is not totally hopeless as a soldier. He always tries his best.

Beetle Bailey daily strip, September 23, 1953.

We get letters occasionally that accuse us of making fun of mentally challenged people. This, of course, is not our intention. Zero wouldn’t be in the army if he were unqualified.

Beetle Bailey daily strip, December 6, 1958.

Zero is just an innocent farm boy who is as honest and unsophisticated as an ear of corn. You couldn’t find a better friend. He makes everyone around him feel superior.

Beetle Bailey daily strip, December 15, 1958.

In the next post we will share some early appearances by Beetle’s best buddy, Killer Diller.

– Brian Walker