George Herriman‘s Krazy Kat, a timeless comic strip that danced across newspapers from 1913 to 1944, continues to hold a special place in the hearts of comic fans and art enthusiasts. While Krazy Kat may appear deceptively simple with its curious love triangle of Krazy, Ignatz, and Officer Bull Pupp, it is a masterpiece of art and storytelling, blending surrealism, whimsy, and poetic language.

Krazy Kat: The Whimsical World of George Herriman

This whimsical world, set in the arid landscapes of Coconino County, Arizona, broke the mold of traditional comic strips and blazed a trail that inspired generations of artists. In this article, we delve into Krazy Kat’s history, characters, and legacy, exploring the reasons behind its enduring popularity.

Krazy Kat

Also known as: Krazy & Ignatz (in some reprints and compilations)

Author(s): George Herriman

Launch date: October 28, 1913

End date: June 25, 1944

Syndicate(s): King Features Syndicate

Genre(s): Gag-a-day, humor, Romance comics, Self-reflexive comics, Experimental comics

Overview

Krazy Kat is an American newspaper comic strip created by cartoonist George Herriman. It ran from 1913 to 1944, gaining popularity for its unique blend of surrealism, innocent playfulness, and idiosyncratic language.

The strip is set in a dreamlike portrayal of Coconino County, Arizona, characterized by ever-changing backgrounds and fluid local geography. It features caricatured flora and fauna and references to Mexican-American culture. The strip’s visual and verbal creativity is noteworthy, with unconventional page layouts in Sunday strips.

While the premise is seemingly simple, the comic delves into the curious relationship between Krazy, a guileless and simple-minded cat, and Ignatz, a short-tempered mouse who constantly schemes to throw bricks at Krazy. A third character, Officer Bull Pupp, attempts to “protect” Krazy by thwarting Ignatz’ attempts.

Krazy Kat was one of the first comics widely praised by intellectuals and considered “serious” art. It had a significant influence on modern cartoonists.

Cast of Characters

Krazy Kat: A simple-minded, curious, and innocent cat who nurses an unrequited love for Ignatz.
Ignatz Mouse: A mouse with a short temper who throws bricks at Krazy, which Krazy interprets as a sign of affection.
Officer Bull Pupp: A police dog who falls in love with Krazy and tries to thwart Ignatz’s plans.
Secondary characters: Various anthropomorphic animal residents of Coconino County, including Joe Stork, Kolin Kelly, Mrs. Kwakk Wakk, and others.

History

Krazy Kat evolved from an earlier comic strip of Herriman’s called “The Dingbat Family” and was first published in 1913. It continued as a daily comic strip and Sunday comic throughout its run.

Animated Adaptations

The comic strip was animated several times, starting with the silent shorts in 1916. Later adaptations included adaptations that closely resembled the comic strip and others that featured characters imitative of other popular cartoon characters like Mickey Mouse.

Comic Book Adaptation

In 1951, Krazy Kat was revived for a run of comic books, featuring an adaptation that differed from the original comic strip in terms of look and feel.

Reprints and Compilations

Reprints and compilations of Krazy Kat strips have been published, bringing this iconic comic strip to new generations and preserving its unique artistic and storytelling qualities.

A Dreamlike Landscape: Coconino County, Arizona

Krazy Kat’s setting, Coconino County, Arizona, is a surreal portrayal of the American Southwest. The strip’s creator, George Herriman, beautifully depicted the region with caricatured flora and fauna, mimicking the iconic Painted Desert’s rock formations. While the characters remained relatively stationary, Herriman’s backgrounds evolved dramatically between panels, offering readers a dreamlike, ever-changing landscape.

Coconino County is unique in its fluid geography, where even the natural landscape is not constrained by traditional boundaries. This setting provides Herriman with limitless opportunities for creative storytelling, and he seizes them with both hands.

The Whimsical Language of Krazy Kat

Krazy Kat’s language is as distinctive as its visuals. The strip combines whimsical, alliterative language, phonetically spelled dialogue, and poetic sensibility. The characters speak playfully and distinctively, which adds to the strip’s charm. Phrases like “A fowl konspirissy – is it possible?” fill the dialogue bubbles, emphasizing the delightful quirkiness of the characters and the world they inhabit.

Krazy Kat’s speech is a unique concoction of English, French, Spanish, Yiddish, and other dialects, often reminiscent of George Herriman’s native New Orleans dialect, Yat. The characters’ conversations, filled with mispronunciations and wordplay, make Krazy Kat an artful linguistic experience.

The Unconventional Love Triangle: Krazy, Ignatz, and Officer Bull Pupp

At the core of Krazy Kat is the unconventional love triangle between three principal characters: Krazy, a simple-minded and innocent cat; Ignatz, a short-tempered mouse who despises Krazy; and Officer Bull Pupp, a police dog who is in love with Krazy.

Krazy’s unrequited love for Ignatz is the linchpin of the strip. Ignatz, on the other hand, continuously hatches schemes to throw bricks at Krazy’s head. Surprisingly, Krazy interprets these brick tosses as a sign of affection and responds with gratitude. Phrases like “Li’l dollink, allus f’etful” and “Li’l ainjil” showcase Krazy’s naivety and devotion.

Officer Bull Pupp often intervenes to “protect” Krazy by thwarting Ignatz’s attempts and imprisoning him. Later in the strip’s run, Officer Pupp falls in love with Krazy, creating even more amusing and complex dynamics in the trio’s interactions.

