Johnny Hart (1931-2007): The Comic Maestro Behind B.C. and The Wizard of Id

Johnny Hart, born John Lewis Hart on February 18, 1931, in Endicott, New York, was one of the most influential American cartoonists of the 20th century. Best known as the creator of the comic strips B.C. and The Wizard of Id, Hart brought prehistoric and medieval settings to life with biting wit, clever social commentary, and eventually, deep expressions of faith. His body of work spans decades, combining humor, religion, and societal observation in a way few cartoonists dared to attempt. Hart’s legacy is marked by his artistic innovation, controversial themes, and heartfelt commitment to personal beliefs.

Early Life and Artistic Beginnings

Johnny Hart (John Lewis Hart) was born on February 18, 1931, in Endicott, NY, and died of a stroke on April 7, 2007, in Nineveh, NY. He was a cartoonist and author. Hart was best known as the creator of the B.C. and The Wizard of Id comic strips. After completing high school, he was in the U.S. Air Force in the early 1950s. While serving in Korea during the war, he started drawing cartoons for the Pacific Stars and Stripes. 

Immediately after the war ended, he became a freelance cartoonist. Hart found success contributing to such magazines as Collier’s and the Saturday Evening Post but boosted this income with a job in the art department for General Electric. He created B.C., a strip about troglodytes who nevertheless comment on modern society, in 1958. Six years later, working with artist Brant Parker, he also introduced “The Wizard of Id,” which is set during the Dark Ages.

The two strips became mainstays of newspapers across the country. Hart was named Outstanding Cartoonist of the Year in 1968 and won awards from the National Cartoonist Society in 1968, 1969, and 1971. Over the years, many of his cartoons were collected in book form for both series. Success did not necessarily equal happiness for Hart, however, and he began to descend into alcoholism. 

He was living on a 150-acre estate by the 1990s, but his life was troubled. Then, one day, a man and his son came to install cable television in his home. The two men were Christians, and as they worked, they tuned the television to a Christian program. Hart was drawn to it and credited televangelist programs with his new voyage into faith.

Although he generally kept his beliefs out of his cartoons, occasionally, he allowed his B.C. characters to convey messages about Jesus and God. This drew criticism from many readers and sometimes ire from Jews and Muslims, who were offended by particular strips that Hart would later say were not intended to denigrate other faiths. 

Some newspapers pulled B.C. from their comics page, did not print selected strips about religion, or put those strips in the religion section of the papers. Hart insisted on writing such Christian-themed stories when the mood hit him; however, this position led many Christians to see him as a hero, especially during the Christmas season.

It was a view that Hart discouraged, saying that he was only saddened that so many Christians seemed afraid of expressing their faith openly in today’s secularized world. In his later years, Hart suffered from non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, but it was a stroke that ended his life while he was working at his drawing table. In an odd turn of events, his collaborator Parker passed away eight days later.

Hart’s artistic flair emerged during his service in the United States Air Force in Korea, where he published his initial work in the military publication Stars and Stripes. Following his return in 1953, Hart’s cartoons graced the pages of esteemed publications such as The Saturday Evening Post and Collier’s Weekly, showcasing his burgeoning talent. Before diving into the world of cartooning, Hart worked in diverse roles, from managing a barbecue restaurant to practicing the art of sign painting.

The watershed moment in Hart’s career came in 1957 when he birthed his magnum opus, B.C. The caveman-centric comic strip made its national debut on February 17, 1958, captivating readers with its humor and wit. Simultaneously, Hart co-created and wrote The Wizard of Id, brought to life visually by the talented Brant Parker, and this second venture took flight on November 9, 1964.

Interestingly, in 1960, Hanna-Barbera approached Hart to adapt B.C. into a prime-time animated series. Talks faltered, leading to the eventual creation of the iconic cartoon, The Flintstones.

The Wizard of Id: A Collaborative Triumph

In 1964, Hart partnered with Brant Parker, a fellow cartoonist and friend, to create The Wizard of Id. This strip transported readers to a medieval kingdom where the Wizard, the tyrannical King, and a band of peasants and knights offered a satirical take on politics and society. Debuting on November 9, 1964, the comic quickly achieved the same level of popularity as B.C.

