Lariat Pete (1903): The Precursor to Krazy Kat by George Herriman

Lariat Pete: In the vast world of comics, George Herriman is a name that reverberates with distinction and creativity. While he is best known for his iconic creation, “Krazy Kat,” the journey of this prolific cartoonist began with a humble strip called “Lariat Pete.” This article explores the fascinating early days of George Herriman’s career and the birth of “Lariat Pete,” shedding light on the comic strips that paved the way for one of the most influential and enduring characters in the history of comics.

The Genesis of Lariat Pete

George Herriman, born in 1880 in New Orleans, Louisiana, was destined to become a trailblazing cartoonist. However, his path to the world of comics was an unconventional one. A fall from a scaffold during his work as a house painter forced him to seek an alternative career, and in 1903, George Herriman took his first step into the realm of comics with “Lariat Pete.” This comic strip marked the beginning of a journey that would ultimately lead to the creation of “Krazy Kat” and establish Herriman as a pioneering figure in the world of cartooning.

“Lariat Pete” debuted in the San Francisco Chronicle on September 6, 1903. George Herriman inherited this Western-themed comic strip, which John Campbell Cory and Daniel McCarthy had previously drawn. Herriman’s unique artistic vision and storytelling style quickly set him apart, laying the groundwork for the innovation and creativity that defined his later work.

The Story of Lariat Pete

Although “Lariat Pete” was a short-lived comic strip from September 6, 1903, to November 15, 1903, it played a crucial role in George Herriman’s artistic evolution. The comic centered around the adventures of a cowboy, Lariat Pete, and featured the charm and wit that would become hallmarks of Herriman’s work.

One of the most intriguing aspects of “Lariat Pete” was introducing a prototype of Krazy Kat. This early incarnation of Krazy Kat was a black feline character adorned with a ribbon. While this character did not fully embrace the whimsical and philosophical depth of the later Krazy Kat, it was a significant precursor that hinted at the creative genius within George Herriman.

In “Lariat Pete,” readers saw Herriman’s burgeoning talent, eventually creating one of comic history’s most beloved and enduring characters. The black cat with a ribbon in “Lariat Pete” hints at the brilliance yet to come.

Other Short-Lived Creations

While “Lariat Pete” was a crucial starting point for George Herriman, it was not the end of his experimentation in comic strips. In the following years, Herriman embarked on several short-lived projects that further honed his skills as a cartoonist and laid the groundwork for his future success.

One such project was “Mrs. Waitamminit,” which ran from September 15 to October 13, 1903. This comic strip revolved around the humorous gimmick of a woman who was perpetually late. Herriman’s talent for humor and ability to create quirky, relatable characters shone through in this short-lived endeavor.

Another brief creation was “Little Tommy Tattles,” a comic strip that featured a boy whose honesty inadvertently got his parents into trouble. “Little Tommy Tattles” had a fleeting existence, with only two episodes printed on October 5 and 8, 1903. Despite its brevity, this strip demonstrated Herriman’s versatility as a storyteller and his knack for crafting engaging narratives.

George Herriman’s Diverse Creations

George Herriman’s career as a cartoonist was characterized by diversity and innovation. In addition to “Lariat Pete” and his more famous creation, “Krazy Kat,” Herriman experimented with a range of other comic strips, each showcasing his unique style and storytelling prowess.

Some of the notable characters and comic strips created by Herriman include:

1. Musical Mose: This early creation of Herriman featured an African-American musician named Mose, who had the talent for impersonating various ethnicities. It was an early example of Herriman exploring racial themes in his work.
2. Professor Otto and His Auto: Professor Otto was a character who found himself in comical situations with his automobile. This strip hinted at Herriman’s ability to infuse humor into everyday scenarios.
3. Acrobatic Archie: “Acrobatic Archie” showcased the adventures of a young acrobat, and it provided Herriman with an opportunity to experiment with physical comedy and slapstick humor.
4. The Jolly Jackies: “Two Jolly Jackies” featured the escapades of two unemployed sailors. It was a testament to Herriman’s ability to create relatable characters and humorous situations.
5. Significant Ozone’s Fresh Air Crusade: Major Ozone embarked on a quest to promote the benefits of fresh air. This strip reflected Herriman’s playful approach to promoting health and wellness.

These early creations contributed to Herriman’s growth as a cartoonist and his ability to connect with a diverse audience. They showcased his versatility, sense of humor, and creative flair.

The Evolution of “Krazy Kat”

While George Herriman’s early comic strips like “Lariat Pete” and his subsequent short-lived creations provided valuable experience, his work on “Krazy Kat” solidified his legacy in the world of comics. “Krazy Kat” debuted in newspapers on October 28, 1913, marking a turning point in Herriman’s career.

The strip gained immense popularity in artistic and intellectual circles, with readers appreciating its poetic, dialect-heavy dialogue and Herriman’s bold, experimental page layouts. “Krazy Kat” featured the eccentric love triangle of Krazy Kat, Ignatz Mouse, and Offissa Pupp and was set against a backdrop of surreal, ever-shifting landscapes.

Herriman’s unique approach to storytelling in “Krazy Kat” set it apart from conventional comic strips. It was a work of art that transcended the boundaries of the medium, delving into philosophical and existential themes while maintaining a lighthearted and whimsical tone. The strip’s success led to a lifetime contract with King Features Syndicate, thanks to the admiration of newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst.

In 1935, Herriman took another bold step by introducing color to “Krazy Kat,” allowing him to explore the visual dimension of his art further. The strip continued to captivate readers until Herriman’s final full-page Sunday edition was printed two months after he died in 1944.

Supporting Material and Legacy

George Herriman’s legacy extends beyond his well-known creations. In addition to “Krazy Kat,” he left an indelible mark on comics with many characters and comic strips. These include “The Dingbat Family” (1910), “Baron Mooch” (1909), and earlier strips like “Lariat Pete,” “Rosy’s Mama” (aka “Rosy Posy Grandma’s Girl”), “Bud Smith,” and “Zoo Zoo.”
Herriman’s ability to create diverse and memorable characters and his willingness to experiment with storytelling and artistic techniques set him apart as a visionary in the comics field. His work continues to influence and inspire generations of cartoonists and artists.

Conclusion

The story of “Lariat Pete” and George Herriman’s early comic strips is a testament to the evolution of a genius. While “Lariat Pete” may have been a brief chapter in Herriman’s career, it played a vital role in shaping his artistic sensibilities and paved the way for creating “Krazy Kat.” George Herriman’s ability to infuse humor, complexity, and depth into his characters and stories established him as a luminary in the world of comics.

Through “Lariat Pete” and his subsequent creations, Herriman honed his skills, experimented with different themes, and set the stage for a career marked by innovation and artistic brilliance. His legacy endures not only in the enduring charm of Krazy Kat but also in the rich tapestry of characters and stories he created throughout his career. George Herriman’s journey from “Lariat Pete” to “Krazy Kat” remains a source of inspiration for aspiring cartoonists and a testament to the enduring power of comics as an art form.

Read also

• George Herriman (1880-1944): Discovering the Genius Behind Krazy Kat
• Krazy Kat (1913-1944): The Whimsical World of George Herriman
• Baron Bean (1916-1919): George Herriman’s Forgotten Comic Gem