Little Iodine (1943-1983): The Mischievous Darling of American Comics

Little Iodine was an iconic American Sunday comic strip brought to life by the imaginative mind of Jimmy Hatlo. Syndicated by King Features, this delightful strip debuted on August 15, 1943, and charmed readers for four decades until its conclusion on August 14, 1983. A spin-off of Hatlo’s earlier creation, They’ll Do It Every Time, Little Iodine quickly carved out its own space in the world of comics.

Little Iodine

Publication History

Initially penned and illustrated by Jimmy Hatlo himself, Little Iodine leaped from the supporting role she played in They’ll Do It Every Time to take center stage. Hatlo infused Iodine with all the mischief and charm he could muster, making her the embodiment of every mischievous child he had ever known. From February 20, 1966, to September 3, 1967, Al Scaduto lent his talents to the strip, followed by Hy Eisman and Bob Dunn, who continued the legacy until the strip’s conclusion.

Characters and Story

Little Iodine, the daughter of Henry Tremblechin and his wife, Cora, burst onto the comics scene as a pesky nuisance to her mild-mannered father. With her misadventures and endless mischief, Iodine quickly stole readers’ hearts and became a beloved character in her own right. Her antics provided a delightful glimpse into childhood mischief, making her a precursor to beloved characters like Dennis the Menace.

Film Adaptation

In 1946, Little Iodine made her silver screen debut in a feature film by Comet Productions. Starring Hobart Cavanaugh as Henry, Irene Ryan as Cora, and Jo Ann Marlowe as Little Iodine, the film captured the essence of the mischievous comic strip. However, despite its initial release date of October 20, 1946, the film was postponed due to a polio epidemic and is now considered lost.

Legacy

Little Iodine’s legacy lives on in comic strip enthusiasts and readers’ hearts. Her charming escapades continue to captivate audiences, serving as a timeless reminder of the joys and challenges of childhood. Through her adventures, Little Iodine brought laughter and warmth to countless readers, leaving an indelible mark on the world of American comics.

Conclusion

With its endearing characters, humorous anecdotes, and timeless appeal, Little Iodine remains a cherished part of comic strip history. Jimmy Hatlo’s creation brought joy and laughter to generations of readers, solidifying its place as a beloved classic in the pantheon of American comics. As we reflect on the mischievous escapades of Little Iodine, we are reminded of the enduring power of storytelling to bring us together and brighten our days.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Little Iodine:

1. Who created Little Iodine?

Jimmy Hatlo, a renowned American cartoonist known for his humor and wit in comics, created Little Iodine.

2. When did Little Iodine make her debut?

Little Iodine debuted in the Sunday comic strips on August 15, 1943, and entertained readers until August 14, 1983.

3. What was Little Iodine originally a spin-off of?

Little Iodine was originally a spin-off of Jimmy Hatlo’s earlier creation, They’ll Do It Every Time, another famous comic strip.

4. Who were the main characters in Little Iodine?

Little Iodine was the daughter of Henry Tremblechin and his wife, Cora. Other notable characters included Henry and Cora Tremblechin and various supporting characters who encountered Little Iodine’s mischief.

5. Who were the artists and writers behind Little Iodine?

Jimmy Hatlo wrote and illustrated Little Iodine from August 14, 1943, to February 13, 1966. Al Scaduto, Hy Eisman, and Bob Dunn also contributed to the strip at different times during its run.

6. Was Little Iodine adapted into any other forms of media?

Little Iodine was adapted into a feature film in 1946, produced by Comet Productions. The film starred Hobart Cavanaugh, Irene Ryan, and Jo Ann Marlowe.

7. What was the plot of the Little Iodine film?

In the film adaptation of Little Iodine, the titular character suspects her mother of having an affair and attempts various antics to break up the perceived couple. However, her efforts lead to unintended consequences and humorous situations.

8. What is the significance of Little Iodine in comic strip history?

Little Iodine holds a special place in comic strip history as a beloved character known for her mischievous antics. She paved the way for other iconic characters and left a lasting impact on readers of all ages.

9. Why did Little Iodine come to an end?

After entertaining readers for several decades, little Iodine concluded its run on August 14, 1983. The decision to end the strip was likely influenced by changing interests in the comic industry and the evolving landscape of Sunday comics.

10. Where can I find collections of Little Iodine comic strips?

Collections of Little Iodine comic strips may be available in various comic strip anthologies, vintage comic book collections, or through online platforms that specialize in comic strip archives.