George Herriman, American cartoonist (b. 1880)
George Joseph Herriman III (August 22, 1880 – April 25, 1944) stands as a towering, if often understated, figure in American cartooning, primarily celebrated for his groundbreaking comic strip, Krazy Kat, which ran from 1913 to 1944. While perhaps not achieving the widespread popularity of some of its contemporaries, Krazy Kat exerted an unparalleled influence, particularly within artistic and literary circles, cementing its status as a seminal work in the nascent medium of sequential art. Its profound impact was recognized early on, notably with Gilbert Seldes' 1922 article, "The Krazy Kat Who Walks by Himself," which marked one of the earliest instances of a serious critical appreciation from the high arts for a comic strip—a testament to its unique blend of humor, poetry, and philosophy. Decades later, its enduring legacy was reaffirmed when The Comics Journal ranked it as the greatest comic of the 20th century, underscoring its revolutionary spirit and artistic mastery. Herriman's distinctive vision has since served as a primary inspiration for a pantheon of celebrated cartoonists, including legends such as Will Eisner, Charles M. Schulz, Robert Crumb, Art Spiegelman, Bill Watterson, and Chris Ware, each of whom found something uniquely resonant in his whimsical world.
The Genesis of a Cartooning Legend
Born in the vibrant, culturally rich city of New Orleans, Louisiana, in 1880, George Herriman came from mixed-race Creole parents, a heritage that would subtly inform the diverse textures of his later work. His family eventually relocated to Los Angeles, where Herriman spent his formative years. Upon graduating from high school in 1897, he quickly immersed himself in the bustling newspaper industry, initially honing his craft as an illustrator and engraver. This early exposure to the mechanics of print production provided him with a foundational understanding of visual communication. As the 20th century dawned, the medium of comic strips was still in its infancy, a fertile ground for innovation and experimentation. Herriman, with his keen artistic sensibilities, transitioned into cartooning, creating a variety of strips before introducing his most iconic character, Krazy Kat, within the pages of his earlier strip, The Dingbat Family, in 1910. The character's burgeoning appeal led to a dedicated daily strip in 1913, with a richly illustrated Sunday page following in 1916. Krazy Kat quickly distinguished itself through its incredibly distinctive style, characterized by its poetic, often phonetically rendered, dialect-heavy dialogue; its wonderfully fantastic and ever-shifting backgrounds that seemed to breathe with a life of their own; and its bold, experimental page layouts that consistently pushed the boundaries of traditional panel structure.
The Whimsical World of Coconino County
At the heart of Krazy Kat lies a deceptively simple yet profoundly complex dynamic, a whimsical and philosophical dance between its three central characters. The main motif revolves around the perpetually mischievous Ignatz Mouse, who makes it his singular mission to pelt the innocent, androgynous Kat with bricks. Crucially, Krazy Kat, with an endearing naiveté, consistently interprets these brick-based assaults not as acts of aggression, but as profound symbols of love and affection. As the strip evolved over its three-decade run, a peculiar love triangle blossomed, involving Krazy, Ignatz, and the ever-vigilant Offisa Pupp. Pupp, a bulldog, is the steadfast law enforcer of Coconino County, dedicating himself to preventing Ignatz from his brick-throwing antics, or swiftly jailing him whenever the deed is done. However, Pupp's efforts are perpetually thwarted, not just by Ignatz's cunning, but by the very object of his protection: Krazy Kat, who, in a magnificent twist of romantic fatalism, genuinely yearns to be struck by Ignatz's bricks, perceiving each one as an affirmation of their unique bond. This central conflict, rich with surreal humor and an underlying pathos, explores themes of unrequited love, the nature of perception, and the futility of control.
Herriman lived the majority of his life in Los Angeles, but he harbored a deep fascination with the majestic landscapes of the Southwestern United States. He frequently embarked on trips to the stark, beautiful Navajo deserts, finding particular inspiration in iconic vistas like Monument Valley and the mystical Enchanted Mesa. These journeys profoundly shaped his artistic vision, leading him to set his beloved Krazy Kat strips in the fictional yet deeply resonant Coconino County, a landscape that became almost a character in itself. His artwork masterfully integrated elements of Navajo and Mexican themes and motifs, all set against those famously shifting, ever-evolving desert backgrounds that imbued the strip with a unique sense of place and atmosphere. Beyond Krazy Kat, Herriman was a prolific cartoonist, contributing to numerous other strips throughout his career. He also lent his illustrative talents to other works, most notably creating the whimsical drawings for Don Marquis's popular books of poetry about Archy and Mehitabel, an alley cat and a cockroach, further showcasing his versatile artistic range. Despite Krazy Kat's niche appeal rather than mass popularity, Herriman found an ardent champion in newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst. Hearst, recognizing Herriman's singular genius and artistic integrity, provided him with a rare lifetime contract through King Features Syndicate. This extraordinary patronage guaranteed Herriman a comfortable living and, perhaps more importantly, an unwavering outlet for his highly individualistic work, allowing him to pursue his unique artistic vision without compromise, a privilege few cartoonists of his era enjoyed.
Frequently Asked Questions About George Herriman and Krazy Kat
What is George Herriman best known for?
George Herriman is best known as the American cartoonist who created the iconic and highly influential comic strip Krazy Kat, which ran from 1913 to 1944. While it wasn't a mass-market hit, it was profoundly admired by artists and intellectuals, earning a reputation as one of the most artistically significant comics of the 20th century.
What made Krazy Kat so influential?
Krazy Kat was influential due to its groundbreaking artistry, including poetic and dialect-heavy dialogue, imaginative and constantly shifting backgrounds, and experimental panel layouts that defied conventional comic strip norms. Its unique blend of surreal humor, philosophical undertones, and exploration of themes like unrequited love and perception resonated deeply with artists and critics, inspiring generations of cartoonists.
What is the main plot or dynamic of Krazy Kat?
The central dynamic of Krazy Kat revolves around a love triangle between Krazy Kat, Ignatz Mouse, and Offisa Pupp. Ignatz Mouse repeatedly throws bricks at the naïve androgynous Krazy, who interprets these acts as gestures of love. Offisa Pupp, a bulldog, constantly tries to protect Krazy from Ignatz's brick-throwing and jail the mouse, but his efforts are always complicated by Krazy's desire to be hit by Ignatz's "love-bricks."
Where did Herriman get the inspiration for Coconino County?
Herriman drew inspiration for the unique desert setting of Coconino County from his frequent travels to the Navajo deserts in the Southwestern United States. He was particularly captivated by the landscapes of Monument Valley and the Enchanted Mesa, incorporating these natural wonders and elements of Navajo and Mexican cultural motifs into his strip's distinctive backgrounds.
Who supported George Herriman's unconventional work?
George Herriman received crucial support from newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst. Despite Krazy Kat's limited mainstream popularity, Hearst recognized Herriman's artistic genius and provided him with a lifetime contract with King Features Syndicate. This patronage ensured Herriman's financial stability and, more importantly, a consistent platform for his unique and unconventional artistic vision, allowing him to create without pressure to conform to popular tastes.