Parker handled the artwork while Hart wrote the scripts. Their partnership was symbiotic and productive, with both artists receiving acclaim. With two strips appearing in over 1,000 newspapers each, Hart joined the ranks of elite cartoonists.

Hanna-Barbera and The Flintstones Connection

In 1960, Hart was approached by Hanna-Barbera to adapt B.C. into an animated series. While negotiations ultimately failed, the concept influenced the creation of The Flintstones, which bore notable thematic and stylistic similarities to Hart’s comic. Although not directly credited, Hart’s prehistoric satire undoubtedly helped shape television’s first prime-time animated sitcom.

A Life Committed to Art and Faith

His profound religious convictions complemented John Lewis Hart’s artistic prowess. Raised in a casually religious household, Hart’s spiritual journey significantly turned in 1984 when he and his wife, Ida Jane “Bobby” Hatcher, began attending a Presbyterian Church in Nineveh, New York. The catalyst for this spiritual awakening was a father-son team of contractors who installed a satellite dish at Hart’s home.

As Hart delved deeper into his faith, his work reflected his staunch theological and political conservatism. Integrating religious themes into his comic strips became a focal point of controversy in his later years. In a 1999 interview with The Washington Post, Hart expressed provocative views, including the belief that non-Christian individuals would face damnation and that homosexuality was the work of Satan.

The controversial nature of Hart’s strips reached a pinnacle with two notable instances. The April 15, 2001, B.C. strip, released on Easter, featured a Jewish menorah transforming into a Christian cross, sparking accusations of replacement theology. Another strip from November 10, 2003, drew criticism for allegedly making derogatory comments about Islam.

Controversies and Criticisms

Hart’s faith-inspired work brought not only praise but also sharp criticism. A few specific strips drew national attention:

• On Easter Sunday, April 15, 2001, a B.C. strip depicted a menorah transforming into a Christian cross, leading to accusations of replacement theology and offending Jewish groups. Hart apologized for any offense but stated his intent was to highlight common ground between faiths.
• A November 10, 2003, strip featured a crescent moon above an outhouse, with a “SLAM” sound as a character entered. Critics argued the imagery was offensive to Islam. Hart insisted the joke was simply about an outhouse and not religious commentary.

In a 1999 Washington Post interview, Hart made several controversial remarks, including views on homosexuality and the afterlife, further intensifying public debate. Despite the backlash, Hart stood by his beliefs, encouraging Christians to express their faith more openly.

Personal and Community Contributions

Beyond his artistic endeavors, Hart was an active member of the Greater Binghamton community in Broome County, New York. His generosity extended to providing B.C.-themed drawings and logos free of charge to various local entities, including B.C. Transit, Broome County Parks, and Southern Tier Red Cross. Notably, Hart’s involvement with the B.C. Open PGA Tour Event spanned from the early 1970s to 2006, leaving an indelible mark on the event’s imagery.

Hart’s charitable contributions were not limited to the local community. He participated in auctions with the PBS affiliate, WSKG-TV, contributing original panels of B.C. strips. Additionally, Hart lent his artistic touch to the album cover of the 1999 release, “Still Fresh,” by the renowned jazz vocal group The Four Freshmen.

Legacy and Tributes

Johnny Hart’s untimely demise on April 7, 2007, marked the end of an era. His death, while working at his drawing table, left a void in the world of comics. Tragically, Brant Parker, his co-creator of The Wizard of Id, passed away just eight days later.

Despite the controversies surrounding Hart’s later works, his impact on the comic strip landscape is undeniable. Tributes poured in from fellow cartoonists, with mentions in comic strips like Mother Goose & Grimm, Blondie, and Mallard Fillmore. Even The Wizard of Id paid homage to Hart in a poignant strip on February 14, 2008, where two characters discuss the absence of celebration on Valentine’s Day due to a heavy heart.

Mastroianni Poems and Lasting Recognition

Hart’s tradition of drawing a B.C. cartoon every December 3, portraying his wife Bobby as the ant colony’s queen, became a cherished annual event. After Hart’s passing in 2007, his grandson Mason Mastroianni continued this heartwarming tradition until 2019.

Johnny Hart’s remarkable career garnered numerous awards, a testament to his impact on the world of cartooning. With the release of The Wizard of Id in 1964, Hart became one of the rare cartoonists with two strips in over 1000 papers each. His accolades include the National Cartoonists Society‘s Reuben award for B.C. in 1968 and Wizard of Id in 1984, along with an array of international recognitions and honors.

