Johnny Hart

Johnny Hart passed away today. In case you don’t know, Mr. Hart is the creator of the B.C. comic strip that has appeared in print for about 50 years (Feb. 17, 1958). B.C. and the cast of characters that accompany him, Peter, Clumsy Carp, Thor, the Fat Broad, Wiley,Curls, the Cute Chick and Grog will appear no more; at least as drawn by Hart. There were other characters as well. Animals made regular appearances. Dinosaurs, clams, an ant, an anteater, a snake, a turtle and bird together, and an apteryx all were part of the strip. Some unseen correspondent across the ocean communicated regularly via a floating rock.
Some of this strips might have caused offense to some. If so, so be it. Mr. Hart has a right to his speech. Others have a right to not read it or buy it. All in all, though, Mr. Hart used his strip for one purpose…to entertain. And he did it with class. (By the way, you can look up additional information in Wikipedia…there’s a decent article there about him and the strip).
What is your favorite B.C. character? I think Wiley and Grog would have to be right up there in my books. Wiley is cool because of his insight and his ability to write things that are simple, yet profound. Grog is someone that for some unknown reason, I can identify with. For those who know me, that may seem a little strange, but you figure it out…I don’t have the time or patience.
I’ll certainly miss the wit and humor of Mr. Hart and the cast of characters that made up his prehistoric world. Thanks for a good ride, Mr. Hart.