Two Jolly Jackies: The world of comics has produced countless iconic characters and strips, each with unique charm and appeal. Among these legends is the name George Herriman, celebrated for creating the beloved “Krazy Kat.” However, before the whimsical cat and his unique world captured readers’ hearts, Herriman embarked on a creative journey, honing his craft and showcasing his artistic talent through another comic strip called “Two Jolly Jackies.” Running from January to November 1903, this early work by Herriman provides a fascinating glimpse into his evolving style and storytelling abilities. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of “Two Jolly Jackies” and explore the creative genius of George Herriman.

Two Jolly Jackies

Comic Strip	Two Jolly Jackies
Created by	George Herriman
Begin Date	January 11, 1903
End Date	November 15, 1903
Description	A Sunday comic series depicting the misadventures of two sailors on shore leave.
Influence	Influential work by George Herriman, who later created “Krazy Kat.”
Published In	Daily newspaper “New York World” in the Sunday magazine “Funny Side of the World.”
Owner	Joseph Pulitzer
Creator’s Birthdate	August 22, 1880
Creator’s Death Date	April 25, 1944

Setting Sail: George Herriman’s Early Career

Before George Herriman became a household name in the world of comics, he had to navigate the treacherous waters of the industry. Freshly hired as a staff cartoonist at the New York World, Herriman embarked on a creative journey to set the stage for his later triumphs. His voyage into the comic world began with “Two Jolly Jackies,” which debuted on January 11, 1903, and concluded on November 15, 1903. This early work showcased Herriman’s ability to craft humor and entertain readers.

The title of the comic strip itself is intriguing. “Jacky” was a popular term for a sailor, stemming from “Jack Tar,” a standard reference for seamen. “Jack Tar” refers to the tar sailors spread on rigging ropes to prevent fraying. However, there seems to be some confusion regarding the title, as some newspapers ran Herriman’s strip as “Two Jolly Tars.” Regardless of the terminology, the core theme of sailors on shore leave provided a rich backdrop for humor, a fact that comedians Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy would later exploit in their 1928 film “Two Tars.”

The Birth of “Two Jolly Jackies”

In November 1902, George Herriman wrote self-deprecatingly about his profession in The Bookman, a literary magazine. In the same issue, poet La Touche Hancock praised Herriman’s artistic and poetic talents, recognizing his work’s unique blend of art and poetry. Herriman’s growing popularity within the industry became evident as he occasionally secured front-page, full-color strips for Pulitzer supplements. This acclaim set the stage for the “Two Jolly Jackies” launch in January 1903.

Herriman’s Approach in “Two Jolly Jackies”

“Two Jolly Jackies” stands out in Herriman’s work for several reasons. Unlike his later famous strip “Krazy Kat,” known for its lyrical wordplay, “Two Jolly Jackies” emphasizes the poetics of physical comedy presented in the sequential linear format of comic strips.

Michael Tisserand, in his book “Krazy: George Herriman, A Life in Black and White,” describes “Two Jolly Jackies” as “pure visual extravagance.” The strip is a riotous showcase of breakneck action that hurtles towards chaos, making it a precursor to Herriman’s later, more renowned work.

Screwball Comedy and Visual Chaos

In “Two Jolly Jackies,” Herriman even incorporates a penultimate “screwball spin” panel into his Sunday strips. Each episode has a different title, and the strip’s screwball humor is evident in episodes like “Kitty! Kitty!” Herriman’s screwball side is developing in these early works.

“Kitty! Kitty!” presents Bill and Pete, the two jolly jackies, as they grapple with a fierce wildcat in a treetop. While the basic premise may have drawn inspiration from the popular Happy Hooligan and other contemporary strips, Herriman’s interpretation offers a unique and abstract take on visual chaos. His drawings are a study in themselves, characterized by expressionistic poses, disorienting perspectives, strong outlines, and intricate pen marks that resemble the works of artists like Lyonel Feininger, Raymond Crawford Ewer, and Gus Dirks.

Herriman’s Pen-and-Ink Mastery

George Herriman’s mastery of pen-and-ink is a hallmark of his work, evident in how he wields his dip pen and knife to bring his creations to life. In “Kitty! Kitty!” specifically, the fourth and fifth panels showcase Herriman’s ability to enchant readers through the beauty of the tree’s leaves as chaos ensues. Instead of resorting to leaden, fully-rendered drawings, Herriman knows how to use his tools to maintain the humor and vitality of the strip.