Family and Continuing the Tradition

After Hart’s death, his family continued his legacy. His grandson, Mason Mastroianni, took over the artwork for B.C., preserving the visual style and humor that readers cherished. Every December 3, Hart had traditionally drawn a strip portraying his wife Bobby as the ant queen. Mastroianni continued this tradition until 2019, the year after Bobby’s death.

Awards and Honors

Johnny Hart’s work earned him an array of accolades:

• 1968: Reuben Award for B.C.
• 1984: Reuben Award (shared with Brant Parker) for The Wizard of Id
• Multiple National Cartoonists Society awards for Best Humor Strip
• 1970: Yellow Kid Award in Lucca, Italy
• 1976: Swedish Adamson Award
• 1972: NASA Public Service Award
• 1981: Elzie Segar Award for outstanding contribution to cartooning

Hart’s animated specials, such as B.C.: A Special Christmas and The First Thanksgiving, also received awards, including the Golden Sheaf and Telly Awards. His influence even extended to academia and fandom, with UC Irvine adopting the B.C. anteater character as its mascot.

grOnk and the Literary Connection

In a nod to Hart’s cultural impact, Canadian avant-garde poet bpNichol named his literary magazine grOnk after one of the iconic sound effects from B.C. The magazine, first published in 1967, ran until Nichol’s death in 1988, highlighting Hart’s influence beyond traditional cartooning circles.

Johnny Hart’s legacy is complex yet undeniably significant. As a cartoonist, he entertained millions with his sharp wit, memorable characters, and innovative settings. As a man of faith, he wasn’t afraid to express his beliefs, even when it invited controversy. Through B.C. and The Wizard of Id, Hart challenged readers to laugh, think, and reflect.

John Lewis Hart’s contributions to American culture endure, carried on through the continued publication of his work, the dedication of his family, and the memories of fans who found humor and wisdom in his strips. Whether seen as a comic genius, a cultural provocateur, or a spiritual commentator, Johnny Hart remains one of the most distinctive voices in the history of cartooning.

Read also

• The Influence of Comics on Modern Cinema: From Page to Screen
• Exploring Independent Comics: Unearthing Hidden Gems and Celebrating Emerging Artists
• The Versatility of Lynda Barry: From Comics to Creativity Workshops
• Exploring Independent Comics: Unearthing Hidden Gems and Emerging Artists

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) about John Lewis Hart aka Johnny Hart

Who was John Lewis Hart?

John Lewis Hart (February 18, 1931 – April 7, 2007) was an American cartoonist known for creating the comic strips B.C. and The Wizard of Id.

What are John Lewis Hart’s notable works?

Hart’s notable works include the comic strips B.C. and The Wizard of Id.

When and where was John Lewis Hart born?

John Lewis Hart was born on February 18, 1931, in Endicott, New York, U.S.

When did John Lewis Hart pass away?

John Lewis Hart passed away on April 7, 2007, at 76, in Nineveh, New York, U.S.

What awards did John Lewis Hart receive?

John Lewis Hart received several awards, including the Swedish Adamson Award and five awards from the National Cartoonists Society. He won the Reuben Award for B.C. in 1968 and the Wizard of Id in 1984.

Who were John Lewis Hart’s collaborators on The Wizard of Id?

Brant Parker co-produced and illustrated The Wizard of Id, co-created and written by John Lewis Hart.

What were John Lewis Hart’s religious convictions?

Hart had a shift in spirituality in 1984 and became deeply religious, incorporating Christian themes into his comic strips. His religious and political views sparked controversy later in his life.

Why were some of John Lewis Hart’s strips controversial?

Two strips in particular were controversial, one involving a portrayal of Christianity supplanting Judaism and another perceived as a slur on Islam. These strips faced criticism from various organizations.

What were John Lewis Hart’s contributions to his local community?

Hart was actively involved in the Greater Binghamton area, contributing B.C.-based drawings and logos to various entities, including B.C. Transit and Broome County Parks.

How was John Lewis Hart remembered after his passing?

John Lewis Hart was memorialized in comic strips, including Mother Goose & Grimm and Blondie. He received tributes in The Wizard of Id strip and had a tradition of drawing B.C. cartoons for his wife’s birthday every December 3.