The Potts: Australia’s Longest-Running Comic Strip Drawn by a Single Artist

The Potts, originally known as You & Me, was an iconic Australian comic strip that captivated readers for more than eight decades. First appearing in August 1920, it was created by the renowned cartoonist Stan Cross, and later continued by Jim Russell, who drew the comic strip uninterrupted for 62 years—a Guinness World Record. The Potts not only became a defining feature of Australian newspaper culture but also a symbol of generational humor and domestic satire that resonated with millions both nationally and internationally.

Infobox: The Potts Comic Strip

Publication History

The Potts began its storied run in Smith’s Weekly, with cartoonist Stan Cross introducing the comic under the title You & Me. Initially, it was a politically charged satire, spotlighting working-class life through the comic lens of its two leads, Pott and Whalesteeth. Their interactions, often centered around alcohol-fueled debates and social critiques, made the comic strip a provocative, sharp-witted piece of social commentary.

As the strip evolved, especially with the inclusion of Mrs. Potts in late 1920, the focus shifted toward the humor in everyday domestic life. Under Cross, the strip became renowned for its raw, often confrontational humor—featuring verbal spats, slapstick antics, and candid portrayals of marriage and suburban life.

In December 1939, Cross left Smith’s Weekly to join the Melbourne Herald. His departure ushered in a new era as Jim Russell, his colleague at Smith’s, inherited the comic strip in January 1940. Russell retained the essential humor of the original but introduced a more polished, accessible tone, rebranding the strip as Mr. and Mrs. Potts. After Smith’s Weekly folded in October 1950, the strip was revived by the Herald and Weekly Times and renamed simply The Potts, debuting in the Sun News-Pictorial on 23 January 1951 as a daily feature.

With its broader appeal, The Potts achieved international syndication by the late 1950s, appearing in over 35 newspapers in the United States and reaching audiences in New Zealand, Canada, Turkey, Finland, Sri Lanka, and more. At its peak, the strip boasted a daily readership of over 15 million people worldwide, cementing its place as a global success story in comic strip history.

Characters and Story

At the outset, You & Me was minimal in its cast, featuring just Pott and Whalesteeth. Pott, named from rhyming slang (“old pot and pan” for “old man”), was often at odds with Whalesteeth, who was defined by his oversized grin and boisterous presence. Their crude banter and pub-like camaraderie became hallmarks of the early strip, reflecting the larrikin spirit of early 20th-century Australia.

The addition of Mrs. Potts in November 1920 marked a pivotal turning point. With her arrival came the comic strip’s transformation into a domestic comedy. The Potts household was portrayed with a refreshing candidness—arguments, reconciliations, and the chaos of suburban family life.

Under Jim Russell, editorial pressures for a more “family-friendly” strip led to a creative expansion of the character roster. New characters provided both narrative depth and comic diversity:

• John and Maggie Potts: The central couple, often engaged in humorous domestic conflicts.
• Whalesteeth: The ever-enthusiastic neighbor and echo of the strip’s original tone.
• Ann and Herb: Their daughter and mild-mannered son-in-law, who provided a generational bridge.
• Bunty and Mike: The grandchildren, embodying youthful curiosity and mischief.
• Uncle Dick: A fan-favorite—lazy, boastful, comically inappropriate, and modeled after W.C. Fields and Sheridan Whiteside.
• Rodger Codger and Muggsy: Supporting characters that added extra dimension and humor.

Uncle Dick, in particular, became the breakout star. Russell described him as “the eternal bum in the family—never wants to work, borrows money, doesn’t pay it back, and misleads the kids.” His presence allowed Russell to preserve the original irreverent humor of You & Me, cloaked in a character editors saw as harmless comic relief.

Over time, the strip’s supporting cast evolved. Some characters, like Ann, Herb, and Rodger, faded from the spotlight, while others like Muggsy gained prominence, ensuring the comic remained fresh and engaging.

Legacy and Cultural Impact

Spanning over 22,000 individual comic strips, The Potts is remembered as a titan of Australian cultural expression. Jim Russell’s solo stewardship of the strip for 62 consecutive years not only earned him a Guinness World Record but also elevated The Potts into an international comic icon.

The strip’s enduring popularity stemmed from its relatability. It tackled marriage, aging, generational conflict, neighborhood squabbles, and societal trends with a gentle but sharp wit. Through the decades, it mirrored shifts in Australian culture—from postwar optimism to suburban sprawl, feminism, and modern disillusionment—all through the lens of humor.

Its influence is still felt in later domestic comics and strips that rely on family dynamics and working-class satire. Jim Russell’s work has been celebrated in numerous exhibitions, academic works, and retrospectives, and The Potts continues to be studied as a landmark achievement in long-form cartoon storytelling.

“Jim Russell’s The Potts wasn’t just a comic strip—it was part of Australia’s cultural identity for over half a century.”

From humble beginnings in Smith’s Weekly to becoming an international syndicated phenomenon, The Potts holds a permanent place in the annals of cartoon history as one of the longest and most affectionately remembered comic strips ever produced.