The Cheshire Cat Influence

Amidst the comical chaos in “Kitty! Kitty!” emerges a peculiar, grinning cat in the treetop. This image resonates with the John Tenniel illustration of the Cheshire Cat from “Alice in Wonderland.” Herriman’s ability to infuse his work with cultural references and visual allusions underscores his depth as a cartoonist.

The “Two Jolly Jackies” Legacy

Although “Two Jolly Jackies” is not as widely remembered as “Krazy Kat,” it played a crucial role in George Herriman’s artistic journey. This series, which ran from January 1903 to 1904, was a star attraction on the front page of the “Funny Side of the World,” the Sunday magazine of the “New York World,” owned by Joseph Pulitzer, a fervent Herriman fan.

One particular strip, titled “A Little Present for the Cap’n, and the Two Jolly Jackies’ Reward,” published on May 24, 1903, exemplifies Herriman’s burgeoning talent. At the tender age of 22, he was already crafting his graphic language. Fans of “Krazy Kat” will find familiar elements in this early work, such as the intricate details in the house in panel one and the boat in the background of panels 4 and 5.

Conclusion

George Herriman’s “Two Jolly Jackies” is a lesser-known gem in the world of comics, but it provides invaluable insight into the early career of a legendary cartoonist. Herriman’s ability to blend humor, chaos, and artistic expression in this series laid the foundation for his later masterpieces. The legacy of “Two Jolly Jackies” endures as a testament to Herriman’s talent and enduring impact on the world of comics. While “Krazy Kat” may be his most celebrated creation, “Two Jolly Jackies” is a testament to the artistic journey that paved the way for Herriman’s enduring legacy in the world of comic art.

FAQs: George Herriman and “Two Jolly Jackies”

1. Who was George Herriman, and what is his notable comic strip?

George Herriman (August 22, 1880 – April 25, 1944) was an American cartoonist best known for the comic strip “Krazy Kat” (1913–1944). “Krazy Kat” was a groundbreaking and influential comic strip with an appreciative audience in the arts and is often considered one of the most incredible comics of the 20th century.

2. What is “Two Jolly Jackies,” and when was it created?

“Two Jolly Jackies” was a comic strip series created by George Herriman. It began on January 11, 1903, and concluded on November 15, 1903. The series revolved around the misadventures of two sailors on shore leave, using the term “Jacky” to refer to sailors.

3. What inspired George Herriman’s “Two Jolly Jackies” series?

Herriman’s “Two Jolly Jackies” was likely influenced by the favored approach of Frederick Opper’s “Happy Hooligan” and similar comic strips. The series features a unique blend of humor and abstract interpretations of visual chaos in the comic strip format.

4. How was “Two Jolly Jackies” received during its time?

“Two Jolly Jackies” was well-received during its publication. It was featured on the front page of the “Funny Side of the World,” the Sunday magazine of the “New York World” newspaper, owned by Joseph Pulitzer, a massive fan of Herriman’s work.

5. What was George Herriman’s artistic style in “Two Jolly Jackies”?

In “Two Jolly Jackies,” George Herriman’s artistic style featured intricate pen-and-ink work and focused on the poetics of physical comedy. He was known for creating enchanting visuals and maintaining a sense of humor through his unique drawing style.

6. How long did “Two Jolly Jackies” run, and what followed this series?

“Two Jolly Jackies” ran from January 1903 to 1904. After the series ended, Herriman began drawing the cowboy strip “Lariat Pete” in September, syndicated by McClure.

7. How does “Two Jolly Jackies” relate to George Herriman’s broader career?

“Two Jolly Jackies” was one of George Herriman’s early successes as a staff cartoonist for the New York World. It was part of the trajectory that eventually led to the creation of his iconic “Krazy Kat” strip and solidified his reputation as a pioneering cartoonist.

8. Are there other notable works or influences related to George Herriman’s career?

George Herriman’s work in “Two Jolly Jackies” and his later “Krazy Kat” strip had a profound influence on numerous cartoonists, including Will Eisner, Charles M. Schulz, Robert Crumb, Art Spiegelman, Bill Watterson, and Chris Ware. His contributions to the world of comic art continue to be celebrated today.

9. Where can I find more information about George Herriman and “Two Jolly Jackies”?

To learn more about George Herriman and his works, you can explore various books and articles, such as “Krazy: George Herriman, A Life in Black and White” by Michael Tisserand and “American Newspaper Comics: An Encyclopedic Reference Guide” by Allan Holtz. Additionally, you can find vintage comic strips and related materials in various archives and online sources dedicated to comic history.

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