The Genius of Krazy Kat

Krazy Kat’s brilliance lies in the way it combines a seemingly straightforward premise with intricate characterization, visual creativity, and the use of unconventional language. Although the central theme revolves around Ignatz’s attempts to throw bricks at Krazy, the strip is anything but repetitive.

Herriman continuously finds new ways to keep the formula fresh. Sometimes, Ignatz’s schemes succeed, leading to a brick strike. Other times, Officer Pupp outsmarts Ignatz and arrests him, thwarting his plan. Other factors, like the involvement of Coconino County’s anthropomorphic animal residents and even the forces of nature, further complicate the dynamics.

The strip is filled with self-referential humor and meta-commentary, with characters occasionally acknowledging that they exist within a comic strip. For example, Officer Pupp berates Herriman for not finishing the drawing of a jailhouse in one strip. This innovation in storytelling, combined with Herriman’s artistic experimentation, sets Krazy Kat apart as a pioneering work of comic art.

Critical Acclaim and Influence

In its early days, Krazy Kat received mixed reactions from the public. Its refusal to conform to linear comic strip conventions left many readers puzzled. However, William Randolph Hearst, the newspaper magnate who owned the New York Evening Journal, passionately supported the strip and ensured its continued presence in his papers.

What truly set Krazy Kat apart was the attention it garnered from intellectuals and art critics. An art critic, Gilbert Seldes, praised the strip in 1924, hailing it as “the most amusing and fantastic and satisfactory work of art produced in America today.” Renowned poet, e.e. cummings, wrote the introduction to the first Krazy Kat collection.

The strip profoundly influenced numerous cartoonists and artists, including Charles M. Schulz, creator of Peanuts, and Bill Watterson, the mind behind Calvin and Hobbes. Krazy Kat’s dreamlike landscapes and imaginative storytelling inspire creators in various media.

Conclusion: A Timeless Classic

Krazy Kat remains a timeless classic that defies the conventions of its era and continues to captivate readers with its artistry, humor, and unconventional storytelling. It showcases the boundless creativity of George Herriman, a comic trailblazer, who used this medium to create a world of whimsy, wonder, and depth. The legacy of Krazy Kat endures, reminding us that comic strips are not just disposable entertainment but can be works of art that stand the test of time.

Krazy Kat Gallery

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Krazy Kat

1. Who created Krazy Kat?

Cartoonist George Herriman created Krazy Kat.

2. When did Krazy Kat first appear?

Krazy Kat first appeared on October 28, 1913.

3. What’s the basic premise of Krazy Kat?

Krazy Kat is a comic strip that focuses on the curious relationship between a genuine, simple-minded cat named Krazy and a short-tempered mouse named Ignatz. Krazy loves the mouse, while Ignatz despises Krazy and often throws bricks at the cat, which Krazy interprets as a sign of affection. Officer Bull Pupp also plays a significant role in trying to “protect” Krazy and falls in love with the cat.

4. What made Krazy Kat unique, and why is it considered a work of genius?

Krazy Kat is known for its offbeat surrealism, innocent playfulness, and poetic, idiosyncratic language. It was one of the first comics to be widely praised by intellectuals and treated as “serious” art. It featured detailed characterization, unconventional page layouts, and a strong poetic sensibility, contributing to its reputation as a work of genius.

5. Was Krazy Kat popular during its original run?

Krazy Kat was only a modest success during its initial run but gained popularity among modern cartoonists who cited it as a significant influence. Publishing magnate William Randolph Hearst, who was a fan of the strip, ensured it continued to appear in his newspapers throughout its run.

6. What’s the setting of Krazy Kat?

Krazy Kat takes place in a heavily stylized version of Coconino County, Arizona, with ever-changing backgrounds, caricatured flora and fauna, and rock formation landscapes typical of the Painted Desert.

7. What were the main characters in Krazy Kat?

The main characters in Krazy Kat are Krazy, the simple-minded cat; Ignatz, the short-tempered mouse; and Officer Bull Pupp, who tries to protect Krazy. Other characters include Joe Stork, Kolin Kelly, Mrs. Kwakk Wakk, and various anthropomorphic animal residents of Coconino County.

8. Was Krazy’s gender ever clearly defined in the strip?

Krazy’s gender is never made clear and appears to be fluid, varying from strip to strip. While many mistakenly refer to Krazy as female, the character’s creator, George Herriman, left it ambiguous, even poking fun at the uncertainty in some strips.

9. Were there any animated adaptations of Krazy Kat?

There were several animated adaptations of Krazy Kat, including silent shorts produced by Hearst, a John R. Bray studio series, and adaptations by Bill Nolan. The King Features Syndicate also produced 50 Krazy Kat cartoons in the 1960s.

10. Are there any reprints or compilations of Krazy Kat available?

Yes, there have been various reprints and compilations of Krazy Kat, including volumes that collect Sunday strips, daily strips, and a comprehensive book titled “Krazy Kat: The Comic Art of George Herriman” published by Harry N. Abrams.

11. What is Krazy Kat’s legacy?

Krazy Kat has significantly influenced many cartoonists and artists, including Chuck Jones, Bill Watterson, and Charles M. Schulz. It continues to inspire creators today and is regarded as one of the best American comics of the 20th century.

12. Are there any adaptations, references, or appearances of Krazy Kat in popular culture?

Yes, Krazy Kat has appeared in films like “Babes in Toyland” and “Pulp Fiction.” The strip has also been referenced in songs, novels, and other comic works. It remains a notable part of American pop culture.

Krazy Kat (1913-1944): The Whimsical World of George Herriman