Cartoons

Cartoons are perhaps one of the most beloved and anticipated sections of the newspaper, and The Columbus Dispatch has been home to some of the best editorial cartoonists of the 20th century. Cartoonists are more than just humorists, as their exemplary artistic skill must be paired with the ability to portray human experiences so that everyone can see themselves represented. Comic strips and editorial cartoons provide commentary on politics, social issues and the values of its readership, often highlighting historical biases as well. This unique skillset befitted cartoonists, Billy Ireland and Ray Evans among them, to produce war posters promoting military enlistment, the sale of war bonds and support on the homefront.

Billy Ireland overlooks Downtown Columbus

Cartoonist Billy Ireland looks out the window of his office in the Dispatch building, ca. 1910.

Courtesy of Ohio History Connection

William “Billy” Ireland, a household name for many Columbus residents, is the most nationally recognized Dispatch cartoonist. Born in Chillicothe in 1880, Ireland started working for the Dispatch after graduating high school. Ireland is most known for his weekly full-page cartoon The Passing Show which appeared in the Sunday edition from 1908-1935, which focused on local news and people. Ireland’s strips called readers to action and endorsed causes he believed in for the betterment of Columbus and the nation.

Why is “Tomorrow” always so late?

Children line metaphorical tracks waiting for the Christmas Day train to arrive in this Christmas Eve 1922 frame from Ireland’s The Passing Show.

Ireland mentored several future nationally recognized cartoonists, including Ray Evans, Milton Caniff (Terry and the Pirates and Steve Canyon), and Dudley Fisher Jr. (Right Around Home and Myrtle), each with their own unique style and broad appeal.

Ray Evans at Drafting Desk

Evans was well regarded for his political commentary, which highlighted the complicated flaws and foibles of the human condition. Over the course of his career, he spent over 30 years at The Dispatch. He was deeply passionate about Columbus, as Dispatch columnist Johnny Jones stated “… was all Ohio and Columbus from the tips of his toes to the last gray hair.”

Don’t Disturb the Water

This editorial cartoon by Ray Evans was published in the November 2, 1932, issue of The Dispatch, days before Franklin D. Roosevelt would defeat Republican incumbent President Herbert Hoover by a landslide. Rather than depicting Roosevelt winning over Americans with his New Deal, Evans shows him overeagerly fishing for the vote, ill-equipped with a tackle box of empty promises.

Dudley Fisher and Myrtle

Early in his career, Fisher worked under Ireland and Evans as a retouch artist in the art department and colorist for The Passing Show. For a time, he also worked alongside Caniff. Fisher is pictured here with his character Myrtle, the star of his daily cartoon strip, that was inspired by his daughter Marion. His strips Myrtle and Right Around Home were beloved by readers for their realistic depictions of families and daily life.

Milton Caniff at Main Library

In 1979, Friends of the Columbus Metropolitan Library hosted a chalk and talk champagne reception in conjunction with an exhibit on view in the new gallery space at Main Library, titled “Milton Caniff—Art for Everyone.” The audience watched Caniff sketch some of his most famous characters, including Steve Canyon and The Dragon Lady.