July 17th, 2016

Panoramic Panels – 1965

by Brian Walker, Greg Walker and Chance Browne

Hi and Lois daily strip, June 28, 1965.

Since the debut of Hi and Lois in 1954, the layout of the daily strips varied from two to four panels, depending on the gag. In 1965, the creators started experimenting with a new single-panel format. This was an important development in the stylistic evolution of the strip.

The example above was the second time this approach was used. (The first time was on May 12, 1965, which we previously posted on June 10, 2016). Dik Browne took full advantage of the wider space to trace Hi’s bouncing path through the house before he finally embraces Lois in the kitchen.

The next example used the panoramic format to add extra visual excitement to the gag.

Hi and Lois daily strip, July 30, 1965.

Below the entire family was shown in the living room after a rained-out picnic.

Hi and Lois daily strip, August 20, 1965.

Another interior scene was filled with action and sound effects.

Hi and Lois daily strip, October 4, 1965.

The final example from 1965 has Lois and Chip shopping for pants in a clothing store.

Hi and Lois daily strip, October 13, 1965.

Panoramic panels gave the Hi and Lois creative team an added option for presenting more ambitious gag ideas. Dik obviously enjoyed the challenge of designing his drawings in the wider format. Panoramic panels have been featured in Hi and Lois ever since.

– Brian Walker